Finding my Voice by Emma

Finding my Voice by Emma - May 2026 Scholarship Essay

One challenge I once found intimidating but now feel much more comfortable with is presenting on panels and singing solos in Lake Braddock Choir. For a long time, the idea of being the center of attention, whether speaking or singing, made me anxious. I worried about making mistakes, forgetting what I wanted to say, or not meeting my own expectations. Even when I was prepared, the pressure of performing in front of others made it difficult to feel confident.

When I first started presenting on panels, I focused too much on how I was being perceived. I would overthink every word and constantly second guess myself. Similarly, singing solos felt overwhelming because it was such a vulnerable experience. Unlike singing in a group, where your voice blends with others, a solo puts you completely on display. I was afraid of standing out for the wrong reasons.

What changed was not a single moment, but a gradual shift in my mindset and approach. I began to realize that avoiding these situations was only reinforcing my fear. Instead of stepping back, I chose to keep showing up. Each panel I participated in and each solo I attempted became a small step forward. Over time, those repeated experiences helped me build confidence.

Preparation also played a big role in this change. For panels, I started focusing less on memorizing exactly what I wanted to say and more on understanding my ideas. This allowed me to speak more naturally and respond to questions without feeling stuck. For singing, I spent more time practicing not just the notes, but the emotion behind the music. This helped me connect more deeply with what I was performing, which made it easier to focus on the message rather than my nerves.

Another important change was how I viewed mistakes. I used to see them as something to avoid at all costs, but I began to understand that they are part of the process. In both speaking and singing, small imperfections are often unnoticed by others, and even when they are noticed, they do not define the overall performance. This realization took away some of the pressure I had been putting on myself.

Support from others also made a difference. Being part of a choir and participating in panels meant being surrounded by people who were encouraging and understanding. Their support helped me feel less alone in my challenges and more willing to take risks. It reminded me that these experiences were not about being perfect, but about growing and sharing something meaningful.

Now, presenting on panels and singing solos still come with some nerves, but they no longer feel overwhelming. Instead of focusing on fear, I focus on the opportunity to connect with others and express myself. These experiences have taught me that confidence is not about eliminating fear, but about learning to move forward despite it.

Looking back, what once felt intimidating now feels manageable because I changed how I approached it. By practicing consistently, shifting my mindset, and allowing myself to grow through experience, I was able to turn a source of anxiety into something I can handle with confidence.