Dear Parents,
As parents of Valentina, who is studying music theatre at The Hartt School, we wanted to share just how meaningful this journey has been for our family. When our daughter began looking at colleges, she initially focused on schools in New York City, as she wanted to be close to Broadway. But after spending a summer there, she realized she wanted something different: a university campus, a community filled with extracurricular activities, and a place to grow both artistically and personally. The University of Hartford, and The Hartt School specifically, offered this rare combination: a conservatory experience within a vibrant university setting. As a result, her perspective and search process shifted, leading her to apply to Hartt. During her audition, she was able to meet the theatre division director, Kevin Ramsey, and the warmth, personable attention, and genuine care stood out from every other school she visited. And when we visited the school during Accepted Students Day, the entire environment felt so warm, from the welcoming faculty and staff to the enthusiastic students. She knew, right there, that The Hartt School was the right choice.
Since then, our whole family has become a part of the UHart community. We subscribe to the university newsletter and plan to continue attending Hawktober each year, making an effort to be as involved as possible—whether it's attending art exhibitions, concerts, or musical productions. Even I (Alexis) have been invited by the dean of the Architecture Department (Alexis’ field) to participate as a speaker, which demonstrates how the University is invested in bringing a rounded and hands-on experience to the students by inviting a variety of speakers in relevant fields. We see Valentina thriving. She’s now combining music theatre with a minor in education, and this summer, she’s working independently as a music director at a theatre camp in Miami—an opportunity she pursued and secured all on her own. Seeing her confidence and independence grow has been incredibly rewarding.
Alexis and Rita Elias, UHart Parents of Valentina '28We recognize that not every student has a network to guide or support them, and that’s why we’re committed to supporting students and their families in any way we can.
Coming from Mexico nearly two decades ago, our own college experiences were very different. That’s why we feel a deep responsibility not just to support our daughter, but also to help others navigate this process. We recognize that not every student has a network to guide or support them, and that’s why we’re committed to supporting students and their families in any way we can. Hartt has given Valentina a space where she feels seen, heard, and challenged—in all the right ways. She speaks so highly of her professors, has found her community (including a wonderful Jewish life presence), and is developing skills that support and nurture multiple career paths.
So, we leave you with a few words to fellow parents: do your research, but most importantly, listen to your child. While your child may not share your initial vision, that’s okay. What matters is that they find a place where they can truly thrive and be happy. Hartt has been that place for Valentina. The uniqueness of a conservatory within a full university setting, located in such a nurturing environment, truly sets The Hartt School apart. We are grateful to have discovered this community, and we hope you and your family will find the same joy we have.
Warmly,
Rita & Alexis, proud UHart parents to Valentina ‘28