Lenda’s Story: From Student to Music Educator
ArtSmart alumna Lenda Yan completed four years in the ArtSmart music mentorship program at Franklin Learning Center in Philadelphia. Lenda was so inspired by her musical journey in high school and the influence of her mentor that she went on to pursue a Music Education major at Bloomsburg University.
When I had my first ArtSmart lesson four years ago, I remember feeling so nervous that I barely spoke to my mentor. Even though I’d been in choir classes since elementary school, my lessons with ArtSmart were the first time I felt like someone was actually listening to me. Now, I can say that my mentor Lucas is an inspiration to me who has helped grow my musical abilities and was there for me during all four years of high school.
Despite being seen as a shy student, I’ve always known that I loved to perform. When new classmates and teachers meet me, they hardly believe that I sing, but music brings out a completely different side of me. And since I’m the only musician in my family, I haven’t always had other people, especially adults, who could relate to this passion. Music has been a huge way that I’ve been able to explore Philadelphia, perform with others, and make lots of new friends.
My favorite part about being in ArtSmart was building a relationship with my mentor, because it’s a bit of seriousness and a bit of fun. Even when you’re stressed, you have someone to tell your problems to, and then you get to sing together. ArtSmart is such a safe space. Not only have I learned to sing, but I knew there was someone who believed in me even when I doubted myself. When we had our last Zoom recital this spring, it was full of tears, including from the mentors! All of us who are graduating are really going to miss being a part of this program.
Now that I’ve graduated high school, my biggest goal is to be a music teacher. This fall, I am attending Bloomsburg University to major in Music Education and I’m planning to get involved in campus concert choir and musical theater. I really want to be an inspiration for kids to continue singing and to inspire their own love of music.
“Despite being seen as a shy student, I’ve always known that I loved to perform. When new classmates and teachers meet me, they hardly believe that I sing, but music brings out a completely different side of me.”