Jaime Rodriguez-Vega, who is known as JaiDrip in the music industry, or 38 on Lock Haven’s football team, continues to uplift the morale of the Lock Haven community as a graduate student.
Rodriguez was born in San German, Puerto Rico. He and his family lived there until the age of 6 when they moved to Lancaster, Pa.
“At the age of 5, I would always tell my mom that I’m going to be the first full Puerto Rican born NFL player,” Rodriguez said.
He enrolled at J. P. McCaskey High School, where he was initially introduced to broadcasting. Upon joining the Tornado Alert Morning show during his sophomore year, he developed a passion for media and realized his desire to pursue a career in mass communication.
“I always knew I wanted to do something in media, and that experience paved the way for me to choose to study communication in college,” Rodriguez said.
In 2022, Rodriguez graduated from Lock Haven University (LHU) with a bachelor’s degree in communication. He was accepted for the graduate assistantship program with Commonwealth University’s DEI office and is pursuing his master’s in sports management.
His goal is to use this educational background in sports management as leverage to enter prominent networks like ESPN and NFL Network that may offer opportunities in the sports side of the media industry.
Beyond his academic pursuits, he holds a football scholarship and serves as a linebacker for Lock Haven’s football team, wearing the jersey number 38.
In the future, Rodriguez hopes to either have a career as a film director or a music producer.
Vega acknowledges that music has played a crucial role in his personal transformation, helping him evolve from a shy individual to someone confident in expressing his identity and sharing his musical creations with others.
“Music is therapeutic, listening to certain songs is able to help me keep on moving every day and is how I want my music to inspire others,” Rodriguez said.
Since the initial Locks Litty program took place in the fall semester of 2021, an annual event has been held every year.
Rodriguez is proud of being able to organize the annual Locks Litty event.
Originally named L.O.C.K Showcase (Living Off Caffeine and Knowledge) by creators Rodriguez and Alex Lantz, a fellow LHU alum, the event started as a capstone project for Rodriguez. Over time, it has evolved into one of the most cherished fall semester programs at the Haven, gaining popularity among students.
Rodriguez stated that the reason for the showcase event was to bring life back to the university and get people together after the global pandemic diminished overall student morale.
It is confirmed that this year’s Locks Litty will take place on Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m, but the location will remain a secret until 24 hours before the show.
Not only will this year’s showcase include various performances from talented artists, Rodriguez partnered up with Mia Swales, Assistant Director of Commonwealth University’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and was able to bring something new to the Locks Litty experience.
“She was able to help me a lot with the process,” Rodriguez said. “Without her there would not be Locks Litty that it is today with decorations, interactive crowd games, merch, prizes and wristbands. With her support, we got the things we never thought we could have with the first show.”
This year will be the last time that Rodriguez hosts Locks Litty. He hopes that after he graduates someone else will keep the program alive for future Bald Eagles to enjoy the experience that’s exclusive to The Haven.
“It makes me want to prove to people that yes I am Puerto Rican, I am Boricua, and I’m going to be the best that I can be,” Rodriguez said.
For more information about the upcoming Locks Litty event, text “DRIP” to (855)-497-0993 to be sent a text revealing the location of the event.
