Music Is Her American Dream
When Thais Maurera Suarez stepped up to the microphone at PCCC’s 54th Commencement ceremony to lead the Pledge of Allegiance and sing the national anthem, it was a profound affirmation of what the American Dream still means in this 250th anniversary year of our nation.
Thais graduated on May 20, receiving an AAS degree in Music Technology, with highest honors, a perfect GPA of 4.0, and the prospect of fulfilling a dream that was nearly crushed.
“I am a proud Venezuelan immigrant who came to the United States to make my dreams come true,” she told the audience. “A decade ago, I had to flee for my life with a thousand dollars I borrowed and no plans except to start a new life here.”
She left behind family and missed what would have been her first college graduation to fulfill her dream “to one day stand on the stage of the Grammy awards,” a comment that inspired enthusiastic applause.
Thais led the Pledge of Allegiance, then, along with fellow music technology graduates and students, sang the national anthem, in an arrangement they created themselves, accompanied on guitar by music professor Chandler Carpenter.
Thais always loved music and plays piano, but she never wanted to be a performer. “I get terrible stage fright,” she confessed. She was drawn to production and all the elements that created a full musical experience. “I was mostly inspired by the Disney films and the way music tells the story.” Her favorite is “The Little Mermaid.”
Thais Maurera Suarez sings the National Anthem at Commencement 2026 with Aaron Galloza, and Linel Flores, all of PCCC’s Music Technology program.
In Venezuela, the university where Thais could pursue her musical passion was in Caracas, a distance from her home. “The political environment was unsafe and my mother didn’t want me to be so far away.” So, Thais enrolled at a nearby university and majored in journalism. “I always liked research and investigation,” she said, so journalism seemed a good fit.
But because of her focus on journalism and her political activism, Thais was targeted by the authorities. “I started getting threats and wanted to hold out until graduation, but it wasn’t safe for me anymore.”
She and her partner, Mariana, left the country and stayed in Florida with Thais’ aunt, eventually moving to New York where Thais explored the vibrant music scene. “This is where I’m supposed to be,” she realized.
But Thais never forgot her grandfather’s advice. “To really be successful, you need an education.”
By 2023, Thais had become a Clifton resident and enrolled at PCCC. “My experience at PCCC has been positive through and through.” She liked that the class sizes allowed for more engagement among students and with professors.
“I really appreciate that my main music professors all work in their field, so students know we are getting real advice from them.”
Throughout her time at PCCC, Thais worked as a food and beverage manager for a hotel in Hoboken. “I almost left the job to focus on school, but my boss challenged me to be the best at both,” she said. “I’m glad I stayed and learned what I am really capable of.”
Thais plans to transfer to either Montclair State University or William Paterson University to continue her music education.
“I think ideal career for me would be to work in music, creating or composing music for film and TV, maybe also writing scripts. I also want to try directing.” Her favorite band is ABBA, and the music artist she most admires is the British singer/songrwriter, Adele. “I don’t know any other woman as fearless who broke all the rules and were as successful.”
Other artists who influence her are the composers for film John Williams and Hans Zimmer, as well as composer and producer Quincy Jones. “They are all so well educated. That’s why I think education helps you succeed.”
Now most of Thais’ family also live in the United States. “When I left Venezuela, I wondered if I would ever see them again,” she says.
Thais and Mariana have married and, in addition to their professional lives, help Thais’ brother to care for his toddler son, Lucas.
“One thing I have learned over the years is resilience,” says Thais. “And one piece of advice I would give to other students is to advocate for yourself.”
Determined to work hard until she reaches her goals, Thais has expanded her American Dream. “I want to be an EGOT,” she says, using the acronym that represents someone who has won the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony, all the major awards for television, music, film, and theater.
“Now that I put that goal out there,” says Thais, “I am committed to achieving it.” We are PCCC Proud of Thais.
Learn more about the Associate in Applied Science Degree program
Written by Linda Telesco
Photos by John O’Boyle Photography
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