News Archive
Chapel Words
Speaking up!
Whenever I meet visitors at the School, they ask me: "What do you do in chapel?" And even though I have attended Shawnigan for four years, I have not always had a good answer for them. I mean, how could I? To me, chapel is House presentations, celebrations, reflections, stories about Peek-A-Boo, singing hymns and, most importantly, bad Prefect jokes of the day. So instead of telling them what chapel is, I tell people what I hope Chapel will be—a place where all students can step out of their comfort zones and let their voices be heard.
Reverend Holland and I have been working towards establishing a louder student voice in chapel, to encourage students to share stories, ideas, thoughts and to create memorable experiences for the School. Some of you students may not be able to imagine speaking before a crowd of 500 people, but the chapel is an encouraging and supportive place. If you have a positive thought or an idea to share, the School will be here to listen to you. Even though you may be uncertain right now, you might be ready in a few weeks, in few months, or maybe in a year or two. Remember, speaking in chapel can be just another goal for you to achieve, and you are in control of your own pace. When you are ready, this platform will be open to you.
Right now, I am sure many of you are sneering at my words. "Easy for her to say. She likes to talk!" But trust me, you and I are on the same team, and we have the same fears, the same small voice that tells us NO, and crushes our confidence.
Take sports, for instance. I was never good at sport. I’m terrible, in fact. When I came to Shawnigan, the idea of doing sport 4 times a week haunted me. Simply put, I hated sport, and if sport was a person, I’m sure it would have hated me right back.
This term, I joined the cross-country team, thinking it would be a good way to stay fit and compete only against myself. When I was running up Discovery Hill during sport, however, I could not have been more frustrated with my poor performance. It’s hard not to compare myself, and no matter how hard I tried, I was always behind others, chasing their shadows. Even when I caught up, briefly, I fell behind again almost immediately. Whenever I conquered a hill, there was another hill. To me, cross-country was always the other runners' backs. I could never get out in front.
While defeat grew inside my mind, perseverance and confidence also emerged. With every workout, the steps became a little easier. The hills flattened out a little. I am now a better runner than I was when I joined. And even though I am still chasing others’ shadows, I am a little more confident, a little more hopeful, and a little more proud of myself. If running was a person, she might say, “Kristina’s all right.”
Maybe this applies to you. In sport, fine-art, and classes, don't be pushed back by the fear of failing and be imprisoned by your comfort zone. While there are millions of opportunities in the world, it is not the world that is closing the doors on you, rejecting you from entering it. YOU hold the keys to new opportunities. Even though you may not be great at the beginning, practice will make it easier, better, and less intimidating.
And when you are fighting against the uncertainties in your mind, remember that your story does not have to be earth-shattering. I share my cross-country story with you, and the story is not extraordinary at all. In fact, it is quite the opposite. In sharing our experience, we become stronger and can help others by reminding them that so many of our battles and challenges are the same. We are all human beings, and we share emotions—love, anger, frustration, defeat, and success. It is through these simple stories that we can connect to one another and cherish our memories. If you are thinking "Hey, I could do that," then speak to Reverend Holland today or ask your English teacher for support in preparing something for chapel.
Thank you,
Kristina ’15 (Groves')
Photo by Stephen Lane
Kristina ’15 (Groves')
Photo by Stephen Lane
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.
