The Times, They are Indeed a Changin’
By Monrovia Weekly
Published: Thursday, May 28th, 2009
Local Student Strums Guitar and Sings Songs for his Life and Daughter
We caught up with Jake Lenaburg while he was singing a few tunes for passing motorists at the Myrtle Avenue off ramp Wednesday afternoon.
Jake Lenaburg, a single dad , supports his 5-year old daughter Vivinity, and goes to school full time at night. On any given day Jake can be found strumming his guitar and literally singing for his tuition. You won’t find him listed the Arts and Entertainment section yet but you will be able to hear him and help at either the Myrtle Avenue east bound off ramp or at the Mountain off ramp.
Jake caught our eye as one seldom sees signs like his. Hardly ever do you see a busker on the freeway offramp. Unfortunately, it’s usually a homeless veteran and the like who have no other choice but to hope for a friendly freeway cash handout. In this tight economy, Lemnaburg is hoping to do something with his school career and really make a difference and help people.
The nursing student who hopes to finish in about a year has set his sights high. He’s ready to take on helicopter nursing ( such as Medi Vac) and hopes that will be his calling once school in Santa Ana is completed.
The Pasadena nursing student gets a bit hurt when some passers- by yell obscenities or make malicious remarks like “get a job, you bum” from the comfort of their SUV. The Pasadena nursing student is anything but a ‘bum’ …a clean cut, healthy student who simply needs to make money to keep his daughter clothed and fed. However, the majority of people are kind and understanding Lenaburg says.
“I need to make at least $150 a day,” says Lenaburg as he shows us the contributions thus far ( as of I pm). He pointed out that some lady gave him a twenty dollar bill and others give what they can, $5 or $1 bills usually. It all adds up and goes towards Vivinity first and college second!
Lenaburg hopes to repay the kindness of strangers when he’s completed school by helping put two more people through the education process. Jake’s way of giving back! We wish him and his daughter good fortune.
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