Jaydin Rombs
Name: Jaydin Rombs
Hometown: Aberdeen, S.D.
Major/Minor: Music Education major, Psychology minor
Campus involvement: National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Viking Student Veterans Club, Viking Ambassador
Graduation Year: 2028
Tell us what led you to choose your major. Has your military service affected that at all?
I have been set on music education since I first joined band in sixth grade, and it hasn’t changed since joining the guard. That year, in my language arts class, we had to write a “future me” paper and for the project, we had to pick the university we would attend and what job we wanted to do. I wrote about music education for that assignment and I haven’t changed my mind ever since that day. I have always wanted to go into education; it wasn’t until that year of band that I realized I wanted to teach music.
What strategies or tools help you stay organized during busy weeks?
My outlook calendar is my best friend when it comes to staying organized during busy weeks. I have a rough sketch of my schedule in my mind, but I’m always set to forget something with how busy I get. I find it best to write everything down right away so I know I won’t forget anything important. I also use a whiteboard calendar by the door of my apartment, so I see my schedule every day before I leave.
What has been the most challenging part of serving while being a student?
I think the hardest part of serving while being a full-time student on campus is finding the balance. I have missed playing in the pep band for quite a few football games because of drill weekends. I have a one weekend a month commitment with the guard, so it’s hard to get out of it to participate in on and off campus events. Balance is so important, but when you get wrapped up in the busy, it can be very hard to maintain.
What kind of support does VCSU offer for students in the military?
VCSU has a great Military Services office located on the third floor of McFarland Hall. We also just started a new club this year called Viking Student Veterans. This club is here to help with benefit registration for VCSU’s guard students and to be a resource for any student from any branch of the military who is looking to further their education. The club is also set up as a resource for students to get assistance from other students. It is nice to know you can reach out and get help from someone close in age, rather than talking to an adult you’ve never met before.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to teach high school music, specifically band. I have always thought high school band would be my place. I would love to go into a program that does field marching as well. It was something I was very involved with during my high school band career and it’s something I definitely miss.
What has been your favorite memory from VCSU so far?
I don’t think I can pick one single memory from my time at VCSU. I have loved every band concert or pep band event I have been a part of. Pep band has been my favorite because I think it has allowed all of us music kids to really be ourselves and it’s a great time for these students to show their funny sides. It’s such an amazing environment to be a part of and I love all of the memories I have made with my music friends during my time on campus.
Why did you choose to come to VCSU?
I chose VCSU because of the environment and community I felt within my first day on campus. I first came to VCSU for Ployhar Honor Band during my junior year of high school. I remember being scared to come to a new town and be on a campus I had never even heard of before, but within three hours of our rehearsal, I felt like this could be the college I go to. I remember being so excited to go home and tell my family about everything I experienced that day. I then chose to come back for Ployhar again the next year and it was then that I had made my decision to come to VCSU. I was 100% committed to VCSU that I didn’t even bother touring any other universities. As an active guard member, I could’ve been getting a free education at any South Dakota university, but why go where I am just a number, when I have made so many connections here. Being at VCSU, I think that I have gotten more opportunities to get the experience in my field than if I had gone to a bigger university closer to home. Thanks to VCSU, I have made friends and connections that will last a lifetime.
What advice would you give to another student thinking about joining the military while in school?
I would say do it! I think it is worth it to enlist in any branch of the military. The National Guard is a good option for students looking to further their education because they will pay for your education and it’s minimal commitment compared to any active-duty service where you would go live on a base. I don’t think education benefits is the only positive to enlisting however. Aside from the education benefits, I have received so many positive things from the Army National Guard. Although it can be a large time commitment, I have met some amazing people and some of my closest friends.
