When I entered City Spotlights on July 5th, I had no idea I would make so many memories, make so many friends especially in a short amount of time. I’ve made strong bonds with people I never thought I would be friends with. Music in this program has impacted me as an artist and has inspired me to be more outgoing as a singer and to have the confidence to sing, dance, and act in front of the public. Music is so powerful because it can change people’s perspective, especially when it’s a song that has a message to it and helps better understand people’s perspectives on issues.
 
When I was young, music has always been there for me, especially creating memories. I have been singing since I was five years old. I remember listening to my father sing and play guitar. Hearing him play made me want to accompany him every time. When I was in middle school, I started to write my own songs because I could express myself more through songs and melodies. When I heard there was a performing arts program that would pay me for what I love to do, I wanted to audition. It was the best decision I ever made.
 
When I participated in City Spotlights last summer, I felt like I was in this other magical place surrounded by amazing artists and positive minds. One thing that I really loved about City Spotlights was learning advocacy skills through the performing arts. We really developed those skills as an artist to learn to make a change through our art. When we went to the State House to advocate for more arts in schools, we had the opportunity to speak to the President of the Senate, Stan Rosenberg. I felt amazing because we were talking to important people and they were actually listening to us, rather than disregarding our opinions just because we were teenagers. After City Spotlights, I have become more confident with myself and more confident as an artist.
http://www.citicenter.org/discover/education-and-community-programs/programs/city-spotlights-summer-leadership-program/meet-the-participants/2015/jennifer.html
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