Toriana @ Eastman

I am thrilled to announce that I have been accepted into The Eastman School of Music, Class of 2020! It has been quite a journey. A risky set of goals, determination (perhaps stubbornness), and a whole lot of luck have all brought me some how to this point. Though it hasn't been easy, each experience contributes to the way I now perceive life, and I wouldn't alter any obstacle from the past. I've conquered those hot summer marching band days, the late night procrastination sessions we refer to as "The AP Life", the malicious van that hit me when I was a freshman (accompanied by the jokes/lawyers that came with it), and undoubtedly the list goes on. The past four years are saturated with life lessons on patience and composure, a lot of which I forced (and perhaps still force) myself to learn the hard way, as some young people can often do. As a kid around the holidays I would catch the phrase "it takes a village to raise a child" as I walked past the tables where the adults sat for dinner. Usually this meant the older adults in the house were getting the "new mom and dad" or the "expecting couple"  to get up from the table and calm the collective of all their children, telling the newly weds they need to practice for the storm heading their way. However, I have come to realize through these high school years that this is a very important statement, and the adults who take time to contribute to our lives are the ones who shape us. There are too many influential people in my life to count. People who would go to a great extent to help me, many who did not know me fully, or who knew there could be no reimbursement. Because of this network, I am able to work past limitations. I have seen beautiful things, places, and people, and will continue to do so. Because of my history, I am able to appreciate these things deeply. The juxtaposition between where I personally am from and where I have the opportunity to go is quite surreal, even for me. In order to cement this in, I do need help.  This is the final push. I've worked really hard and am raising funds to cover parts of tuition, health insurance, room, and board. There is no option of substantial financial support from home. Eastman is helping with aid, but loans are being maxed out, and though I don't expect to raise all of the money here, every bit will be appreciated greatly. Thanks for taking the time to read and possibly donate. No matter what, please do share! 

-Toriana Rose