Holland College LINC students showcase talents at “winter carnival” show

by Nash Alonto 

March 13, 2024 

Judy Kwan performed the song “A Million Dreams” from “The Greatest Showman” during the Winter Carnival of Holland College’s Language Instruction to Newcomers in Canada (LINC). She was one of 30 students showcasing their talent during the event at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown on Tues., March 12, 2024. (photo by Nash Alonto)

Judy Kwan stood on stage, with a spotlight shining above her head, singing “A Million Dreams” from the musical film “The Greatest Showman”, in front of 20 people. 

Kwan, an English Language Training Hospitality (ELTH) student from Hong Kong, was one of 30 students at Holland College’s Language Instruction for Newcomers in Canada (LINC) program who performed at the annual Winter Carnival talent show on Tues., March 12, 2024. This is the 13th edition of the annual event. 

Kwan managed to pull off her performance, it was not an easy task for her that day. Not only was she a performer, she was also the show’s co-emcee. 

“(It was) a pretty busy morning for me. I did (prepare well) for everything, but I still feel a lot of pressure,” she said. 

Kwan had to multi-task throughout the program. 

Judy Kwan singing “A Million Dreams” from “The Greatest Showman” at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown on Tues., March 12, 2024. (photo by Nash Alonto)

“I have to make sure I didn’t miss anything … just to make sure I (would) minimize my mistakes so I can do my best,” she said.  

It was their best show ever, and the student-performers was showered with applause from the audience, said ELTH instructor Beverly Lewis. 

“It’s to give them new experiences, to help (the LINC students) practice their English, and to show their talent,” said Lewis. 

The best part about the talent show for Lewis was seeing her students gaining their confidence in using their English in a real-world setting. 

Judy Kwan (centre) singing “Do-Re-Mi” from “The Sound of Music” with other English Language Training Hospitality students at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall in Charlottetown on Tues., March 12, 2024. (photo by Nash Alonto)

“They we’re able to feel comfortable on stage, and the audience had a great time,” she said. 

Prizes are given to performers in both individual and group categories. The top three in each category pick their prize on a table in front of the stage and the rest get to pick theirs as a “thank you” gift. Kwan won first place in the individual category. 

“I’m glad I (made) it and I (got) first place,” she said.