Students considering higher education should research the study programmes they intend to follow while pursuing their passion, a Bermudian student at the University of Michigan advised.

Myah Bridgewater is working towards a bachelor’s degree in acting with a minor in performing arts management and education for empowerment.

She said: “You’re going to hear a lot of voices telling you to do this, and do that, but do your own research and look into what you love.”

Ms Bridgewater was featured this week on the US Consulate’s Facebook and Instagram accounts in a spotlight video.

The campaign series, Study With “US”, highlights students from the island who are attending or graduated from colleges and universities in the United States.

Karen Grissette, the US Consul-General said: “Myah’s US experience has equipped her with the knowledge and tools to pursue her passion and seek opportunities to give back to her community.

“Her cultural exchange opportunities and educational accomplishments are yet another example of the benefits of studying in the United States.”

The US Consulate said the programme Ms Bridgewater is pursuing was “designed for students interested in examining the critical role of education and developing equitable and just educational opportunities”.

Ms Bridgewater, who has enjoyed performing arts from a young age, said she chose to study at the University of Michigan “because they have super rigorous academics … with this amazing conservatory-style acting programme, which was really attractive to me because I love both academics and arts”.

She spent time acting at the Stagedoor Manor performing arts camp in upstate New York and also took part in Camp Broadway in New York City.

Ms Bridgewater explored musical theatre opportunities at the Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Massachusetts.

Two years ago, in Bermuda, she launched a summer theatre camp called ActinUp! at Warwick Academy, where she went to school.

Ms Bridgewater partnered with Sanzia Pearman, an undergraduate studying musical theatre and education at Spelman College in Atlanta, to hold the event.

On her return to the island, she plans to use her talents, and advance education programmes for Bermuda’s young people.

The University of Michigan, which was founded in 1817, is a public research university in Ann Arbor, Michigan and is the oldest institution of higher education in the state.

The Study With “US” campaign highlights the benefits as well as pathways to study in the United States.

It provides information on ways to pursue higher education through the EducationUSA network, which covers more than 400 international student advising centres.

The consulate said: “The network promotes US higher education to students around the world, offers information about opportunities to study at accredited postsecondary institutions in the United States, and  provides services to students and their families focused on topics including the admissions process, standardised testing requirements and how to finance a US education.

“The US Consulate can provide information about the student visa process and preparing for departure to the United States.”