Ashley Okoku

I can still recall the first moment where I believed I could sing. I was eight years old, and my sister and I had just finished watching a TV program called "High School Musical.” After the movie, I walked into my bathroom, looked into the mirror, and proceeded to sing. I remember singing the song, “The Start of Something New", and my feelings of ease as each vocal floated of off my tongue. At that moment, I knew I had uncovered an interesting new talent, and I could not wait to share it with my family.

Since that incident, singing has been a passion of mine. I was a timid child, so it aided me in opening up more. Whether it be in the shower or in front of familiar faces, I could always find an outlet for my voice. As I grew older and became more familiar with the different types of musical genres, artists such as Mariah Carey, Ciara, Rhianna, and especially Beyoncé, were strong influences on me. The more I listened to these artists, the more my passion for singing thrived. I joined many choirs while climbing up the academic ladder, and although my family and I moved a lot, I got involved with as many school musicals as I could. I auditioned for solos and even traveled to honor choir events with my school.
Because I sing, I am able to release inner emotions that I may have kept harbored before. Since I was shy and did not deal well with confrontation, it was an easier means of ventilation. Even when happy, singing a nice song added to that contentment. I believe this gift of singing was a true blessing to my life, and I will forever be grateful for it. Now, I have come to realize that just like how the constant practice of singing has shaped me into a better singer, so has the continuous practice of writing molded me into a better writer.