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"It's not often people get offered opportunities like this, especially a 13-year-old girl like me from Cardiff."
Hi, I am Luchia from Cardiff, and last year I started my journey learning the Welsh National Anthem. From a young age, I found learning the Welsh language difficult. However, as I got older and since attending high school, I have become a lot more interested and eager to learn.
I feel it is so important for everyone from Wales to learn and speak Welsh, whether you were born here or came to Wales at a young age, no matter your background or heritage. If you feel Welsh, it is never too late to learn the language.
I have no Welsh blood; my heritage is mixed Greek and Nigerian. However, I was born here and totally feel Welsh. It's the place I call home.
There have been times over the years where people have made comments such as, "You’re not white enough," "You’re not black enough," or "You’re not Welsh, you’re black!" Obviously, that has made me think about things, but thankfully, I know who I am and what I am.
I always thought I knew the words to the anthem, but boy, was I wrong! Like most of us, I sang along, making up my own words just to blend in. Since starting high school, my pronunciation of Welsh has improved, but with the task of learning the Welsh National Anthem, I definitely needed a helping hand. Thankfully, I was introduced to the amazing Natalie Jones, who has certainly helped with my pronunciation of Welsh words so far.
The journey has been absolutely amazing. Working with the Welsh Rugby Union, who have been filming and documenting the process, has been a fantastic experience. I was lucky enough to watch the Wales v South Africa game and the Wales v Barbarians game, which was incredible, especially as it was my first time at Principality Stadium to watch a rugby game. The atmosphere at a rugby game is something incredible, and I have now found a new love for rugby and will definitely be attending more games.
On set wit Gio Compario aka Wynn Evans - Guy from Go Compare.
I have also met and worked with so many fantastic people. I got to work with Wynne Evans, the face of Go.Compare, and I also met the former First Minister Mark Drakeford, who offered words of encouragement. I attended Tafwyl, a Welsh festival celebrating the Welsh language, arts, and culture. It is spread over two days and is usually held at Cardiff Castle. I had never heard of Tafwyl Festival before, and it is something I will be attending yearly.
The process has been slower than I anticipated due to school commitments, such as numerous assessments and daily rehearsals for my school musical. However, I was adamant I was not going to let any of this get in the way of my journey to learn the anthem.
The cherry on top of all this hard work is that the Welsh Rugby Union has invited me to sing with the choir before the game for Welsh Women in the Six Nations this year. I cannot tell you how overwhelming this is, and I feel so incredibly lucky to be given such an amazing opportunity.
My initial goal was to learn the Welsh National Anthem. However, as time has passed, I am now going one step further and teaching myself to speak Welsh fluently. Not only is this keeping the Welsh language alive and making me feel more connected, but it will also open more doors for me now and in the future, in my singing career and TV and radio presenting roles.
I 100% have a sense of belonging. I have a deep connection with my hometown, even though my heritage is Greek and Nigerian, which obviously has my heart. However, Wales is my home.
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