Hello everyone, for those who don’t know me, my name is Mikayla and I am your 2022 Arts Prefect.

I’ve been looking forward to giving this speech for years now. Every time I heard one of the past prefects giving their speeches I would always sit in the audience thinking “what would I talk about?”

And for anyone who knows just how indecisive I am, it’s not surprising that my answer changed every time. But I suppose that’s kind of just what happens as time goes on. We change. Our thoughts find different routes and we grow.

It’s scary looking back at my past self. I turn 18 next week and I can’t help but reflect on how much I’ve changed throughout my entire life. All those awkward phases and uncertainties. And of course I’m still encountering those things. I imagine in a few years I’ll look back at this time…. painfully. But I am really looking forward to being able to look back and hopefully see a lot of improvement and growth.

And today I hope to encourage you to look back and reflect on your own changes, and recognise all the good, all the bad, all the everything that has made you who you are today. But more importantly, I hope to inspire you to look forward to all the change that will be coming your way.

We are all so young with so much opportunity and potential ahead of us. So don’t let yourself settle for comfort. Take on challenges and try new things. Whether that be joining a new sports team or doing that speech in your English class, I strongly encourage you to take up these opportunities.

And don’t be afraid to use your voice. Get involved in the Student Council, Arts Council, or any other group and give your input and opinions. I think you’ll find with the majority of the groups here at Queen’s that it’s never too late to come along to a meeting or two and test the waters. And if you find that these groups aren’t for you it’s ok to change your mind. But you’ll never know unless you try. Your years at Queen’s High School are helping shape you into the person you will become. And I ask you now, who do you want to be when you leave here?

It is up to you to become the person you want to be. Whether that be a leader, an artist, a scientist or maybe just a good person. Whatever it is, it is your responsibility to get yourself there. And yes, that’s easier said than done. But you have to try. So take risks and live.

You only get to live this life once.

We’re humans. We will all make mistakes and fail. And as long as you learn from these things then there’s no need to be ashamed. So stop hiding behind fears covered in excuses and welcome change.

In this way, when you end your time here at Queen’s you can look back at this journey fondly and be proud of the person you have grown to be. 

Mikayla Preston