Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, my name is Lily Henderson, and I am a recovering awkward person and people pleaser. And the only reason I can say that, is because of Shine, Miss Anderson, and all the girls in front of me.
I can barely remember my first shine class because, even though it was only 10 months ago, it feels like 10 years. I feel as if I am a completely different person to the weird, socially anxious girl that walked into this building at the start of this year.
For the past few years, I have struggled with anxiety, I couldn’t talk to people, I couldn’t order my own food, and I definitely couldn’t stand in front of you right now.
I’ll be honest, when my mum suggested shine, I was reluctant. I just thought of myself as one of those people who just keeps quiet and doesn’t stick up for myself, or as Miss Anderson would say, a passive ‘doormat’. But since then, I have developed so much, and met so many incredible young women along the way. The atmosphere in that classroom is one I had never experienced before. I finally feel comfortable to share my thoughts, and more importantly, I feel that people hear said thoughts.
Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “do one thing every day that scares you” and Shine scared me. But being scared was exactly what I needed. I slowly began coming out of my shell, sticking up for myself, and treating myself with the same kindness I did to the people around me. I got out of a toxic relationship, stood up to my father, and reached out and got the help I needed for my mental health.
The most powerful lesson I will take away from this course and keep with me for the rest of my life, is, to be the red fish, in a sea full of yellow fish, or a rainbow in a world of grey. Don’t be afraid to stand out. If its not hurting others, do it!
We seriously need more people in the world like these girls, and miss Anderson, single handed-ly is making that happen.
Thank you so much mum, for taking me here, for encouraging me to go even when I feel awful and being my number 1 supporter. Thank you so much miss Anderson for being the change we all need, and giving girls like me an opportunity, you were always there for us, whether it was for advice, a question, or just a juice. And finally thank you to my peers, I love you all so much, and I am just waiting for the day when one of you become prime minister, or the next Elon musk, or a famous activist, because the truth is, you all are so incredible, you could easily become whatever you want.
Ladies and gentlemen, good evening and goodnight!
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