Nia, a Student Ambassador at EXPLO, is a true "bey-hive" Beyoncé fan. Not just her music — Beyoncé's tenacity and courage are what inspires Nia to embrace her own differences every day.

So I have this life plan all figured out. I’m definitely going to go to college for business so that I will be able to open up my own music production company right afterward. I’ll be able to meet a bunch of artists that way and end up producing my own music, too.

I love music. Mostly pop and hip-hop. Music sort of sets me free. I think I got really into music because I can be a very shy person and I really don’t feel like I fit in at places like school back home. But music allows me to connect with other artists and the stuff they write about. I put my headphones on and listen to the lyrics and because of that, I feel like the artists understand me and what kids go through to fit in. The things they sing about — especially Beyoncé — about staying strong and being brave, that really speaks to me.

I don’t feel like I need music the same way here at EXPLO. I think that’s because I never feel like I don’t belong here. I mean, we are all so different and unique in our own ways. At EXPLO, they don’t care if you're different. If anything, they’ll totally embrace you for it. Here, you don’t become friends with people based on how they look or what their opinions are. You become friends with people based on their character and how they treat each other.

When I become famous, I’m going to write music that reminds people that it’s okay to be different, but to always remember to be headstrong and courageous about your differences. I think that’s important because you will find bullies for the rest of your life in different places. It’s good to remember that there will always be people trying to bring you down. You have to learn how to be brave in spite of those people. Stick up for yourself. Believe in yourself. Own it.