From Student to Board Member: My Rock to the Future Journey

Written By Board Member Jaydin Torres

My name is Jaydin, Rock to the Future Alum and college student at La Salle University. I grew up in North Philadelphia and attended Kensington High School, which led me to join Rock to the Future as a student and I immediately loved it and wanted to help as much as possible. I went from being a student ambassador and helping give tours to the board, to now joining the board. I wanted to be able to help kids that are in the same environment I grew up in. In Philadelphia kids need to know about programs like Rock to the Future which keeps them out of trouble.

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Music is a big part of my life as I always liked seeing people play it but once I had the opportunity to join Rock to the Future and learn how to play an instrument it was an amazing fit. From there I have grown so much musically. Music education is super important for young people because they are able to learn something new and able to take their mind off whatever is going on outside and just play the music. It was an emotional escape for me and it is super helpful to young people to have that ability.

I love hearing the student stories about how when they first come into the program they are very shy but the more and more they show up they open up and become more of an extrovert and going to connect with everyone in the program. Everyone is there for each other. I have seen first hand how people that don’t go to the same school and come from different backgrounds and home lives can come together and have an amazing time.

Rock to the Future is an amazing organization, and I'm excited for it to grow more and more every year and be more impactful to more kids.