Yusra
13 years old, South Africa
My name is Yusra Khan and I have been in love with the idea of being on the big screen, inspiring others the way I was. Acting has been a part of me ever since I can remember. Last year I did my first ever school production and was a lead role. It was based off of the famous movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and I played Willy Wonka, even though I am a girl, and my most favourite memories are when my friends and I were practicing our lines, making little scenarios and acting them out, but nothing felt better than the actual nigh of the show. I got changed into my costume and we did a final walk through...and I was so nervous but even more excited, I was strapped up with a microphone and the play began. I kept on thinking to myself as I was waiting for my turn "What if I forget everything? What if I trip and fall? What if I say the wrong line?" But all of those negative thoughts flew away as soon as I walked on stage, I forgot everything I was thinking about and really because Willy Wonka, when I learnt I was getting case as him for my school play, I did so much research on him, I rewatched all of him movies and listened to the sound trach every night before bed, so I really knew my character, and when I say I step on that stage, I completely forgot I was Yusra Khan and just because Willy Wonka. I felt like the world was in the palm of my hand, and when the show was over, the audience erupted in applause. A few parents of children I was working with came up to me and congratulated me and said I did a fantastic job, I even remember the exact words of on of the mothers, she said "I see acting in your future, your really talented" and that has been my everlasting drive. When I didn't think it could get better, I was awarded a certificate for my performance, but that wasn't the end. A few months go by and our school is having a fun day, I'm standing in line and a little girl comes up to me and says "Hi... aren't you Willy Wonka?" And I almost burst into tears, I actually got recognised but a little girl from a performance I did months ago, and I said yes, we spoke for a bit and she even asked for a hug at the end, it was hands down the best thing about the whole show, I like to think I made her day because that's my only goal as an aspiring actress, I wanna make other people feel seen and heard, even if we never met yet.
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