I believe I deserve this scholarship because I am not only working toward a college degree, but I am actively using every opportunity I have to build a career and create opportunities for others. I know that there are many talented students applying for this scholarship, but what sets me apart is how much I have already invested in my future while facing the financial challenges that come with pursuing my education. I am a Music Business student at Drexel University, and I chose this field because I wanted to build a career around something I genuinely love. Music has always been a major part of my life. I grew up singing, started recording music, and eventually began DJing and putting on events. In college, I have continued to turn that passion into real experience by working in the music industry and learning what happens behind the scenes. One of the biggest advantages I have is that I do not wait for opportunities to come to me. I actively look for ways to gain experience and learn. I have worked in live music and booking, where I have gained experience researching artists, helping with events, and learning how the live music business operates. I have also worked with We Are Moving The Needle, where I have contributed to research, databases, scholarships, and programs focused on creating more opportunities in the recording industry. These experiences have helped me understand that building a career is about more than having a degree. It is about being willing to learn, make connections, and put yourself in situations where you can grow. Financially, college has not been easy for my family. My mom has already taken on significant loans to help me attend school, and I am now working to find ways to cover the remaining costs of my education. Instead of allowing that to discourage me, it has motivated me to apply for scholarships and grants, continue working, and make the most of every opportunity available to me. What I believe truly sets me apart is that I have a clear reason for wanting this education. I am not pursuing college simply because I am expected to. I am pursuing it because I know what I want to build with it. My goal is to work in live music and events and eventually use my experience to create music programs and educational opportunities for young people. This scholarship would help me continue pursuing that goal without allowing financial circumstances to determine how far I can go. I am willing to work for my future, and I hope to use the opportunities I receive to eventually create those same opportunities for someone else.

Being the first person in my family to obtain a college degree would mean the world to me. Growing up in a low-income household, I have seen firsthand how hard my family has worked to give me opportunities that they did not always have themselves. My mom has made major sacrifices to help me attend college, including taking on significant student loans. Because of that, earning my degree would not only be a personal accomplishment. It would represent the sacrifices my family has made and everything I have worked through to get to this point. I am currently pursuing a degree in Music Business at Drexel University. Choosing music was not a decision I made because I thought it would be easy. I chose it because I wanted to build a career doing something I genuinely enjoy and care about. Music has always been a major part of my life. I grew up singing, started recording music, and eventually began DJing and putting on events in college. Through those experiences, I realized that I enjoy more than just the music itself. I love the people, the energy, the planning, and being able to bring people together through an event. College has given me the opportunity to take something I have always loved and understand it from a business and professional perspective. Through my classes, internships, and experiences in the industry, I have been able to learn about different areas of the music business and figure out what I want my future to look like. I am especially interested in live events, touring, booking, and artist development. I have enjoyed gaining real-world experience and learning from people who are already working in the industry. My long-term goal is to build a career in live music and events, but I do not want my career to stop there. Eventually, I want to work with young people through music programs and educational opportunities. One of my biggest role models is my professor, Nakisha Bailey, because she has shown me the importance of education, mentorship, and helping the next generation. I want to eventually have that same type of impact on young people who are interested in music but may not know how to turn that interest into a career. My experience with We Are Moving The Needle has also helped shape this goal. Through my work there, I have seen how much access to mentorship, education, scholarships, and community can affect someone's career. It has made me want to create more opportunities for people who may not have the connections or resources to get started on their own. Ultimately, I want my college degree to be the beginning of something bigger. I want to build a career that I am passionate about while using what I learn to help other people. I want to bring people together through music, create spaces for people to learn and connect, and eventually help young people see that they can build a future in the music industry too. Being the first in my family to graduate would be an incredible accomplishment, but being able to use that accomplishment to open doors for others would mean even more to me.

