Shazia Downs Shares A NextGen Alumni Perspective

June 18, 2025

Hi! I’m Shazia Downs and I’m a guitarist in the Midori & Friends NEXTGen Musician program. My experience with Midori & Friends has been a beautiful journey. From the beginning, I met amazing people who gave me confidence and courage. The program has allowed me to be myself and express my emotions through music and with others.

An added part of the Midori & Friends program is mentorship, from the Teaching Artists, Program staff, tutors, and special guest lecturers. One of my biggest accomplishments came through Midori & Friends granting me a tutor named Sophie. At first, I wasn’t sure how it would work, but she made it easy to ask questions and share how I was really feeling. Her support helped me so much.

With Sophie’s tutoring, I started to read more — I never thought I would pick up a book any random time just to read. Sophie shared, “I have witnessed remarkable growth in Shazia throughout our time together. He now knows he has the skills to take on new challenges has been so inspiring to see.”

This program changes lives – including mine.

Because of Midori & Friends, my grades have improved. I feel more confident in class. I raise my hand now. I’m not as overwhelmed by mistakes or setbacks. This program helped me see my future more clearly.I want to continue making music, stay focused on my schoolwork, and just do more.

I can’t wait to see what Midori & Friends does next to help others, because this community is truly amazing!

-Shazia Downs

Student at Fordham High School of the Arts