I have the privilege of working with the youth in both elementary and middle school to enhance their lives through music education. Through my role as a Music Mentor with Guitars Over Guns (aka GOGO), I have the opportunity to serve as a positive adult role model for those who may be lacking that in their lives. Due to the current political climate, there has been less emphasis on arts funding (especially in low-income communities) so it’s vital that organizations like GOGO exist to help fill the gaps wherever we can.

Seeing the change in the students I’ve been fortunate enough to teach, seeing them grow from timid and shy to confident and empowered through the power of music, is something that inspires me greatly. A few key moments come to mind in my time as a music mentor. One in particular was having the chance to mentor a student who was a recent arrival to the country and whose primary language was not English. Over the course of a few months I witnessed this student improve his English substantially, discover that rap could serve as a valuable outlet, and ultimately, acclimate well to the new environment around him.

This work has impacted my life substantially, filling me with a sense of purpose I didn’t realize I was yearning for. Music has been a vital part of my life since birth and I couldn’t imagine not having that outlet as an artist, so being able to share the gift of discovering your voice and talent with the next generation is beyond gratifying.

To me, being American means standing up for those who can’t do it for themselves, it means caring about your community and neighbors, it means giving back wherever and whenever possible.