Published on July 24, 2026

Updated on July 28, 2026

By: Kate Lopez

Music and math share a common denominator: Antonio Flores. 

In May, Flores graduated from the University of Missouri with bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Secondary Education with an emphasis in Mathematics. Pedagogy and protractors aren’t his only instruments of learning: he’s also played trombone for 11 years.  

Known for its unique, powerful tone, the trombone also has a reserved, mellow side. In a way, this encapsulates Flores’s journey with his own self-confidence. 

“Growing up, I struggled a lot with talking to people,” Flores said. “When I discovered jazz, I was amazed by what the performers were able to ‘say’ just using their instruments.” 

Flores found his rhythm while playing in jazz combos at Mizzou, all the while learning lessons that guided his academic groove. 

“Being part of these ensembles taught me that if I actually practice, I will get better. I eventually applied the skills I learned about practicing trombone to math, which helped me improve greatly. Then, I was hesitant to pivot to a bachelor’s in mathematics, but the support I had from members of TRiO SSS [TRiO Student Support Services] encouraged me to do so,” Flores said. 

Flores joined TRiO SSS at the beginning of his freshman year, then when the program began looking for student ambassadors, he applied. 

“It turned out to be the most influential choice I made in my college career,” Flores said. 

Flores flourished with TRiO SSS’s support. In addition to serving as a student ambassador, he also became a math tutor for the program. Flores also got into the McNair Scholars Program and honors program in the College of Education & Human Development, both with a focus on undergraduate research.  He also tutored at the Learning Center and won the Bonnie Zelenak Excellence in Tutoring Award.

Throughout his professional and academic achievements, Flores’s time with TRiO SSS also facilitated personal growth. 

“The program helped me with my communication skills. Now, I can communicate in a non-awkward way, which helped me build relationships with my peers in my math education cohort and the jazz ensembles that I played in,” Flores said. 

Director of TRiO SSS Stephanie Raymond first met Flores a few months after she began serving in the role. 

“Antonio is driven and strategic. With just a little guidance, he will explore different possibilities, talk to anyone he can and determine a path forward for himself,” Raymond said. “He’s also a talker. He’s friendly and engaging, always curious about the perspectives of others and ready to share about his interests.” 

Raymond encouraged Flores to get involved with research, explore graduate studies and apply for the McNair Scholars Program. Yet to Flores, the most meaningful way Raymond supported him was through just one word. 

“My most memorable TRiO experience was when I talked to Stephanie and I made a comment saying, “If I can graduate,” and she promptly corrected me, saying, “When you graduate,” Flores said. “That moment has always stuck with me.” 

This reflects Raymond’s approach to her work. She views herself as a cheerleader and advocate for TRiO students as they discover and hone their potential. 

“Saying ‘if’ instead of ‘when’ is small, but it has a huge impact on approach and effort,” Raymond said. “They’ve done the work to get to Mizzou – TRiO is here to see them succeed and guide them towards the resources and people who are going to help them flourish.”  

Flores further credits his time in TRiO with strengthening his time management skills, ability to study and his confidence, especially with mathematics. At the beginning of college, he feared math classes and initially switched majors. Through TRiO SSS, Flores found value in numbers.  

“In learning how to prepare for math classes, I learned that I loved mathematics, and there was an unsung beauty that I had never seen before in the subject,” Flores said. “This led me to change my major to a double major in math and education, so I could study math more.” 

Now, Flores is working toward a master’s degree in pure mathematics at the University of Central Missouri with plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education afterwards. 

“Being part of TRiO means being around students who are like me, supporting students and advocating for their success,” Flores said.  

Flores first learned about TRiO SSS via email before his time at Mizzou started. His grandmother encouraged him to apply, even though neither of them knew what the program meant. Now, looking back, Flores sees how key TRiO was to his collegiate experience. 

“Mizzou’s TRiO SSS has changed my life. I do not think I would have been able to make it through college without it,” Flores said. “This program helped me overcome a lot of challenges during my college career.” 

Apply to TRiO today and discover your path to leadership, take advantage of one on one academic and financial coaching and join a community that supports and celebrates your success. Follow their Instagram to stay updated on their latest announcements and events.