Support Tori's Journey to Teach Music

Help Tori Cross the Finish Line and Become the Teacher They Were Meant to Be

Friends, I'm reaching out today on behalf of someone very special: Tori. They’re on the brink of achieving a lifelong dream—to become a music teacher who opens the door to learning and joy for every child, no matter how they learn. But right now, they need our help to make it to the finish line.

Let us tell you a little bit about how Tori got here.

Tori first picked up a viola in 4th grade and quickly showed promise. But two years later, they told me they were going to quit. The reason? They couldn’t read music. I was stunned—Tori had been playing beautifully those two years, just by watching others and listening. They had taught themselves to play by observing, not by reading notes. With encouragement and support by Tori's amazing orchestra teacher, Tori agreed to stay in orchestra and, with the right instruction tailored to how they learn, began to thrive.

And thrive they did—Tori became first chair viola and held that position all through high school. Even during the uncertainty of graduating in 2020 without a proper ceremony due to COVID, Tori stayed focused. They knew they wanted to teach music, to be the kind of teacher who could reach every student—the kind who sees potential, not just performance.

College brought its own set of challenges, but it also brought clarity. After years of navigating mental and physical health hurdles, Tori was diagnosed with autism. It explained so much, and it only deepened their resolve: they want to support students who learn differently and advocate for kids who don’t have access to music education because of financial hardship. Our US education system is struggling in many ways, and it needs more teachers like Tori.

Today, Tori is so close. They’ve been student teaching for the last few months, pouring heart and soul into classrooms, connecting with kids, and bringing music to life. But the demands of student teaching—long hours, inadequate stipend —meant Tori couldn’t keep their job at Walmart. When they asked for a leave of absence, they were denied. They’ve since been doing delivery work to try and cover basic living expenses, but it’s not enough to pay for rent, utilities, car payments, and the other necessities that keep life going.

Tori is a fighter. They’ve worked so hard to get here. But no one should have to choose between becoming the teacher they were meant to be and having a place to sleep or food to eat.

I'm asking—can you help Tori now, so they can help countless students in the future? Every dollar helps. Every share helps. And every bit of support brings them closer to a classroom full of kids who will learn, grow, and be seen—just like Tori once was.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. -- R Jay, Tori's parent and biggest fan