Coming from a low-income household has taught me to keep going even when things feel overwhelming. Paying for college has been one of the biggest challenges I have faced, especially knowing how much my mom has already sacrificed to help me get here. Instead of letting the financial challenges stop me, they have motivated me to work harder and take my education seriously. I am currently working while attending Drexel University and actively looking for scholarships and grants to help lower the cost of my education. I am also gaining experience through internships in the music industry because I want to graduate with both my degree and the experience I need to build a career. My goal is to work in live music and events and eventually use what I learn to create music programs and opportunities for young people. My experiences have shown me how important it is to have someone believe in you and give you an opportunity. Through my work with We Are Moving The Needle, I have also seen how education, mentorship, and access to opportunities can change someone's path. I want to use my experiences to give back to my community by bringing people together through music, events, educational programs, and panels. I know what it feels like to work toward something while facing financial challenges, and I want to be someone who helps make the path easier for the people coming after me. My circumstances have taught me perseverance, and I plan to carry that with me throughout my career.

Paying for college has been one of the biggest challenges I have faced during my education. I know how fortunate I am to have the opportunity to attend college, but the financial responsibility that comes with it can be overwhelming. As a Music Business student at Drexel University, I am working toward a career in an industry that I am passionate about, while also trying to figure out how I can afford the education that will help me get there. My family has already made significant sacrifices to help me attend college. During my first two years, my mom took on more than $50,000 in loans to help cover my education. Because of financial circumstances and mistakes out of my control that happened early in my college experience, I am now responsible for finding a way to cover the remaining years of my education. I am facing more than $15,000 in costs for my junior year alone. This has made me realize that I cannot rely only on student loans to get me through school. I need to be proactive about finding other ways to fund my education. I am currently working while attending college and plan to continue working and looking for opportunities that will allow me to contribute toward my education. I am also committed to applying for as many scholarships and grants as I can. I understand that I may not receive every scholarship I apply for, but I believe that every opportunity is worth pursuing. Even a smaller scholarship can make a difference by lowering the amount I need to borrow and, ultimately, the amount of debt I will have to repay after graduation. My goal is to graduate with as little student loan debt as possible. I want to continue looking for financial assistance throughout the rest of my college career rather than waiting until graduation to think about my debt. I also plan to continue building professional experience through internships and work in the music industry so that I can graduate with both my degree and experience that can help me find employment. After graduation, I plan to begin making payments on my student loans as soon as I have secured a job and have a steady income. I do not want to put off my debt or allow it to become something that follows me unnecessarily for years. I want to be responsible about my payments and create a financial plan that allows me to pay down my loans while also being able to support myself. Receiving this scholarship would help me take another step toward that goal. It would reduce the amount I need to borrow and give me more financial flexibility after graduation. I want to leave college with the ability to focus on building my career in music, eventually working in live events and creating programs that help young people, instead of being held back by an overwhelming amount of student debt. I am willing to work for my education, and I am committed to doing everything I can now to make sure the debt I take on does not prevent me from building the future I am working toward.

Going to college means the world to me. It is more than just getting a degree; it is an opportunity that I have worked hard to have, and one that I do not take for granted. As a Music Business student at Drexel University, college has given me the chance to turn something I have always loved into a career that I can be proud of. Getting to this point has not been easy financially. Coming from a low-income household, paying for college has been a constant challenge for my family and me. My mom has taken on significant loans to help me get through my first two years, and now I am responsible for finding a way to cover the remaining years of my education. Knowing how much my family has already sacrificed for me makes me even more determined to finish what I started. There have been moments when the financial side of college has been overwhelming, but I have never wanted that to be the reason I stop pursuing my goals. I am trying to accomplish much more than simply graduating. I want to build a career in the music industry, starting with live events and eventually working in music education and programs for young people. My experiences DJing, putting on events, and working in the industry have helped me understand what I want my future to look like. I want to use the opportunities I have been given to create opportunities for other people. College has also allowed me to build relationships, learn from people already working in the industry, and gain experiences that I would not have had access to otherwise. Through my classes, internships, and organizations like We Are Moving The Needle, I have been able to see different sides of the music business and understand where I can make an impact. For me, graduating from college would represent more than receiving a diploma. It would represent everything my family and I have sacrificed to get me here. It would mean that the long hours, financial stress, and uncertainty were worth it. Most importantly, it would allow me to take everything I have learned and use it to build the career I have been working toward. I want to graduate knowing that I made the most of the opportunity I was given and that I am prepared to create a future for myself while eventually helping create opportunities for others.

I have always wanted to have a career that I genuinely enjoy. For me, that career is music. My relationship with music has changed as I have grown. I started by singing, then began recording music, DJing, and eventually putting on my own events. When I started DJing in college, I realized that what I loved most was not just the music itself, but everything that happened around it. I loved bringing people into the same room, creating an atmosphere, and watching people enjoy something that I helped put together. That experience made me realize that I wanted to build a career in live music and events. As I have gained more experience in the music industry, I have also started to think about what I want my career to look like long term. I want to work in live events, but eventually I want to use what I learn in the industry to work with young people through music programs. I want to be able to give students the type of guidance and exposure that can help them see music as more than just something they enjoy, but as a career they can actually pursue. One person who has influenced that goal is my professor, Nakisha Bailey. She is one of my biggest role models because she has shown me the importance of education, mentorship, and making connections in this industry. Having someone who is both knowledgeable about the music business and invested in her students has made me think about the kind of person I want to become in the future. I hope that one day I can have that same influence on someone else. My experience with We Are Moving The Needle has also helped shape the impact I want to have. Working with an organization focused on creating more opportunities for women and non-binary producers and engineers has shown me how important it is to make sure people have access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities. It has made me realize that I do not only want to build a career for myself. I want to be in a position where I can help other people build theirs too. I see myself doing that in different ways throughout my career. I want to bring people together through live events, but I also want to create spaces for people to learn and connect through music programs, panels, and mentorship. Some of the most important opportunities in this industry can come from simply meeting someone who believes in you or being given a chance to be in the room. I want to help create more of those opportunities. When I think about how I want to be remembered, I do not think about a specific job title or accomplishment. I want people to remember me as someone who was fun, passionate, and cared about the people around her. I want my love for music to be obvious in the work that I do. Most importantly, I want to look back and know that I brought people together and helped someone else see a future for themselves in music. That is the kind of career I want to build.

Going to Drexel University was something that never felt guaranteed. Growing up in a low-income household, college always seemed like a huge financial risk. But I knew that if I wanted to become the best version of myself and build a career in the music industry, I had to take that chance. When I was accepted into Drexel's Music Industry program, my mom did everything she could to make it possible. She took out over $50,000 in loans so I could attend my first two years. Without her sacrifices, I wouldn't be where I am today. Unfortunately, our financial situation has changed, and she is no longer able to take out additional loans. As I prepare to start my third year this September, I am responsible for finding a way to pay for school on my own. I currently owe nearly $20,000, and the stress of figuring out how to stay enrolled has been overwhelming. Even with those financial challenges, I have taken full advantage of every opportunity Drexel has given me. I've completed multiple internships that have allowed me to gain hands-on experience in different parts of the music industry. I've worked with nonprofit organizations supporting women in audio, helped with live event booking and marketing, researched sponsorship opportunities, and learned directly from professionals working in the business. Every experience has confirmed that this is the career I want to pursue. After graduation, I hope to work in live music, focusing on booking, event operations, and partnerships. I love bringing people together through live events and creating experiences that artists and fans will remember. Drexel's co-op program is one of the biggest reasons I chose the university because it allows students to graduate with real industry experience, not just classroom knowledge. I know those opportunities will help me build a successful career. This scholarship would make an immediate difference in my life. Instead of constantly worrying about how I'm going to pay my tuition, I would be able to focus on my classes, my internships, and preparing for my co-op. More importantly, it would allow me to continue working toward a future that once felt out of reach. My family's financial situation has never defined how hard I'm willing to work. I've always believed that if an opportunity is in front of me, I should give everything I have to make the most of it. That's exactly what I've done at Drexel, and with the support of this scholarship, I'll be able to continue pursuing the education and career I've worked so hard to build.

