New pupil, Mia, on her first year at Normanhurst and her passion for dance.
Tell us a bit about you
My name is Mia and I am 12 years old. I am in Year 7 at Normanhurst School. I like to dance, listen to music and play sports.
Where do you live?
I live in Buckhurst Hill, Essex, and I like that it’s a small, friendly community. I also like that it is close to Epping Forest and there is lots of green space around. Over the past year, I have done so much exploring of the local area with my family – lots of forest walks and picnics – and I’ve realised how lucky I am to have all of this on my doorstep. I have discovered a love of nature because of all the time we have spent outside.
Tell us about your family
I have a younger sister, Eloise, who is nearly 10. My mum is an accountant and my dad is a strategy director (don’t ask me what that is!). We have a family tortoise called Monty. He has been hibernating in his own fridge all winter at my grandparents’ house and so it’s lovely to see him awake and basking in the sun now that spring is here. We like to go skiing in Austria for Christmas with my aunt and uncle. Hopefully, we will get to go this year. I am lucky that I live close to my extended family and so don’t have to travel far to see them.
Can you sum up your family in one sentence?
We love having fun, are crazy at times, and we are all very close.
What are the most exciting things that have happened to you over the past year?
Starting at Normanhurst has been the most exciting thing that has happened over the past year. My initial nerves at starting secondary school soon disappeared and I’ve made some great friends. I also loved attending a photoshoot for a health and beauty brand in May because it was so much fun being in the studio with the makeup artists and hair stylist and doing something completely different for a day.
Who are your biggest influences?
My biggest influences are my parents and grandparents. I am lucky to have such a close relationship with all of my grandparents and they have taught me a lot. I also really admire Kate Middleton (we share the same birthday!). She does so much for children’s charities and mental health charities which I find really inspiring.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
In five years’ time I see myself doing my A levels and continuing with my dancing. I would love to do some acting too. It will be great when life finally gets back to normal. I am excited for the future and what the next four years at Normanhurst will bring.
What are your hobbies?
My hobbies are dancing (I have had lessons every Saturday since I was 3 years old), gymnastics and acting. Every year, my dance school puts on a big summer showcase at the Harlow Playhouse and it’s such a shame that we weren’t able to do the show last year. This summer we are doing an open air show instead which I’m really looking forward to. It’s great to be back learning new dance routines and having lessons in the studio instead of over Zoom.
How do you relax?
I relax by listening to music by my favourite artists. I also find drawing very relaxing and a good way to switch off after a busy day.
What is your all-time favourite food?
My all-time favourite food is pesto pasta. It’s simple but it’s the best. My grandad’s chicken curry comes a close second. During lockdown, he would leave a chicken curry on the doorstep for us once a week because he knows how much my sister and I love them.
What or who makes you smile?
My family and friends make me smile. My sister is hilarious and always has me giggling. James Corden makes me laugh A LOT. I like to watch re-runs of Carpool Karaoke.
What is your worst habit?
My worst habit is always having a messy bedroom. I tend to leave clothes all over the floor!
What is your claim to fame?
I don’t have a claim to fame as such but in 2019 I was in a video for a clothing brand which was shown at their flagship store on Oxford Street, and also at Westfield, which was quite surreal at the time.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you
I am planning to learn how to play the electric guitar. Oh, and I LOVE gherkins!
Mia’s story has been featured in the local West Essex Life magazine, which you can view HERE.
