Picture this:
A young girl is walking home from school, devastated, because she has discovered the School District of Philadelphia had made budget cuts to the performing arts program. This young girl had dreams of becoming a Rockstar – what can she do now? Her mother showed her a flyer for a new program called “Rock to the Future,” and the rest was history!
I was that young girl. Rock to the Future gave me the opportunity to be the Rockstar I yearned to be. HOWEVER, I did not just learn how to be a Rockstar in music! Through active volunteer work with Rock to the Future, I learned how to be an independent woman in business and advertising; I learned how to professionally speak at events; and I learned the importance of making connections with others.
So where am I now?
Well, within the next year, I will be graduating from Penn State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology! When I am not working (or studying for my GREs), I am producing my own music – a skill I learned at Rock to the Future. I have travelled to Buffalo, Baltimore, and all around Pennsylvania for networking opportunities at conferences. I met Dave Coulier (Uncle Joey from Full House), Scott Stapp from Creed, and Bumblefoot from the late Guns ‘N’ Roses all because I had experience in setting up stage equipment! Finally, I am an active participant in Penn State’s Chamber Singers. My future plans include: Traveling across the U.S., applying to graduate school, and continuing to volunteer my time at Rock to the Future!
Thank you to everyone at Rock to the Future for guiding me through many major life milestones – I couldn’t have done it without you!
Peace & Love,
Destinee Mateo
Check our Destinee’s music online:
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Your gift helps Philadelphia youth grow as musicians, students, and young adults. Give the gift of music to students like Destinee – make a donation to Rock to the Future!