Going to Drexel University was something that never felt guaranteed. Growing up in a low-income household, college always seemed like a huge financial risk. But I knew that if I wanted to become the best version of myself and build a career in the music industry, I had to take that chance. When I was accepted into Drexel's Music Industry program, my mom did everything she could to make it possible. She took out over $50,000 in loans so I could attend my first two years. Without her sacrifices, I wouldn't be where I am today. Unfortunately, she is no longer able to take out additional loans. As I prepare to start my third year this September, I am responsible for finding a way to pay for school on my own. I currently owe nearly $20,000, and the stress of figuring out how to stay enrolled has been overwhelming. Even with those financial challenges, I have taken full advantage of every opportunity Drexel has given me. I've completed multiple internships that have allowed me to gain hands-on experience in different parts of the music industry. I've worked with nonprofit organizations supporting women in audio, helped with live event booking and marketing, researched sponsorship opportunities, and learned directly from professionals working in the business. Every experience has confirmed that this is the career I want to pursue. After graduation, I hope to work in live music, focusing on booking, event operations, and partnerships. I love bringing people together through live events and creating experiences that artists and fans will remember. Drexel's co-op program is one of the biggest reasons I chose the university because it allows students to graduate with real industry experience, not just classroom knowledge. This scholarship would make an immediate difference in my life. Instead of constantly worrying about how I'm going to pay my tuition, I would be able to focus on my classes, my internships, and preparing for my co-op. More importantly, it would allow me to continue working toward a future that once felt out of reach. My family's financial situation has never defined how hard I'm willing to work. I've always believed that if an opportunity is in front of me, I should give everything I have to make the most of it. That's exactly what I've done at Drexel, and with the support of this scholarship, I'll be able to continue pursuing the education and career I've worked so hard to build.

My name is Aidia Rivera and I am currently a sophomore at Drexel University majoring in Music Business. I lost my little brother Civario in 2020 during the COVID 19 pandemic. I was thirteen years old and he was only seven. Losing him suddenly changed my life in ways I could never have imagined and forced me to grow up much faster than I was ready for. Civario had autism and absolutely no fear. He was curious, energetic, and full of life. During the pandemic we spent almost all of our time together while doing school online. Because he needed more attention, I often stayed in my room for my classes and kept to myself. That was just our normal. I never imagined how quickly that routine would turn into something devastating. One night my family decided to spend time together watching something when we suddenly smelled smoke. Everything after that moment happened so fast. I watched my parents run into a room that was on fire while I ran to get help. Earlier that day I had accidentally left my closet door unlocked and Civario had access to a lighter I left on my nightstand next to a candle. That night I learned my brother had passed away and my parents were airlifted to the hospital. I had no idea if they were going to survive. In one moment I lost my brother and almost lost my parents too. Afterward I carried an overwhelming amount of guilt, grief, and emotional stress. I blamed myself for what happened and believed I did not deserve a future or happiness. I had no motivation and no desire to think about what came next. My mental health worsened and therapy became necessary for me to survive that period of my life. Having the summer before returning to school gave me time to breathe and slowly begin the healing process. Therapy helped me get through high school and face emotions I had been avoiding. During that time I found music. Music became the place where I could release feelings I did not know how to explain. It gave me comfort when I felt alone and helped me reconnect with myself. Through music I found purpose again and eventually gained the confidence to pursue higher education. Being accepted into Drexel University’s Music Industry program felt like a turning point. Losing my brother brought me immense pain but it also led me directly to the path I am meant to be on. I promised myself that if I continued living, I would live fully and intentionally, enjoying life in the way Civario always did. My grief taught me empathy and allowed me to better understand and support others who are hurting. Although my brother is no longer physically here, his presence continues to guide me. My grief has shaped who I am today and influences the career path I am choosing. I carry Civario with me in everything I do and strive to honor his life through kindness, creativity, and purpose.

