Julia Lemigova reveals her ‘secret weapon’ as she heads back to school to study opera

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Julia Lemigova is heading back to school. After a tumultuous season of The Real Housewives of Miami, the reality star spoke exclusively with Wonderwall.com about studying opera at Florida International University’s School of Music and her “secret weapon” as she balances her studies with her family and running their farm just outside of Miami. (Hint: It has to do with her wife, former tennis pro Martina Navratilova!)

Keep reading for the highlights from our chat…

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Studying opera

Julia Lemigova, who teased her love for singing on The Real Housewives of Miami, felt it was time to take her passion to the next level after she starred in Florida Grand Opera’s recent production of Carmen. “I’m a really curious person. When I started opera two years ago, I hated when I would hit so many wrong notes. When I got this opportunity on [RHOM], I said to myself, ‘I don’t want to stop. I want to go back to basics and study it.’ Now I’m with 18 and 20-year-old kids studying and taking so many different classes. But I love it. It’s exhausting, but I’m working this muscle in my brain and I’ve never felt more alive,” she says.

A Real Housewife in the classroom

Julia Lemigova sees going back to school as a gift to herself. “I’ve never felt more inspired to go back to school than in this phase of my life. It feels incredibly empowering,” she says. “It’s something I wanted to pursue for a long time, and I’m doing it purely for me. I’m studying voice, English diction, literature and fundamentals of music. And, yes, I’m showing up every day to class in person. When I walk into the classroom, I’m not a Housewife. I’m not a mom. I’m just simply Julia, the student. I also want to set an example for my [two sons] to show them that learning never stops.”

Her wife’s support

Julia Lemigova’s wife, Martina Navratilova, is right by her side as she focuses on her studies. “Having an incredible partner like Martina makes all the difference,” she says. “We’re both very hands-on with family and work. Tackling everything as a team is our secret weapon because I truly believe that without her support and the way we balance each other, none of this probably would be possible.”

Finding her zen on the farm

With the anxieties that come from starring on reality television, Julia Lemigova maintains her mental health by making time for her farm. “It is my sanctuary. I escape from the drama of everyday life. It’s my happy place,” she says. “It takes me out of the fast pace of Miami and brings me peace, quiet and calm by caring for the animals and listening to the sound of nature. It’s so incredibly grounding. It’s especially rewarding when we rescue animals and give them a better life.”