Competing has always been a big part of my life. One of my proudest moments was winning 1st place at the national-level dance competition in 2023. The journey to that victory was filled with long rehearsals, pushing past exhaustion, and perfecting every move. The feeling of standing on stage, hearing the crowd cheer, and knowing that my hard work had paid off was unforgettable.
Apart from dance, athletics has also played a major role in my growth. Training for competitions required discipline, endurance, and countless hours of practice. Every sprint, jump, and finish line crossed taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and resilience. However, in 2024, I had to make a difficult decision—I couldn’t compete due to my GCE A-Level studies. It was challenging to step away from something I love, but it taught me the importance of priorities and finding balance between passion and academics.
The journey hasn’t always been easy. Balancing academics with intense training schedules was one of my biggest struggles. There were days when I felt overwhelmed, juggling schoolwork and late-night rehearsals. However, I learned that time management and self-discipline are key. Setting clear goals and creating a structured routine helped me stay focused without burning out.
Stage performances also came with their own challenges—nerves, pressure, and the fear of making mistakes. But over time, I realized that confidence comes from preparation. The more I practiced, the more natural it felt. I learned to trust my skills, embrace the energy of the audience, and turn anxiety into excitement. Every mistake became a lesson, and every performance helped me grow stronger.
Prioritize and Plan – Use a schedule to balance study time and training sessions
Practice with Purpose – Focus on quality over quantity; smart training leads to better results.
Take Care of Yourself – Rest and recovery are just as important as hard work.
Embrace Failure – Every loss is a learning experience. Keep pushing forward!
If you’re an aspiring dancer or athlete, my biggest advice is to enjoy the process. Competitions are important, but the real reward comes from the growth and experiences along the way.
As I complete my A-Levels, I’m excited to see where life takes me next. While I couldn’t compete in 2024, my passion for dance and athletics hasn’t faded. I hope to continue pursuing them, whether through professional opportunities, coaching, or simply for personal fulfillment. My ultimate goal is to keep growing, learning, and inspiring others through my journey.