SHINE Academy for Girls

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Melbourne,

November 3, 2024 11:20 am

Amani Omarjee, Korowa

Here is an excerpt from a recent graduation speech after completing the four-term curriculum:

Compared to my 2020 self, I’ve learnt how to be such a better person, to stand up for myself, general knowledge you need to know, and the list goes on and on however to put it more simply I have become a confident version of myself. I remember walking into my first SHINE class, and as embarrassing as it is to say, I did get my mum to walk me in, I was very shy and nervous. And if I reflect back to the time, I’m sure I was thinking ‘what if they don’t like me? What if I’m not good or smart enough?’, however just like always they were just some doubting thoughts throwing me off. A perfect quote which has helped me through situations similar to these is one Miss Anderson has embedded into my mind which is ‘ take a spoonful of concrete and harden up.’ Nothing sums up ‘suck it up and just do it’ more than this.

Additionally with the powerful skills of public speaking and leadership I’ve learnt here at SHINE. I’ve been exposed to numerous leadership opportunities such as house captain, house representative, part of school council and being a class representative twice. With the experience from these cherished responsibilities, I’ve learnt how to be a leader and not only telling people what to do however to also including them into the process which results in a combined effort, team response.

I strive to be the best version of myself and live by this mantra encouraged by Miss Anderson, I am inclusive, I assume positive intent and I do not gossip. With the mantra, I have become more positive, open minded and non-judgmental. And to remind myself of this important phrase I actually have a printed-out piece of paper with it on my desk, and when I’m studying, relaxing, doing school or zoom calls I see it and it reminds me to be kinder to myself and those around me.

I am so grateful for all the lessons in which Miss Anderson has taught us about politely declining invitations, expressing our feelings, how to make small talk, how to keep a conversation not awkward, deliver a well-presented speech, apologizing and professionally confronting people. All of which have especially served me well throughout my high school life, and have given me the self-confidence to approach strangers, teachers and friends about topics which concern me. It’s amazing how much of a difference knowing how to start sometimes hard conversations with people and keep them going, can make to a person’s self-esteem. Simply knowing those skills are what I believe is the main difference between me now to before SHINE, how I’m much more confident talking and raising difficult chats with peer or friends has led me to become assertive and self-assured.

For the final time, good evening and good Night.