I have been passionate about music for as long as I can remember. At sixteen, I began recording music independently, which led me to build my own home studio and start coordinating hip hop and R&B events in a community dominated by rock music. These experiences taught me that music is more than just sound. It is a way to connect people, tell stories, and create opportunities for expression. Working with local artists helped me develop organizational and networking skills while also giving me a firsthand look at how the music industry functions and how important it is to support others in their creative journeys. My passion for music has continued to grow through my studies at Drexel University, where I am pursuing a degree in Music Business. I have had the opportunity to gain meaningful internship experience, first with a company that manages hip hop producers, where I maintained databases and managed social media, and currently with We Are Moving the Needle, a nonprofit supporting women in music, assisting with programming, research, and social media. Alongside my studies, I have learned to DJ and formed a collective with a colleague, securing multiple bookings. Each of these experiences has strengthened my skills in event coordination, artist support, and industry operations while giving me a deeper understanding of the ways music can inspire and bring people together. Because I know how transformative music can be, I want to use my career to give back to young people. I plan to work with after school or educational programs that focus on music, audio production, and performance. By teaching youth how to record, DJ, produce, or organize events, I hope to provide the same kind of opportunities and guidance that helped me find my path. I want to help students discover their own voices and passions while also giving them practical tools to develop skills that can support their personal growth and potentially lead to a career in music. My goal is to create or join programs where young people from diverse backgrounds can learn in a supportive, hands on environment, gaining confidence, creativity, and the chance to express themselves. Music can give youth a sense of purpose and belonging, and I want to be someone who helps guide them in that process. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to continue pursuing my education and career goals while honoring the legacy of Sunni E. Fagan, who inspired countless young students through music. Like Sunni, I hope to make a positive impact in the lives of youth, helping them find their voice and develop a lifelong passion for music.

Wicked has been a source of hope and inspiration for me since the moment I first heard its music. What I love most isn’t just the catchy songs or the story itself—it’s how Wicked dives into real themes like courage, friendship, identity, and standing up for what you believe in. It reminds us all to look beyond what people see on the surface and embrace who we really are, even when it’s hard. Elphaba’s story especially hits home. She starts off misunderstood and labeled as “wicked,” but through everything, she learns to accept herself and her gifts. Growing up, I often felt out of place, unsure if I belonged. Seeing Elphaba fight against the odds and stay true to herself gave me strength and hope during those times. Glinda’s journey, from being a bubbly socialite to a loyal friend, shows me that people can grow and that real friendship means standing by those you care about. Songs like “Defying Gravity” and “For Good” have become my personal anthems. “Defying Gravity” in particular gives me the courage to break through fears and limits, reminding me to believe in myself even when things get tough. I’m also really excited about the new movie, especially with Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. Seeing women of color in these roles brings a fresh, important perspective to the story. It shows me that Wicked’s message is for everyone, no matter who you are or where you come from. For me, Wicked isn’t just a musical—it’s a reminder to be myself, to stand tall, and to support others doing the same. It’s a story that truly speaks to my heart.

My name is Aidia Rivera, and I’m a sophomore at Drexel University studying Music Business. I’m drawn to marketing and sales because, to me, they’re more than just about selling products—they’re about connecting people, telling stories, and helping artists share their passion with the world. In the music industry, this connection can make all the difference between someone being heard or overlooked. Growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania, I saw many talented artists around me who struggled to get noticed. They had the passion and talent, but didn’t have the right tools or support to get their music out there. That’s what inspired me to focus on music business—especially marketing and sales—because I want to help artists get the platform and audience they deserve. It’s about more than promotion; it’s about understanding people’s stories and finding ways to bring those stories to life in ways that really connect. My biggest inspiration comes from my mom. She’s been my rock, working tirelessly and sacrificing so much to support my education and my dreams. Watching her navigate challenges with strength and grace motivates me every day to push forward, even when things get tough. I want to make her proud and give back to my family by building a career where I can create opportunities not just for myself, but for others who face the same challenges I have. The path hasn’t always been easy. In 2020, I lost my 7-year-old little brother in a house fire. That loss shook me to my core and changed everything. Music became my anchor during that dark time—it gave me purpose, comfort, and a way to heal. Now, I want to help other artists find that same kind of strength and hope by helping them build their brands, connect with fans, and succeed in a competitive industry. Marketing and sales are the tools I want to use to create those opportunities. I’m also excited by the challenge marketing and sales present. These fields require creativity, resilience, and empathy—all skills I’ve been developing through my experiences both in and out of school. I want to learn how to use those skills to build genuine connections between artists and audiences, because I believe that music has the power to change lives. This scholarship would mean so much to me. It would ease some of the financial burdens and help me continue my education, so I can keep developing the skills I need to make a real difference in the music business. Neal Hartl’s passion for his work and his ability to connect with people inspires me to follow that example—building genuine relationships and making a positive impact through what I do.

