I’m here to talk about an important aspect of life that I believe in. If any of you ever paid attention in Mr. Fraser’s Grade 9 Social Studies class, a wave of nostalgia may pass over you when I say the words “continuity and change.” For those who were not in these Social Studies classes, it is one of the six historical thinking concepts – that of understanding past events in regard to what is still the same and what has changed. 

 

When I look back at my four years at Shawnigan, there are so many great things that have remained the same. Such as the Lonsdale’s and Duxbury rivalry that still burns bright today. For me this intensity was sparked during a flag football line brawl in Grade 9 (Aiden, I’m not trying to start anything, but that hit was clean, alright?). Our passionate competition still runs strong in these final weeks. Yet many things have changed. Coming here at 14, I was set on living my dream of playing hockey. I was beyond shy; way too shy to talk to anyone who approached me. So, when I tell you I am enrolled at Queen’s University, rooming with a Dux friend, and that I am taking calls from the Queen’s rugby coach, you will know a lot has changed for me.

 

My Grade 9 self was so fixed on the idea of change being something scary that I had no faith in trying anything new. However, this slowly started to evolve when I got called up to play for a hockey team full of kids a year older than me. The coach called me out and asked this simple question: “How are you feeling right now?” I responded quietly, “Coach, I'm a bit nervous.” I sat there, nervous. He turned to me and said three words that changed my life: “No, you're excited.” He taught me not to be held back by fear but to embrace it. Over the past few years, every time I sit in front of a new game, study for a test, take on a new task, or say yes to a new opportunity, what I feel is no longer fear, it's excitement. That is the narrative that we need to remember.

 

Regardless of following societal norms, guess what: your life will change. This is what “continuity and change” has shown me. You can eat the same breakfast and wear the same clothes every day and things will still change. You may get fired from your first job or get dumped by “the one” and your life will change. Change is a process that we need to be able to trust and be excited about. And if you are like me, these changes will bring a smile to your face. At first, it may be scary but if you stick through the discomfort and trust in yourself, you will find success. Change is not something to avoid and shy away from but rather an amazing opportunity to jump into.

 

American author John C. Maxwell said, “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” It’s not about what happens – it’s about how you react.