When you ask your kids what do they want to be when they grow up (depending on the age) they might answer veterinarian, or fire fighter, or you might even hear YouTube star. How about rock star? Rick Dejesus, lead singer of Adelita's Way, understands how our passions can shape us. From a young age, music inspired him and Rick sees the value in having that deep love for something to propel you forward. Yet how do we get our children on a path to inspiration?
For Rick, music and baseball were both big drivers in his life and even kept him out of trouble. 'I always dove all in on my passions. I tried so many different sports and activities as a kid and really honed in on a passion for baseball. I trained obsessively to reach my potential, as I became a teenager that exact passion and drive went all into music, I was obsessed.'
While Rick found his purpose, I asked him if his daughters had found a similar intense relationship with any of their pursuits. 'They are still in the process but the common theme is music, both of my daughters love music. We listen to songs together, we jam out hard on car rides.' However, the lifestyle of a musician including going on tour and the degree of travel involved, Rick admits, may have put them off that career path. His wife, Janine, has also left her mark with their girls and inspired their passion for skincare, fashion, and design, and says that he loves seeing their shared interests come through.
While they may not follow his footsteps into the music industry, Rick doesn't seem bothered by their experimentation, in fact, he appears to encourage it. He admits their interests have 'fluctuated' and they have been open to exploring different things. 'Presley has done soccer, drums, dance, musical theatre, tennis, and so far dance and theatre have stuck.' As for Nelly, she "plays guitar, pickleball, tennis, volleyball, and guitar and pickleball are sticking so far, but she truly loves animals." Rick and his wife have several pets and have even taken in some foster pets too. The exposure has created a natural affinity in Nelly. "I think she has a future helping animals in need. She is very kind and thoughtful," observed Rick.
If his daughters don't seem to have nailed down exactly what they want to be in the future, Rick advises not to sweat it. He doesn't pressure his daughters, instead he says he tries to provide guidance and encouragement. Particularly when they hit challenges along the way. 'I let them know that we all go through ups and downs and it’s how you respond that shows a lot about you. We raise our children to cross the finish line, reflect, and assess. I am proud of how they respond to adversity so far.' he says. Ultimately, the lesson is that whatever they choose it will only be through 'patience, hard work, and tenacity'.
Regardless, it is evident that Rick is just enjoying watching his girls come into their own. "They surprise me everyday, they show me new music, they listen to classics on their own, they are interesting themselves.'"