Kline+performing+at+Philadelphias+Trocadero+Theater+this+past+November

submitted photo

Kline performing at Philadelphia’s Trocadero Theater this past November

Alumni Spotlight: Jon Kline influences change block by block

Graduate Jon Kline was able to decipher through all the chaos and commotion of high school and decide what was truly important to him and what kind of difference he wanted to make in the world. Now, nineteen years old, he utilizes his talent for music, his passion for amending education, and his overall goal to create change in the world. “I want to inflict change in every single way that I can. Anywhere in our society and our world that needs a positive push, I want to be there with all of my weight and force,” he declared.

Kline tied two of his passions, writing and music, together in the form of a hip hop group called Block Nine Influentials. The band was created by him and a friend in middle school, however they eventually went their separate ways with music. Now, Block Nine Influentials is represented solely by Kline, and features his talent for rapping. However, the band has grown to be much more than simply music. Even the name of the group transcends beyond the titles of typical hip hop groups. Kline added the “Influentials” to breakaway from the usual “Productions” or “Entertainment” that many hip hop groups end in. “Influentials” also symbolizes the true meaning of Kline’s music and the message he is aiming to convey.

“I don’t want to just entertain you, but I want to influence you to grow and prosper, realize your fullest potential, and truly blossom. When I think of Block Nine Influentials, I don’t just think of hip hop. I think of world change, positivity, love, compassion, etc. It’s so much deeper than music,” stated Kline.

Over the years, Block Nine Influentials has become a significant force in Kline’s life and a vital component in his growth as a person. In fact, he believes the band has not only caused him to grow immensely, but it’s actually changed him as a person.

“Since the creation of Block Nine, I have not only grown but have been reinvented spiritually, mentally, and physically. A little personal renaissance, if you will,” explained Kline about how the band has transformed him.

Besides music, Kline is working toward another goal of his. Currently, he is enrolled in Montgomery County Community College for the Liberal Arts where he takes general education classes. Although he’s been stuck between either an Environmental Science major or a School Counselling direction, he admits that he thinks school counselling suits his strengths better and a major reason for that comes from the support he received from North Penn.

“I think school counselling would be incredible because of the counselor I had when I was at North Penn, Dr. Diegue. She single-handedly changed my life and really is a large reason that I’m even the person I am today. I would love nothing more than to touch a kids heart like she did mine,” expressed Kline.

The reason he is pursuing a college degree may seem a little different than other nineteen year olds. Kline views his time at college as a stepping stone he must pass so that he will be able to work toward his dreams at full force without the possibility of anyone holding him back. His determined attitude toward his dreams has led him to obtain a college degree so he won’t encounter any possible future roadblocks in his path to inflict change in the world.

“I solely want a degree so that society can’t halt me in my tracks to changing the world. I don’t want to be told ‘No, you can’t do that because you didn’t go to college.’ If getting a degree will strengthen my ability to make local, national, and global impact, then so be it,” proclaimed Kline.

One reason for Kline’s desire to make an impact on the world lies in his disagreement with the education system. He wants to alter the typical classroom structure. He explains the flaws in the way classrooms are currently set up to assess every student to the same degree, which Kline says is ridiculous, when every individual has their own interests and skills.

“The idea of packing an entire room of children that all have different backgrounds, talents, dreams, aspirations, goals, and perspectives then holding each individual to the same standard, to me, is absolutely oppressive to individuality, uniqueness and creativity. The amount of potential that rots away in a standard American classroom saddens me to say the least. Our system is designed to create workers, not thinkers.”

To Kline, amending the education system is a large part of creating a brighter future for America as a whole. He strongly believes that many current issues could be solved by creating a different system of learning for children.

“I look around at the current condition of our country and all of the problems that we are grappling with. So many of the issues in America could be solved by reinventing the schooling system. Change must start with the youth, and what better way to reach the youth than through the classroom.”

Reinventing the schooling system means installing classes centered around each individual student instead of a group of students. When classes are focused on a large group of students, the learning styles become systemic and the uniqueness of the individual begins to fade.

“We need more classes centered around each individual, not the pack. That’s what we have, a pack-style of education. We neglect the individual to focus on the herd, and that is detrimental not only to the uniqueness of every human being but to the future of our world,” he voiced.

Kline also explains how the type of classes and lessons should be revamped as well. Topics such as self-love and treating the environment with care and respect are often disregarded and ignored.

“Where are the classes teaching children about the importance of being who you are? Where are the classes teaching kids to treat our planet with care and respect?” he questioned. “I don’t see any colleges offering degrees in those subjects. But here, teach kids about comma usage and wars for 13 years.”

Ultimately in Kline’s aim to help the world and those around him, music and writing will always be beside him and a part of who he is.

“It doesn’t matter if I’m a school counselor or a politician, writing poetry and music will never leave me. I will always use my inborn talents to serve myself and humanity regardless if I’m a 19 year old student or a 30 year old school counselor. Music and writing will tie into everything I do, and I will make sure of that,” he declared.

When asked if he had any advice for current high school students, Kline stated, “Your thoughts, feelings, and actions are creating your reality and defining your world. It’s all about perspective. You were created by the same force that forged the universe, and if that doesn’t make you an infinite miracle, then you’ve been lied to. Loving who you are is one hundred percent okay, in fact it’s necessary. Don’t allow the world to tell you otherwise. Your dreams are waiting for you to recognize them, and nothing can stop you in achieving them. The greatest advice that I could give to anybody is this: Life is never out of your control and life is always on your side.”

The Knight Crier • Copyright 2024 • FLEX WordPress Theme by SNOLog in

Comments (0)

All The Knight Crier Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *