Describe a famous living person whom you would like to meet. Why are you eager to meet him or her?

Written by: Cherelle Chew (4D 2023)

It was a Saturday afternoon in 2016. The sounds of guitars being strummed and voices warming up slowly fill my ears as I trudged up the stairs to the studio. Upon reaching a door that had a ukelele drawn on its wood, I knocked and entered. I had ukelele practice. On that particular day, my teacher had decided to teach a new song. Sitting down, I opened my ukelele case and took out my ukelele. I started twisting the knobs to tune it as my teacher played the song we were going to learn. As the song played, I could feel the world go silent. Time slowed. My heart beat furiously in my chest. It was an indescribable feeling. As the song ended, and the world started to move again, I caught the last lyrics to the song “You Belong with Me” by Taylor Swift. “Have you ever thought just maybe you belong with me?”, sang Taylor. I knew from then on, my heart belonged to the iconic Taylor Swift. 

Ever since that afternoon, my new mission in life has been to meet Taylor Swift. With award-winning albums and a heart of gold, Taylor Swift has always held a place in my heart. However, there is something else about her that draws me in. What is it? 

Taylor Swift has long blond hair that cascades down her back in waves, vibrant blue eyes and lips that were more often than not coated in bright red lipstick. Standing at an impressive height of around 1.8 metres, she does not let her height deter her from constantly wearing heels.

Taylor Swift encourages me to be content with imperfection and that trying is effort enough. Taylor’s music validates the experiences I have been through, especially experiences that have had affected me greatly but seem insignificant to everyone else. In Taylor Swift’s music, no experience is invalid. Any experience deserves to be acknowledged and overcome, no matter how seemingly small. From a particular song “this is me trying”, I am especially comforted by the way the song acknowledges effort, and that perfectionism and academic excellence are not mandatory in life. 

I am inspired by Taylor Swift’s beliefs. Taylor Swift has always advocated for gender equality and the rights of minority groups. In the song “The Man”, a particular lyric highlights the major problem for working non-males. “I’m so sick of running as fast as I can, wondering if I’d get there quicker if I was a man”. Sexism is still apparent in today’s society, especially in the workforce. There is a staggering difference between the salary of men and the salary of those of other genders. Other examples of sexism include unfair dress codes, the difference in the number of opportunities available and promotions based on biasness. Taylor Swift strived to prove her ability as a female singer, becoming the first female Artist of the Decade and the first female musical artiste to have their songs occupy the top ten spots of the Billboard 100. She has countlessly proved that females are just as capable as males, and that has greatly inspired me to never look down on my role in society as a female, because I too can do great things. 

Taylor Swift is a symbol of resilience. She had faced many obstacles in her career, like Ye West (formerly known as Kanye West) and her works being sold without permission. Many years ago, in an award show, Taylor Swift was in the middle of her speech for winning ‘Best Music Video’ when Ye West interrupted her by climbing up on stage and claimed Beyonce deserved the award. Jeers were heard all over. Eyes watched from every angle. Taylor Swift received a blow to her self-esteem. Now, many years later, she has received countless awards, not just for music videos. She has proven to be capable and diligent, an opposite of what Ye West had made her out to be. I had learnt to work hard and stay resilient, and that negative remarks from others do not matter much. 

I want to meet Taylor Swift, international superstar, because she has made me who I am today, as I have learnt from her to be equal, to try, and to stay resilient. However, I would also love to give her a tight, warm hug, as she has contributed so much to society by empowering people all over the globe, and I wish she could feel the gratitude and appreciation I hold for her, and that the world has for her.