As her junior year began, Tina was happy in her relationship with Mike, and she encouraged him to try out for a part in "West Side Story." She knew that he needed to follow his own life's passion and not try to fulfill his father's plans for him of becoming a doctor.
Unable to get through to Mike when he gave up on dancing, Tina confronted his dad. She gave him a tape of Mike's performance and begged him to let his son pursue his dreams. Mr. Chang then showed up at sectionals and had to admit that Tina was right.
When it came time to select the soloists for nationals, Tina was upset that, once again, the honor went to Rachel. While she knew that this was Rachel's last chance to shine as a senior, she thought it was unfair that the juniors never got a shot. After a dream sequence in which she swapped bodies with Rachel, Tina was so moved by the experience that she offered to drive Rachel to track down the NYADA headmaster to beg for a second audition.
After their win at nationals, Tina celebrated with the glee club and watched proudly as all her senior friends graduated. She joined them at the train depot to send Rachel off to New York City.
A seasoned theater actor, Jenna Ushkowitz starred in "The King and I" and the Tony Award-winning Broadway production of "Spring Awakening."
Her television credits include "Sesame Street," "Reading Rainbow" and "As the World Turns," and her independent film credits include "Babyface" and "Educated." Recently, Ushkowitz hosted "Yankees on Deck," which is a behind-the-scenes sports show geared toward young audiences.
Ushkowitz, 24, graduated from Marymount Manhattan College and splits her time between Los Angeles and New York City.
