You know when you walk into a room and you can feel everyone’s eyes on you?
That squirmy feeling in your stomach?
You start to second guess yourself, wonder whether you look perfect enough for everybody there.
Should I have done corkscrew curls or a messy bun?
Worn my skinny jeans or my chinos?
Does my “derriere” look big in this?
That guy certainly thinks so!
Most of you probably wouldn’t know what it feels like to walk into Shine; however, every girl behind me knows this sensation. The overwhelming feeling of contentment, happiness and a sometimes triumph when you win the Caramello koala for not saying “um “or “yeah”. Which to let you know, I am trying very hard to do tonight.
I guess what I am trying to convey is that walking into ‘Shine’ on a Thursday night is a whole lot different from walking into the room I was talking about.
The girls here don’t judge you for what clothes or shoes you are wearing let alone your hairstyle.
They‘re more understanding and compassionate than the average person.
I’ve learnt to look out for others, voice my opinion, and become the Shepherd instead of the sheep.
“To be a star you must shine your own light, follow your own path. Don’t worry about the darkness for that is where the stars shine brightest”
This was printed on a card I received from Miss Anderson, and I think it will be the thing I take away with me from Shine.
I think that will be the thing I add to my backpack, my backpack of life-lessons. The backpack that I will take with me as I start my journey into the big, wide world…
Anyway, I am Alex Chant, good evening and good night!