Interview with Afternoon Host & Assistant Program Director at Hot Radio Maine Hayley Smith-Rose ’14

What drew you to UMF?

Before pursuing UMF, I had actually applied exclusively to schools in Florida! At the last minute, though, I got cold feet about moving so far from home and decided to explore colleges closer to home in New England. Of all the schools I looked at that offered the major I was interested in, something about UMF just felt right.

When I visited campus and walked around the quaint downtown, I immediately fell in love with the close-knit feel of the community. I remember leaving that visit knowing that this was where I was supposed to be. Looking back, changing my plans and ultimately ending up at UMF was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. What started as a last-minute change of heart completely changed the course of my life.

Why did you choose your program of study?

I always knew I wanted a career in music, but I wasn’t exactly sure what that career would look like. I thought studying Music Administration [now Performing Arts: Music Studies] would give me a strong understanding of the business side of the industry while also keeping my options open. I wanted to learn about the many different paths available in music and, along the way, figure out where I could see myself fitting in.

Looking back, I think that flexibility was one of the best things about the program. It gave me a foundation in the music industry while allowing me the freedom to explore different interests and ultimately discover where my passions and skills could take me.

What has your career journey looked like since graduating, what accomplishments are you most proud of, and how did UMF prepare you for your path?

During my time at UMF, I had the opportunity to intern at a radio station, and I ended up falling in love with it. That internship completely changed the direction I saw my career taking. After graduating in 2014, I accepted a position with the radio cluster where I had interned, Mix Maine Media. A year later, I joined Hot Radio Maine, where I have been ever since.

Since then, my career has grown in ways I never could have anticipated when I was a student. I’m incredibly proud of being voted Best Radio Personality in the Best of Portland Awards, and I’ve also had some amazing opportunities outside of radio, including competing on the Netflix reality series Surviving Paradise. I’ve been able to build a career that combines so many of the things I love – music, entertainment, creativity, and connecting with people.

I think UMF prepared me for all of this in ways that went beyond the classroom. My education instilled a strong work ethic while also giving me the creative freedom to explore my interests and develop my own voice. The combination of those two things has stayed with me throughout my career. UMF gave me the foundation to enter the radio industry, but more importantly, it taught me to be open to opportunities and not be afraid to create my own path.

One of the things I’m most grateful for is how many different opportunities my career has opened up since graduating from UMF. In addition to my work in radio, I’ve had the opportunity to work as an in-arena host for the Maine Mariners, which has allowed me to combine my love of entertainment, performing, and connecting with an audience in a completely different setting! 

When I look at everything I’ve been able to do since graduating, I’m reminded of just how many possibilities there are when you’re willing to say “yes” and follow opportunities as they come. I never could have predicted exactly where my Music Administration degree would take me, but I’m incredibly grateful for the foundation UMF gave me and for the many unexpected turns my career has taken since.

How did UMF experiential learning opportunities, such as the internship, impact your growth,

Internships were by far the most meaningful experiential learning opportunity for me. I honestly don’t know what I would be doing career-wise today if I hadn’t had the chance to intern at a radio station during my time at UMF. That experience introduced me to an industry I fell in love with and ultimately set me on the career path I’m still on today.

I was also a member of UMF’s dance group, Bust A Move Beavers, which had a huge impact on my personal growth. Being part of that group taught me valuable leadership skills and helped me grow as a communicator while also giving me an outlet to be creative. Both experiences taught me the importance of learning by doing, taking chances, and being willing to put myself out there.

Looking back on your time at UMF, how would you describe your experience?

I look back on my time at UMF with nothing but fondness. In so many ways, my experience there helped shape the person I am today. I made lifelong friends, created memories that I still cherish, and even met my life partner, who I’ve now been with for almost 14 years.

UMF was such a special chapter of my life, and I genuinely miss it often. When I think back on my time in Farmington, I feel incredibly grateful for the people I met, the experiences I had, and the person I became along the way.

Did you have a favorite professor or course during your studies?

I have nothing but fond memories of Dr. S. Waleck Dalpour, and I feel incredibly lucky that I had the opportunity to learn from him. He had a way of pushing his students to do their best while also making sure we knew that he genuinely cared about us and our success. He is brilliant, and I’m grateful for the impact he had on my education.

We’re still connected on LinkedIn, and he never fails to wish me a happy birthday, which is such a small but meaningful reminder of the connections I made at UMF. It’s a testament to the kind of professor and person he is, and I feel very fortunate to have been one of his students.

What advice would you give to prospective and current UMF students?

Enjoy your time at UMF and don’t take it for granted! While these years can certainly be challenging at times, they will also become some of the best memories you’ll make. Don’t be afraid to say “yes” to new experiences and step outside of your comfort zone. UMF is a safe and supportive place to do that, and college is such a unique time in life to try new things, meet new people, and discover who you are. Embrace it all – you’ll be surprised by where saying “yes” can take you.