News Detail
Speaking about fear
One student's perspective
On Thursday morning, a student from Lonsdale's House rose to the challenge of speaking in Chapel. He chose the subject of 'fear,' and by speaking in his second language in front of the entire student body, conquered one of his own personal fears. He began with a quote from Nelson Mandela, and proceeded to brightly articulate the benefits and perils of fear and failure.
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
– Nelson Mandela
About a month ago, a prefect from my house asked if someone would want to speak in chapel. I thought, if other students have done it before me, then how hard could it be? I forgot about the fact that most of them have mastered English, and, in case that you haven't noticed my accent, English isn’t my first language. Speaking here in front of you is a real challenge to me, I must confess.
I wanted to talk about something that everyone could identify with, no matter who you are, how popular you are, or what your passions might be. I ended up choosing 'fear.'
I've learned a lot about fear at Shawnigan. In fact, fear is the only thing that has stopped me from achieving my goals, or taking on new challenges. I've learned that the only thing that sets my limitations is fear. Imagine all of the things you would've done if it wasn´t for fear, all the things you would do if people guaranteed you that there was no chance of failing.
I’m not exactly talking about the kind of fear you get when you are about to get tackled by someone like George B – although that kind can still apply! I’m talking more about fear of failure, fear of new things, fear of the unknown, or fear of trying. Or perhaps, the fear of delivering a speech in front of the whole School knowing that half of the audience is making fun of my Mexican accent.
Shawnigan can sometimes be a little more challenging for international students than for Canadian students. Don’t take me the wrong way, Shawnigan can be challenging for everyone, no matter the nationality. But for international students, the language barrier, the cultural differences, and living so far away from home can sometimes be scary. However, the fact that we are all here though means one of two things: Either you were never scared of coming to Shawnigan in the first place (which I doubt), or you overcame your fear of attending a boarding school.
As we grow up, our fears change. 10 years ago, my greatest fear was getting eaten by the monster under by bed. Right now, my greatest fear (and maybe a lot of you feel the same way) is people thinking badly about me, not being accepted. This is normal, I guess. At our age, we decide what kind of person we want to be, and that decision is often manipulated by the people that live around us. In four years, my greatest fear will probably be whether I'm going to get into a good university or not. After that, it might be getting a good job, finding a wife, building a positive future, etc.
I've been told that the decisions that we make today can change our lives tomorrow. Often, whether we make a good decision or not, will be challenged by our fears. What is going to make a real difference is the way we react to these challenges. Our fears will sometimes tell us not to take that challenge; to stay in the 'comfort zone.' But maybe a rebellious voice inside of you will want you to take the opportunity. I think it is better to risk something small in order to gain something big than not to risk anything at all, not to make an effort, and stay in the same place and gain nothing.
Sometimes the fear of being unsuccessful and the fear of new things are the fears that prevent us from taking risks. However, as Woody Allen said, "If you're not failing every now and again, it's a sign you're not doing anything very innovative."
Shawnigan is a place full of challenges, and some of those challenges can be very scary. But if you put things in perspective, all of those challenges are small compared to the problems some people face every day.
Shawnigan allows us to fail in a safe, controlled environment. Someday, we will all leave the gates, and failing will have more serious consequences. Hopefully though, our time here has taught us to overcome fears, take risks, and even if we fail, know that that's where the real learning takes place. In the famous words of Franklin Roosevelt – "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
Thank you.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
