Dance, horses, music and a connection to China
School is an important part of my life, but it is certainly not the only one.
Some of the things that have shaped me the most have happened outside the classroom.
Over the years, I have discovered different passions. Some have stayed with me for a long time, while others have changed as I have grown.
Together, they are part of who I am.
Dance
I started classical ballet when I was four years old.
For years, dance was an important part of my life.
I loved the discipline, the music and the feeling of learning something little by little.
Later, I also tried modern dance, which gave me a completely different way of expressing myself.
Classical ballet taught me precision and discipline.
Modern dance allowed me to be more spontaneous.
They were different, but both taught me that movement can express emotions that are sometimes difficult to put into words.
My Love for Animals
I have always loved animals.
When I was younger, I was fascinated by them, and eventually I discovered another passion that has stayed with me:
horses.
I have been riding for about six years.
I started with ponies and, as I became more confident, I moved on to larger horses.
I have never considered riding something professional.
For me, it is something much more personal.
One of my favorite parts is actually everything that happens before and after the lesson.
Preparing the horse.
Brushing it.
Putting on the saddle.
Making sure everything is ready.
Then, after the lesson, taking care of the horse again, cleaning it and putting everything back in order.
There is something very satisfying about this routine.
Riding is not only about getting on a horse and learning how to ride.
It is also about taking care of another living being.
Music
Music has always been another important part of my life.
From the age of ten until I was sixteen, I studied piano.
I really enjoyed playing and I have always loved music.
Unfortunately, as school became more demanding, especially with the commitments of the classical high school, I eventually had to give up piano lessons.
I still regret not having enough time for it.
But music never really disappeared from my life.
I still listen to it a lot, and I think that learning to play an instrument gave me something that goes beyond music itself.
It taught me patience.
Practice.
Concentration.
And the satisfaction of finally being able to play something that, at first, seemed impossible.
Saturdays and Chinese
There is another part of my childhood that has always been important to me.
Chinese lessons.
Since I was a little girl, I have gone to Chinese classes every Saturday afternoon.
For many years, this was a real commitment.
While other children were enjoying their Saturday afternoons, I had Chinese lessons.
At times, it was certainly not easy.
Learning Chinese requires time, patience and constant practice.
But now, looking back, I can say something very clearly:
it was worth it.
Chinese is not simply another language for me.
It is connected to my family, my experiences and an important part of my identity.
Learning the language has also allowed me to understand more about Chinese culture and to feel closer to a world that is an important part of my life.
The Things That Stay With Us
Dance, horses, music and Chinese may seem like completely different interests.
And perhaps they are.
But each one has taught me something.
Dance taught me discipline and expression.
Horses taught me responsibility and care.
Music taught me patience.
Chinese taught me perseverance and gave me a connection to another culture.
Some passions may change as we grow up.
Others stay with us.
And sometimes we don’t realize how much they are shaping us until we look back.
These are the things that have accompanied me so far.
And I am curious to discover what will come next.
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