Music has always been so much more than just sound for me—it’s a way to express myself, to heal, and to connect with others. Whether someone is creating music or just listening, music has this incredible power to touch people’s hearts and help them through tough times. That’s why I’m passionate about building a career in the music industry, especially in music business and production. I want to help artists find their voice and the platform they deserve to share their work with the world. Growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania, I saw a lot of talented people dreaming about music but struggling because they didn’t have the right tools or support. I’ve faced some of those challenges too—like financial struggles and limited opportunities—but I’ve never let that stop me. I truly believe that with passion and the right education, anyone can make their dreams in music come true. And I want to be someone who helps open those doors for others, especially women and people from backgrounds like mine. Two people who inspire me every day are Alicia Keys and my mom. Alicia Keys is my biggest role model because she’s so real and strong—she stays true to herself and uses her music to lift others up. She shows that you can be powerful and kind at the same time. My mom is my hero; she’s sacrificed so much to support me through college and everything I’ve wanted to pursue. Watching her work hard and never give up has taught me to do the same. In the future, I want to make a real difference by helping new artists, especially women, get the education, resources, and fair chances they need to succeed. I want to be the person who makes sure others don’t have to face the same obstacles I’ve faced. When people remember me, I want them to think of someone passionate, persistent, and caring. Someone who truly believed in the power of music to change lives—and who worked hard to help others share their gifts too. I want my legacy to be about lifting others up while chasing my own dreams. Winning this scholarship would mean the world to me. It would help me keep going with my education and bring me closer to the career I’ve dreamed about. Music saved me during some of my hardest moments, and now I want to use it to inspire and support others.

My name is Aidia Rivera, and I’m a sophomore at Drexel University studying Music Business. Music has always been more than just sound to me—it’s a way to connect, express, and build community. For me, collaboration is at the heart of everything creative. It’s where ideas come to life and where we find strength in working together. Growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania, I saw how collaboration could bring people together in powerful ways. At 15, I started organizing and hosting hip-hop shows in a place mostly known for rock music. These shows weren’t just about performing—they were about creating a space for singers, rappers, DJs, and fans who didn’t always feel seen or heard. Bringing together such diverse talents and backgrounds showed me how much can be accomplished when we support each other’s dreams and lift each other up. It wasn’t always easy to organize these events—there were obstacles like finding venues, equipment, and convincing others to believe in something new. But through teamwork and shared passion, we made it happen, and those experiences taught me the real power of collaboration. Coming to Drexel expanded my understanding of collaboration even more. Whether I’m working on music projects with classmates or sharing what I’ve learned about DJing, I’ve realized that every person adds something unique. Collaboration isn’t just about dividing tasks—it’s about sharing ideas, respecting different viewpoints, and building something none of us could create alone. I love how working with others challenges me to grow and pushes the creative process to new places. Collaboration took on a deeper meaning for me after the tragic loss of my 7-year-old little brother in 2020. That pain was overwhelming, but music and the connections I made through it became a source of healing and hope. Collaborating with others in the arts helped me find purpose during a difficult time and reminded me that we’re stronger together. In the fine arts, collaboration is essential. It turns individual talents into something bigger and more meaningful. It connects artists, audiences, and communities in ways that inspire and uplift. I’m committed to creating collaborative spaces where emerging artists—especially those from backgrounds like mine—can find the support and opportunities they deserve. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue my education and my mission to build creative communities. Pamela Branchini’s generosity and passion inspire me to keep working with others to bring beautiful, meaningful art to the world.

