Turning Pain Into Inspiration
13-year-old Yannis is wise beyond his years. Maybe it’s because he has experienced things that most kids don’t have to deal with at such a young age. Yannis’s mother died when he was only 3-years-old.
“Nothing ever takes away the pain of loss,” says Yannis, “but you can move on and never forget, always honor where you came from and who was important in your life.”
It was this sentiment that drew him to the Ten Toes Challenge, an online viral challenge in which kids freestyle over the “Ten Toes Down” instrumental line. The typical themes for the raps are about hardships in relationships, tragic losses, and other struggles in life.
After sitting in on just a few recording sessions at the Music Clubhouse, Yannis went home and wrote a rap about his mom and living without her. “It’s a heavy subject for a 13-year-old, let alone anyone, to confront and deal openly with the hardship he and his family have gone through,” says his Music Clubhouse Director. “His goal was that he wanted to be real and write about something that hits close to home for him, but also something that he has learned to overcome.”
When Yannis shared his original track with the other members of the Music Clubhouse, they were really supportive. It was a pivotal moment for Yannis and his peers. Yannis not only had the encouragement of his community, but he was also giving back through his message. “I hope it helps other kids who are going through a hard time to just know there’s hope and support for you, and that family is number one,” says Yannis.