There is one thing every college student needs and it isn’t a computer, books or anything from a syllabus. Nobody would be able to get through college without a good playlist to stay motivated and the University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) students are no exception.
What songs are Miners listening to as they take on this spring semester? Just like the wide variety of majors, students’ favorite tracks range from classical strings to energetic rock and even empowering musical theater.
For junior computer science student, Kevin Ayala, music is not just what’s playing in the background, but also a roadmap he uses to remind himself of what his beliefs are even when there’s bumps on the road.
“‘RIP PETE’ by Nsqk is a song that reminds me that my academic journey should be guided by my own values and perspectives. It encourages self-focus and supports my mental well-being.” Ayala said.
If students are wondering how to “lock-in”, classical music might be the answer. In a modern world full of distractions, students have found a cheat code to concentrate that goes back to Beethoven or Tchaikovsky. Regina Zubia, freshman computer science student, has recently discovered this method and particularly enjoys “Marriage de Amour” by Paul Senneville.
“Lately I’ve been listening mostly to classical music. I find that it helps me to learn and to retain a lot of things that I study,” Zubia said. “It also motivates me, relaxes me, and the song that I chose is called ‘Marriage de Amour.’ I love listening to that on the piano and hopefully one day I learn how to play it myself.”
Ayala agrees that classical music has a soothing element that helps relieve stress during difficult moments.
“’Menuet’ [Lin-Manuel Miranda’s version] is a piece that helps me regain confidence during moments of anxiety or stress,” Ayala said.
Music can also help transform students into who they want to be after graduation, just like a song can help an actor understand their character on Broadway. Doriant Zuñiga, junior and political science major, steps into the role of her future attorney self when she listens to “The Room Where It Happens” from Hamilton.
“I listen to this [The Room Where It Happens] when I feel nervous or unmotivated to pursue my academic goals. Which is a little random, but as a political science major aspiring to be a lawyer, it reminds me that to make the change I want in the world I have to be in the room where the change itself takes place,” Zuñiga said. “However, to be in that room, I need to be well prepared and that’s where the academic motivation comes in, and l push myself to do whatever goal or assignment I was avoiding. It’s like a nice reminder of what I want for my future.”
A song can also connect students to those who love and support them. Miguel Sosa, senior mechanical engineering student, finds that feeling close to his family by listening to “Dream On” by Aerosmith is key to staying positive.
“It’s always been a classic. My dad always puts it on the radio. I’ve heard it multiple times. It just makes you feel good,” Sosa said.
In the end, music is about enjoying life and living it to the fullest, which is why Marley Marquez, a junior biomedical science student’s song of the semester is “Charlotte” by Kittie.
“I love rock music and I think it’s very fun and cool,” Marquez said.
Miners, when you’re feeling stressed, take a walk around campus and put some headphones on. Earning a degree is a journey as exciting as any movie and a good soundtrack is essential.
In the spirit of Abba: “Thank you for the music for giving it to me,” Abba sings in “Thank You For The Music.”
Vivien Noe C, is a Staff Reporter, at The Prospector and can be reached at [email protected].