While many people can only dream about the New York City experience, multi-talented Blessing Mtetwa is counting down the months before a possible visit to the Big Apple, which would fulfil her wildest dreams.
The 17-year-old dancer, choreographer and model will be showcasing her talents at the International Models and Talent Convention in July.
Mtetwa and her family have been raising funds for this life-changing trip to grant her an opportunity to do what she has been passionate about since her youngest days.
Mtetwa explained: “I need a sponsor so that I can have the best experience in New York City. The amount of money I need is R41 000 which would include food for eight days, costumes and outfits for the categories I’m participating/competing in (dancing, fashion print fashion runway, commercial print model spot, make-up, jean modelling, and voice-overs).”
She described the moment when she first heard the news as magical.
“I was relieved and so proud of myself for such an accomplishment. It was truly one of the happiest moments of my life. I received the news after 23:30 (11.30pm). I started to get so sleepy and when that phone call came through, wow, I couldn't control myself. It was truly a magical moment.”
With the desire to lead by example, Mtetwa believes age, size, gender, and national things should not deter anyone from pursuing what they love. The young talent revealed that she was once told that she was too small to perform on a stage alone.
“I was told that it would look weird for a small girl to dance on the big stage alone, so they had me teach others my choreography to perform it. It brought me down, but God had a special plan for me.
“I want people to know that they are worthy and that they have talents and that they should allow God to take control of their lives because he will do great things for them,” she added.
“Through my craft I want to leave a smile on people’s faces, I want to bring so much joy and meaning in my performance that it leaves a print in someone’s heart and that it heals others.”
Mtetwa hopes to pursue careers in the industry such as commercial modelling, runway modelling, voice-overs, and maybe even song-writing.