‘‘I like how film and theatre take you away from the daily grind. It's exciting, creative and more colourful than everyday life.
It gets you to see things from a different point of view - it opens your eyes to new things.''
The Queens High School house leader has spent much of this year working on an art house film, so far untitled.
‘‘It doesn't have a clear-cut storyline. It's about the values of society, and it questions whether those values put restraints on our lives.''
And Emily is just as passionate about stage performance.
She has performed in the Kings and Queens musicals (2005, 2008 and 2009), the Smokefree Rockquest (2007 and 2009), Stage Challenge (2005-09), Queens High School choirs, Wearable Arts competition and was a lead in the school's drama production of Children of the Poor this year.
Being a true entertainer, Emily has also dabbled in radio.
She is an intern at The Edge radio station this year, and was one of three finalists in the schools category of the 2008 Hills AM Radio Awards for a 30-min show about The Flight of the Concords.
Emily admits balancing her passions with academia is a challenge.
But she is proud of the drive and motivation she has managed to muster to keep her going when ‘‘the odds start stacking up'' against her.
She hopes her dedication and work ethic will eventually be captured on screen, either as an actress or director.
‘‘I'd like to see myself in the limelight - even if it means starting off doing television commercials.''
Achievements: House leader (2009); school council (2005-06); NCEA level 1 and 2 endorsed with excellence; school prizes for drama and physical education (2008); piano grade seven practical and grade five theory; Queens A football team (2005-09).
Role models: ‘‘I look up to people who are loyal, have a sense of humour, motivated, driven and follow their goals through.''
Hopes for the future: To study English, film and theatre at the University of Otago or Victoria University.