Camecia

Camecia, Chloe, Nelma, Kierston and Nefeli worked tirelessly to spread life-saving messages about breast cancer amongst young people and won the CoppaFeel! Challenge earlier this year.

Camecia is an aspiring actor who recently worked tirelessly to spread life-saving messages about breast cancer amongst young people working with the charity CoppaFeel with four other students. She is currently in her second year of studying A Levels in English Literature, English Language, Psychology and a vocational course in Acting. She was a former Norbury Manor Business and Enterprise College student. We caught up with Camecia to find out a little more about her journey so far.

What made you choose NewVIc?

I chose NewVIc because each department looked great for all of the subjects I wanted to choose. The entry requirements motivated me to want to achieve good grades so I could continue doing the subjects I love. This college is very social, there’s always something fun happening to keep students entertained and enjoying the overall college experience, whether that be; Culture Day, basketball games, roller skating discos, professional rock climbing in the MUGA or outside volleyball in the summer.

WHY DID YOU PICK a levelS TO STUDY?

I chose A Level English Literature and Language because I enjoyed it and was good at it in secondary school. A Levels are more of a challenge but I love all the new language linguistics you learn and how much more English has to offer than just personification and metaphors.

I also study A Level Psychology because I find it so intriguing how the brain works and the social science behind what makes us us which so many people don’t think about in as much detail. It’s interesting to see the wiring behind what we do in our daily lives. I also study BTEC Acting alongside my A Levels because to pursue acting has been a passion of mine for years. I like learning the different techniques that famous actors like Zendaya and Robert Pattinson and Kevin Hart also use in their work.

How have you found sixth form so far?

So far, I really like sixth form college. I spend a lot of time in the sports department which is a very social area for you to meet so many different students and make valuable friendships with them. I like all the entertainment that the college provides throughout the year, there’s always something fun happening and I’ve helped the college plan some of the activities that have taken place.

I’ve helped out with the college open days and freshers fairs to get new students or continuing students to try new sports and engage in different clubs. I also organised one of the most entertaining events of the year with a basketball boys vs netball girls in a game of netball which had a full house full of students loving the game. It was fun to take part in as the boys didn’t know the netball rules and kept pulling stunts that aren’t allowed in a true netball game. I helped raise awareness for breast cancer during breast cancer awareness month, working alongside the charity called CoppaFeel where myself and four other friends gained over 600 votes from the students in college. We received the latest iPads which I love.

I’m also a student councillor which is a great platform to create a voice for the students in the college to have our wants and needs met. I am a trampolining sports activator and a sports leader where I have the chance to teach younger children in primary schools some of the sports I love like netball and football.

Last year, the girls football team brought home a trophy for winning the futsal festival we took part in every month for the entire duration of year 12. I love taking part and helping out in the college as there’s always something you can do to keep you busy and entertained.

Is there anything you wish you had known that you do now?

Before you begin college, it can seem a bit daunting. You’re excited to start a new chapter of your life but also there’s a lot of pressure with A Levels and coursework in vocational courses and exams etc. There’s also the idea that college is going to be unserious and that it will feel like secondary school where I feel like you have less opportunities to make improvements and introduce new ideas.

However, since being here at NewVIc, I’ve acknowledged the fact that there’s always an effort to improve at college. There’s always events and clubs going on and there’s even options for you to make your own clubs and organise your own events, like being a student councillor, getting involved with the student union. NewVIc management regularly send out student surveys for me to ask my tutorial class about what changes can be made and what issues should be addressed and what areas can be improved on for students.

I’ve learnt that college is a more nuanced chapter of life. There’s more freedom, there’s more chances to get involved and bring forward opinions and there’s ample amounts of NewVIc staff you can build a good relationship with that you can go to for advice or for issues you face.

Who is the most inspiring person you have ever met?

The most inspiring person I know is my sister. She’s taught me so many valuable lessons in life and plays a big part in who I’ve become today.

What is your advice for students considering NewVIc?

My advice for students considering coming to NewVIc is to choose NewVIc. I was contemplating between this sixth form college and another as NewVIc is further for me to travel to, but I’m so glad I came here.

I’ve made so many friendships with people who’ve left who I still talk to. I’ve made acquaintances with the first years and I get along with many teachers and go to them for advice if I need.

So what’s next?

For my future, I want to continue doing acting. It’s something that I’ve always loved. I’ve always been a drama queen and I’ve always been extroverted and social. I think my natural personality helps me a lot when I’m on stage as I’m already quite expressive.

For my next stage of life, I want to go to drama school and even though the application processes are quite nerve wracking and there’s a lot of auditions to attend, having the opportunity to continue doing what I love motivates me to keep going even when I have my doubts. Acting is more of an unpredictable career and you don’t know what you’ll face entering the industry, so I think it’s important for anyone else who wants to enter this field, to just have confidence in yourself.

Do what you can to improve yourself as an actor; attend workshops, be apart of a youth theatre, or don’t, do what feels best for you and make it your own experience. Let your faith in yourself be your drive and don’t worry about the downside of things, just focus on the positive and that positivity will attract what’s right for you into your life.