A grade 11 student from Carman is making waves in the music industry. Faouzia O placed second in Canada's Walk of Fame Emerging Artist Program which provides musicians the chance take their work to the next level by growing and developing their skills and industry connections. It is valued at over $100,000.

The second-place prize included cash and gave Faouzia the chance to attend a mentorship program, however she declined the opportunity because she had to return to school. Faouzia was also selected out of 350 hopefuls nationwide to perform at a concert event in Toronto.

"I got to meet so many more people just by a good two hours, I met other performers and I met industry people. I can just say that it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience," explains Faouzia. "It was just crazy to see all these people from a place that I've never been to before, just coming in and talking to me after the show and saying that they enjoyed it. Even talking to industry people, that was just absolutely insane. All of this just kind of built me up to another level I would say...and I will definitely not forget it."

For her performance, Faouzia selected three original songs and says the experience went by quickly.

As for what kind of tips and advice she received from industry officials, Faouzia says she was told to take her music career slowly which she notes was her plan since the beginning. She hopes to attend university and pursue her interest in science while still doing music on the side.

"So I'm going to be taking my time and I think that every experience that I have is a stepping stone for sure and this one was a big one."

Faouzia says she was honoured and proud to be selected out of 350 finalists, adding the news took a while to sink in.

Below is the rest of Candace Derksen's conversation with Faouzia.