My name is Aidia Rivera, and I’m a sophomore at Drexel University studying Music Business. I come from a small town in Pennsylvania, raised by my single mom, and I’ve always known I wanted a life driven by passion. For me, that passion has always been music—especially the behind-the-scenes technology that brings it to life. When I was 15, I began recording my own music. I taught myself how to use basic software to track vocals and mix beats. Though I didn’t have many resources, I had drive and determination. Soon, I started organizing and hosting hip-hop shows in my town, which was mostly dominated by rock music. Through these events, I gained hands-on experience with sound equipment—setting up microphones, running audio boards, and managing live sound. That practical experience sparked my deep interest in music technology and showed me the power of sound engineering in bringing music to life. In 2020, I lost my 7-year-old little brother in a house fire. That loss shattered my world, and for a while, it felt like everything stopped. But music became my anchor. I poured my grief and emotions into producing, engineering, and organizing shows—not just as therapy, but as a way to keep moving forward. Music gave me back my purpose. My brother’s memory pushes me to keep creating because I know he would’ve wanted me to follow my passion and do what I love. At Drexel, I’ve expanded my music technology skills even more. I taught myself how to DJ during my first year and learned new production tools. I brought those skills home over the summer, continuing to host shows and create experiences for my community. Everything I do—every beat I mix, every event I organize—is a step toward building a future where music connects and uplifts. Financial challenges have been a major obstacle. My mom took out a loan to help cover my first year of college, but her debt-to-income ratio now makes it impossible to secure additional loans or financial help. Despite this, I’m determined to continue my education and pursue a career in music technology. I refuse to give up on my dreams. What inspires me to pursue music technology isn’t just the sound itself, but the impact it can have—the way music can heal, unite, and empower people. I want to be a part of that impact by mastering the tools and technology that bring music to life. This scholarship would be a crucial step toward achieving that goal and honoring both my passion and my brother’s memory.

My name is Aidia Rivera, and I’m currently a sophomore at Drexel University majoring in Music Business. I come from a small town in Pennsylvania, raised by my single mom who has always done everything she could to support my dreams. Growing up in a low-income household, I didn’t have many opportunities handed to me—but I’ve always had a strong sense of drive and a desire for something greater than what surrounded me. In 2020, my life changed forever when I lost my 7-year-old little brother in a house fire. That kind of trauma doesn’t fade—it becomes a part of your story, whether you want it to or not. In the middle of that overwhelming grief, music became my outlet and my healing space. It gave me a way to express what I couldn’t say out loud. Music didn’t just help me survive—it gave me a purpose when I felt lost. At 15, I began recording my own music, and soon after, I started organizing and hosting some of the first hip-hop shows in my area, which was mainly dominated by rock music. It started as a way for me to perform and share my work, but it quickly turned into something bigger. These shows became a space for local artists—especially young rappers and singers like me—who didn’t feel seen in our community. We created something powerful out of almost nothing, and that made me realize that my passion wasn’t just making music, but building spaces where it could thrive. Since coming to Drexel, my love for the music industry has only grown. The program has introduced me to so many different areas of the field, and I’ve already begun learning to DJ, manage events, and collaborate with other passionate students. I took those skills home this summer and continued hosting shows, now with even more confidence and direction. However, staying in school has become incredibly difficult. My mom took out a loan to help pay for my first year, but her debt-to-income ratio is too high to qualify for any additional loans or co-signing options. Despite how hard we’ve tried, we’ve hit financial barriers that are tough to break. But I’m not giving up. I know why I’m doing this—and I know I have more to give. My dream is to uplift artists who come from places like mine—where resources are limited, but passion runs deep. I want to create events, platforms, and maybe even my own label someday. Music changed my life after my brother passed, and it’s helped me keep going even when things felt impossible. Now, I want to help others find that same light. With your support, I’ll continue pushing forward—for myself, my family, and every artist who just needs a chance.

My name is Aidia Rivera, and I am an upcoming sophomore at Drexel University majoring in Music Business. From my perspective, today’s music landscape is more diverse and accessible than ever, largely thanks to the rise of social media. Artists are no longer limited by location or traditional industry paths—they can now build global audiences on their own terms. For example, Bad Bunny’s recent residency had a major impact on Puerto Rico’s economy—not just through local engagement, but through worldwide exposure and support from international fans. This shows how powerful music can be—economically, culturally, and socially. Still, the industry remains extremely competitive—especially for those of us from small towns or underrepresented communities. I grew up in a low-income household in rural Pennsylvania, raised by my mom. While some of my peers turned to negative influences, I found music. I started singing at a young age, and by 15, I was recording my own songs. Eventually, I began organizing and hosting some of the first hip-hop shows in my predominantly rock-focused area. These shows didn’t just give me an outlet—they gave other local artists a platform and a sense of hope. It created a small community where people felt seen and heard. I continued this work until the week before I left for my first year of college. At Drexel, I immediately fell in love with the Music Industry program and all the ways it prepares students to innovate and make a difference. During my first year, I taught myself how to DJ—something I brought back home for the summer. I’ve been organizing and performing at shows throughout my break, and I’m incredibly proud of what my peers and I are building. However, funding my education has become a growing challenge. It’s just my mom and me at home, and although we’ve come this far together, we’re reaching a point where we need support. This scholarship would not only help ease that burden—it would help me stay on the path I’ve been carving for years. I see myself making an impact in the music industry by continuing to give overlooked, hardworking artists a chance—whether through events, management, or advocacy. My dream is to build platforms that highlight real talent, especially from communities like mine, where opportunities are rare but the passion is real. Music gave me a purpose when I needed it most, and now I want to return the favor to others.

