Amelia, our budding singer is excelling with her extracurricular activities. Amelia is keen to promote self-love and that anything is possible if you put yourself forward and do what you love.

Here's her story:

"I've been involved in lots of amazing opportunities in the last year, and I am so pleased I am getting to experience all these opportunities. Performing helps builds my confidence and when I win I feel really proud and less insecure about my singing ability. It makes me feel like I have achieved something great and that people recognise that.

"I sing because it makes me happy and makes me forget about any bad things that have happened. I also write my own songs about my life experiences, it helps me to deal with my feelings, and it builds my confidence. 

"I’m going to start recording my singing to give to my nan, who can’t move around so easily, so she can listen to me. It will also be a good experience, so I can start sharing my songs online. I’m even starting to create music and learn the piano.

"I've been lucky enough to be involved in lots of events and competitions, the most recent being The City of Plymouth Festival of Music, Dance, Speech & Drama. It is a registered charity run by volunteers who work hard to ensure children from across the city and neighbouring areas have an opportunity to take part in a celebration of music, dance and speech and drama.

"The adjudicator looks for a complete performance which includes: technique; presentation; musicality; costume; make up and entrances and exits. I sang Gravity by Sarah Barellis, and came 1st place with a score of 86/100! I received a trophy and a medal, I couldn't belive it, I was so pleased and proud that I entered. I was extremely nervous at first but when I get on the stage it all went away. I was anxious that people would judge me but having my friends and family there to support me really helped.

"I also took part in the Park Dean Talent Nation Grand Final earlier this year, at Skegness Holiday Park, with over 40 other talented young people, this really helped my confidence.

"My love of singing came from The Legacy Choir which I am a part of. It is a community choir, in Plymouth, for young people from Year 7 upwards. It was set up to allow young people to sing together, regardless of the school they attend. 

"The choir gets involved with exciting projects including exchanges to the USA and fun performances at events in the local community. I love being a part of the choir and look forward to going every Monday.

"Through the Legacy Choir, I got the opportunity to perform on live TV, for Children in 2021. It's so amazing to get these experiences and be around like-minded people who love singing as much as I do. I feel like I fit in there and I can express myself.

"I am inspired by Ariana Grande, she's an incredible singer, but she’s gone through so much with the Manchester bombings, yet she's still singing and doing what she loves, so it makes me feel like I can do the same when things get hard.

"My advice to other young people is to do what makes you happy even if you think you may be judged for it. Be confident and if you want to sing, sing!"