Taina Smith, music, and UConn all go together.

A music education major, Smith ’26 will graduate with two bachelor’s degrees this spring, one in music and the other in music education, then return in the fall for her master’s in curriculum and instruction from the Neag School of Education before heading into an elementary classroom somewhere.

Before that though, she says the two things incoming Huskies need to do: “Try everything and go with your gut.”

Why did you choose UConn?

When I started looking at colleges in high school, I had a feeling it was UConn or nowhere. I only applied here and to two safety schools. I was heavily interested in the five-year, three-degree Integrated Bachelor’s/Master’s (IB/M) Teacher Education Program. Few other schools offered an intensive and concentrated program like this one. As a first-generation student, this program showed a strong path to what I wanted in my future. My first UConn Bound day set everything in place for me. From the Student Union to the Fine Arts Complex that I would soon spend every day in, everything about the campus and its energy felt right. Four years later, I never doubted that this was where I was meant to be.

What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it?        

My major is music education. I always said growing up that I wanted to be on television as a newscaster. My favorite section was the weather. Despite saying that, my biggest passion has always been learning. I loved going to school and learning something new every day. The music room was always my favorite place. I also grew up with a lot of family members who worked in education, meaning even more time spent enveloped by school. By high school, I was set on being a music teacher. I spent every extra moment I had in the music classroom. Now because of my journey in music at UConn, I have been on television at basketball games multiple times, and I am even in a UConn-sponsored commercial. So, my dreams came true one way or another!

Did you have a favorite professor or class?

My favorite professor is Ricardo Brown. He is the associate director of athletic bands and the director of the UConn Symphonic Band. He taught me a lot beyond just music. He taught me how to be OK with being myself in a space where not many students or staff looked like me. He showed me that there is no “look” to being an educator, and that every space should feel inclusive. Without him, my time here at UConn would look drastically different. I can never thank him enough, and we have built a relationship that I will carry with me long after graduation.

What activities were you involved in as a student?

I have been active in the UConn Marching Band, UConn Pep Band, and multiple small ensembles within the music department. These ensembles have given me opportunities beyond my biggest dreams, including traveling to over eight different states. I also have met some of my closest friends through these programs. Music has a way of connecting people who you may have never met otherwise. Outside of music, I have previously been active in Leaders in Diversity, an organization that supports students pursuing careers in education. I have also had the privilege of volunteering to tutor with Windham Heights, a local after-school program for elementary school students. One of the best features of UConn is all the opportunities it offers. I would not be who I am today without the countless openings UConn has given me to explore.

What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?

After I complete my undergraduate degrees, I am returning for one more year in the IB/M Integrated Bachelor’s-Master’s program to get my master’s degree here at UConn. After that, my goal is to find a job teaching elementary school music. Initial music programs are essential to students’ creativity. My hope is to build students who are excited to pursue music past the elementary level.

Any advice for incoming students?

My two top pieces of advice: Try everything and go with your gut. UConn offers so many different clubs, resources, and opportunities. Use your time here as a chance to do anything and everything you have wanted. If it doesn’t exist yet, start it yourself! You will always find support and interest at this campus. Along with that, you should always trust your gut. If your major does not feel right or you just want to explore more, do it. You know yourself best, and there’s an entire world out there just waiting for you to discover it.

What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?

Everyone needs to experience at least one basketball game during their time at UConn! Whether you are a basketball fanatic or have never watched the sport, the love, dedication, and environment created by our community is unmatched. Our teams are beyond incredible, a fact that I have felt first-hand through my band travels. Find a friend, pick a game, and watch as UConn and its powerful student body conquer any challenge placed in front of us. Go Huskies!

What will always make you think of UConn?

Navy blue. It’s simple, and everywhere, but I never hesitate to say, “Like UConn!” when I come across it. At this point, it means more to me than just a color. You see it on the banners, the buildings, the clothing people wear around campus. It is a reminder of the energy UConn carries. It’s funny how something so ordinary can become meaningful just through repeated experiences. Whenever I see that color in everyday life, my first thought is always, “That’s UConn.”