With her sights set on being a lawyer, Freda Zhang is jumping on any opportunities that will help prepare her for the legal world.
The teenager has already been working on public speaking and exhibiting leadership through the White Rock Youth Ambassador Program, and is now looking to further those skills on the provincial stage.
Vying to be one of three B.C. Ambassadors crowned in August, the Grade 11 Semiahmoo Secondary student is seeking sponsors and fundraising for the program in the early stages of her candidacy.
Zhang said she is the sixth White Rock ambassador to be involved in the provincial program, with the most recent local representation coming from former Miss White Rock Hayley Woodin, who served as a B.C. Ambassador two years ago.
The title is annually given to the three candidates who receive the highest scores during a week-long event in Merritt, Aug. 8 to 13.
“I am competing against another 14 youth from around B.C.,” Zhang said. “I am excited to get to know them during the week of August.”
In that time, contestants will undergo an interview and three-hour written exam testing their B.C. knowledge.
The youth will also rehearse for two days of public performances, when they are to present two speeches – one on their communities and another on a topic of their choosing – a talent and a community table.
They can also opt to create a costume depicting their community; Zhang is making a starfish.
Her speech of choice is titled Supersized Mustard, and highlights the growing materialism in society and the importance of spirituality.
“It’s an inspiration from my English tutor who gave me this essay topic,” said Zhang, who moved to the area from Shanghai four years ago.
For her talent, she is to play a piece on the flute in dedication to her flute teacher.
While participants don’t have to raise a specific amount of money for the program, Zhang aims to collect $1,000 by selling chocolates at various businesses and stores.
She is also seeking sponsors, as the program requires to hand in the names of at least 15.
If crowned in August – a month after she steps down as a White Rock princess – Zhang will reign for a year, volunteering and travelling the province to promote the program’s mandate of education, self-esteem and motivation.
“I think it would be a good experience for me because I want to be a lawyer in the future and I think it will further improve my verbal skills.”
Zhang – who, at 17, is the youngest of the contestants – has already had a taste of a B.C. Ambassador’s schedule through her work as a White Rock princess.
In addition to her ambassador duties, she studies in the International Baccalaureate program at Semi, plays in Semiahmoo Strings, practises three instruments in her spare time and volunteers at Peace Arch Hospital, where she plays music to seniors.
“I have a really busy schedule, however, I try my best to be committed to everything,” she said, noting she has what it takes to represent the province.
“I am very compassionate and I am an active volunteer in the community and I think as a B.C. Ambassador, you have to be very passionate and have enthusiasm towards what you are doing, and I am very enthusiastic.”
Whatever the outcome, Zhang said the experience will have been worthwhile.
“The result is definitely important, however, I do want to enjoy the program and I think the process will be more important because not that many people will have this opportunity to get to know other people from the province and do a whole program like this,” she said.
“If fortunate enough, I hope I can actually gain the title, and it would be an honour for me to represent my community throughout the province for another year.”
For more information on Zhang’s candidacy, visit her blog at fredaskysmile.wordpress.com