Growing up as a minority in a small town in Pennsylvania came with its challenges. Often, I felt like I had to hide who I was just to fit in. But music gave me a space where I could be different, honest, and unafraid. It became my safe haven—my way to express emotions I couldn’t always say out loud. Arts education helped me understand that my uniqueness was a strength, not something to be ashamed of. Through music, I discovered how to process the world around me in a beautiful, emotional, and healing way. In 2020, my life changed forever when my little brother passed away in a tragic house fire. Losing him shattered my world. For a while, I lost touch with music—it was too painful to create when everything felt so dark. But I made a promise to myself: if I was going to keep living without him, I had to live life to the fullest, and that meant following my passion. Slowly, I found my way back to music. I started recording and producing my own songs, making connections in my community, and putting on local shows. I created spaces where others could share their voices too. It wasn’t just about music anymore—it became about healing, purpose, and building something meaningful. Music helped me work through both everyday struggles and deep trauma. It reminded me that I still had something to give, even when I felt like I’d lost everything. Throughout this journey, my biggest inspiration has been my mom. She’s always encouraged me to go after something more than just an “ordinary” life. Despite being low income, we’ve built a strong support system together. She’s the one who showed me how to find resources like this scholarship, and she constantly pushes me to believe in myself. Her strength and love keep me going, even on the hardest days. Now, as a Music Business student at Drexel University, I’m focused on building a career in live music management. I want to help artists bring their visions to life and create experiences that move people the way music has moved me. I believe live music has the power to connect communities, heal hearts, and inspire change—and I want to be part of making that happen. Arts education didn’t just impact my life—it helped save it. It gave me direction, healing, and a voice. And now, I’m using that voice to build a future filled with purpose, creativity, and passion.

Growing up as a minority in a small town in Pennsylvania came with its challenges. Often, I felt like I had to hide who I was just to fit in. But music gave me a space where I could be different, honest, and unafraid. It became my safe haven—my way to express emotions I couldn’t always say out loud. Arts education helped me understand that my uniqueness was a strength, not something to be ashamed of. Through music, I discovered how to process the world around me in a beautiful, emotional, and healing way. In 2020, my life changed forever when my little brother passed away in a tragic house fire. Losing him shattered my world. For a while, I lost touch with music—it was too painful to create when everything felt so dark. But I made a promise to myself: if I was going to keep living without him, I had to live life to the fullest, and that meant following my passion. Slowly, I found my way back to music. I started recording and producing my own songs, making connections in my community, and putting on local shows. I created spaces where others could share their voices too. It wasn’t just about music anymore—it became about healing, purpose, and building something meaningful. Music helped me work through both everyday struggles and deep trauma. It reminded me that I still had something to give, even when I felt like I’d lost everything. Throughout this journey, my biggest inspiration has been my mom. She’s always encouraged me to go after something more than just an “ordinary” life. Despite being low income, we’ve built a strong support system together. She’s the one who showed me how to find resources like this scholarship, and she constantly pushes me to believe in myself. Her strength and love keep me going, even on the hardest days. Now, as a Music Business student at Drexel University, I’m focused on building a career in live music management. I want to help artists bring their visions to life and create experiences that move people the way music has moved me. I believe live music has the power to connect communities, heal hearts, and inspire change—and I want to be part of making that happen. Arts education didn’t just impact my life—it helped save it. It gave me direction, healing, and a voice. And now, I’m using that voice to build a future filled with purpose, creativity, and passion.