Reina Morales, Class of 2012, is an HR Generalist at Stetson School, a school for young men aged 9-22 who have experienced sexual abuse, physical abuse, or are at high risk for gang affiliation. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a Middle Eastern concentration. While in BCC, she sang in Concert Choir and just after one year moved up to Premier Choir, spending a total of five years with BCC. 

How did you first get involved with BCC? 

I went to an audition for a Wang Citi Center Shakespeare camp and sat next to someone who encouraged me to audition for BCC!

Why is BCC special to you? What does BCC mean to you? 

BCC is special to me because it brought me lifelong relationships, and a roommate in college (Sabrina Marzouki). BCC is a place where I was able to express my creativity and learn to accept others from diverse backgrounds at a young age. I truly felt like myself during performances and rehearsals.

What is your favorite memory or experience from BCC? 

My favorite memory was going on tour to Jordan in the Middle East and sitting on the beach during the sunset with a few other choir members. We laughed, we cried, and we talked about what we were hoping the future would hold for each of us. To this day, we are all still the best of friends!

What was your favorite piece that you have sung with BCC? 

“My Soul’s Been Anchored” or “Up to the Mountain.”

What was your favorite concert/performance with BCC? Favorite tour? 

So incredibly hard to narrow it down. I’d have to say the TEDTalk performance. My favorite tour would have to be Jordan (do you see a theme here??)

How did your time at BCC prepare you for your current career (or life as a college student)? How has your background in music informed your professional life? 

My time at BCC prepared me for college by helping me understand that the world was so much larger than the small portion I had been exposed to. I have come to learn that no one is the same, and to embrace those differences, starting with your own. Additionally, the Jordan tour helped me choose my major in college. I knew that I wanted to help people, and I’m excited to say that I have carried on this initiative to my current role at the Stetson School! I’ve been working in the nonprofit sector since leaving college, and I couldn’t be happier.

What does our season theme, Through Her Eyes, mean to you? 

Women are powerful, and it is important to take the time to pay homage to those who have paved the way, such as Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, and Michelle Obama. Their actions should encourage the younger generation also to stand up, speak out, and stay involved. 

What advice would you give to current singers? 

Enjoy your time in BCC, and I promise you the friendships you made will last forever.