Akilah can easily be a full-time job. But Aline Sano Shengero — better known as Alyn Sano —manages to balance a rigorous academic program with her singing career through focus, dedication, and time management. Here’s her story:

I joined a choir in 2011, and I quickly realized that I had a strong voice. I didn’t think I could become a singer who was known, I just wanted to sing.

When I started studying Hospitality Management at Akilah in 2014, it was right around the time where I also started recording my own songs and things started growing.

At first it wasn’t very hard to combine it. Music didn’t take up much of my time, and in my first year at Akilah, we had fewer assignments after school. But with time, I had so many responsibilities in school and a lot of singing jobs. It required me to be very focused.

Now my two worlds are quite connected: I study hospitality and I sing in a lot of big hotels. All the things we learn in the classroom about service — I see them happening in front of me when I sing. It’s a good way to get more practical knowledge.

“Now my two worlds are quite connected: I study hospitality and I sing in a lot of big hotels. All the things we learn in the classroom about service — I see them happening in front of me when I sing.”

By now, I have many songs, more experience, and the demand is high — my phone keeps ringing. I have a new song out this week, and I am very busy doing interviews on radio and TV to promote it.

At the same time, I have a lot of responsibilities in school. I am graduating this year, so I have to be here and work hard.

I don’t have as much time as others, so I make sure I pay maximum attention when I’m in class. To be outstanding at school I need to be focused. I was really proud to see my name of the board of high academic performances this trimester — it means my work pays off.

As a girl singing, you can meet so many temptations. I’m the only girl in the band, and I see how a lot of the band members tend to party when we are out playing. I make sure not to do that — I stay focused. I make sure to separate business and pleasure.

Studying leadership at Akilah has been very helpful for me as a singer. When you sing, you can’t just be in the background. You have to talk to people, be engaged, and constantly be “on.” It requires confidence and good language skills. If you don’t believe in yourself, you won’t make it. When I’m out doing interviews in radio and TV, it makes a big difference that I have confidence and speak good English — I got that from Akilah.

After graduation I want to focus on my music. I have always dreamed of getting a bachelor’s degree and becoming an air hostess, so I also want to continue studying online.

But what I want to do for the rest of my life is music. Following your dream can be scary; sometimes I do feel scared. But my mom really supports me. She encourages me if I run into disappointments or challenges. Sometimes I come home very late from singing and wake up very early to go to school. She trusts me because she knows I’m focused and what I’m capable of.

No matter how much you struggle, you have to follow your dreams. You have to be focused and work hard. Don’t get tempted by men or money. Know your own value, follow what you want, and then work hard for it.

Learn more about Alyn Sano’s music at www.alynsano.com.