Where Passion Meets Discipline: Emma’s Student Journey
Can you introduce yourself and tell us where you are from?
My name is Emma. I'm from Medellín, Colombia. I'm 13 years old, almost 15 — my birthday is in five days. I study at San José de la Salle School.
What is something that makes you happy during your school day?
The main thing that makes me happy is learning with my friends. Spending time with them makes me very happy.
What does a normal school day look like for you?
I wake up, take a shower, get ready, and eat breakfast with my family. Then my mom takes me to school, which takes about 20 minutes.
This year has been a bit difficult because my school changed a lot, especially the classes and schedules, but I’m adapting. After school, I go to my dance classes, and then I get ready to sleep.
How do you balance school, Hudson Global Scholars, and dance?
At first, it was pretty challenging because I had very little free time during the week. I had to adapt my schedule to balance everything I needed to do.
Now it has become easier because I prioritize my activities and still make time for myself, so everything fits into my routine better. I’ve found a balance.
What are your hobbies, and what role does dance play in your life?
My main hobby is dance. I love dancing. I dance about 10 hours a week, sometimes less and sometimes more.
I study at a dance academy, and I dance there with my friends. I’ve been dancing there since I was about seven years old. It’s like my happy place, where I can be myself.
What types of dance do you practice and compete in?
I compete in contemporary dance and urban dance, but I practice many styles. I do ballet, contemporary, jazz, popping, dancehall, and more.
Sometimes people get confused about jazz dance, thinking it’s very soft, but it’s not always like that.
How do you deal with pressure from school and dance competitions?
Most of the pressure comes from myself because I always want to be better and accomplish the things I want. When I don’t get the result I expect, I can get upset with myself.
That pressure has two sides. On one hand, it helps me improve and learn, but on the other hand, I have to control it so I don’t feel disappointed in myself because of a bad grade or competition result.
What helps you relax when you are feeling upset or stressed?
There isn’t one specific thing, but talking to my mom or listening to music helps me relax and feel calmer.
How has Hudson Global Scholars changed the way you study and manage your time?
It has changed the way I study a lot because I have to manage my time carefully to do everything I need to do in a week.
I organize my time for school assignments, dance practice, and studying so I can do everything without leaving things for another day.
What tools do you use to stay organized?
I usually use a calendar where I write down the things I need to do each day, week, or month. That really helps me organize my activities and schedule.
Why did you decide to become a student ambassador?
At first, I didn’t even know it was possible. When I found out, I thought it was really cool.
I wanted to discover people from around the world who like the same things I do and learn about others while they also learn about me. In my group, I love seeing people share their passions, because even if we come from different countries or speak different languages, we connect through what we love.
What similarities and differences do you notice among students in the community?
One difference is the intensity of passion. For some students, dance is just a hobby they do occasionally, while others do it very regularly.
I think both are great. Even if you only do something for one hour a month, if you enjoy it, that’s what matters.
What message would you like to share with students around the world?
I would say: do it. It’s an amazing experience that really helps you grow as a person.
It doesn’t matter where you come from. If we find something we all have in common, we can connect, share our passions, and talk about the things we love.