Many, many moons ago when dinosaurs roamed the earth I finished my schooling education.
Well not quite that long ago, although sometimes it feels like it was.
It was the year 2013 when we saw three Prime Ministers take charge of our country one after the other.
It was the year that "Bieber Fever" was not a contagious disease but merely a phase for teenage girls.
And it was the year my journey began.
With final exams and graduation on the horizon for the 2021 Year 12 cohort, I am left reflecting on my schooling years and the words of wisdom I wish I had been given.
Firstly, congratulations are in order. Completing a high school education is an immense achievement and is one to be very proud of.
With all the excitement around completing 13 years of schooling also come a lot of emotions. Feeling overwhelmed and the pressure to succeed can be exhausting.
I wish that I was told that this: it is okay to not know what path you want to take.
I wish I was encouraged to explore different avenues that may lead me onto the right path. But most of all I wish I was told to trust myself and my instinct.
There is a quote that was read at my Year 12 school awards day that I still reference to this very day.
That is, "work hard in silence, let your success be your noise".
This one quote has resonated with me for seven years now. When I'm a little lost or need reassurance I like to think of this quote.
I also like to look back and just take a minute to see how far I really have come from being that small town country girl to the person I am today.
The big wide world can be such a daunting place when you are just starting to become who you are.
The key is to not let your self doubt creep in but to use that motivate yourself.
Whether you go to university, pursue your interest in the agriculture sector or take the time to find your way, just remember that in order to succeed you must take that leap.
As Erin Hanson and Winnie the Pooh once said, "Oh, but what if I fall?
Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?
- Lyndal Tuttle, 2019 QCL Showgirl Miss Popular
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