It is not easy for us to admit our vulnerabilities. The whole reason it is called a vulnerability is that it is something we feel exposes us. Vulnerability typically centers on emotions such as fear. What is it that you fear?

Growing up we all experience a series of changes throughout our lifetime. One of them will be our educational journey - did you know only 60% of the world’s population have the privilege to get a secondary education; that makes us one of the lucky ones. We start in kindergarten and eventually progress to high school. Once we create a comfort zone we like to stick to this bubble for most of our lives. This is until something threatens that comfort zone.

Changing environments is not something to be taken lightly, some may think it gets easier as you get older but I would argue that it gets harder. The important decision I made when moving to Queen’s from another school was a time when I chose to let go of my comfort zone. Many called me silly for moving, and that I was throwing away the good impression and connections I had made in my four years there. I decided to be strong and so I took that jump and stepped away from the fear of ‘what ifs’. Fast forward a few years here I am standing in front of you, slaying the game.

Cultural expectations and traditions play a huge part in my life. I am very proud of the cultural heritage I hail from. It is through these experiences of my immigrant parents and their struggles that have brought me here today. They have taught me the value of being pushed out of my comfort zone. 

There are times in life when your options are limited and life is very much defined by the choices you make. That’s right, your choices, forget what everyone else is doing. Focus on your own reaction and attitude so you can better control how your body responds to a flight or fight situation. Instead of running away from what is unknown to us, choose to fight it.

How does one maintain cultural identity? My family is deeply rooted in Fiji, and if you didn’t know, I identify as Fijian-Indian yet I was born and raised in Dunedin. Eight years passed between my last two visits to the Island. Once as a 10-year-old girl speaking at my nana’s funeral and this year I came back as an adult. I tried to spend as much of my time with my family and blending in with the ways of the village. They were surprised by how easily I merged in with the life, language, culture and environment back home. So even if you are placed into a certain box, don’t give those stereotypes the power to define who you are.

Earlier on I wasn't very honest with you, I didn't explain the full truth, because not only does vulnerability associate with fear but it also links to a sense of belonging, authenticity and courage. I can’t come up here and give a spiel on how to ‘face your fears’, it’s simply not that simple. We can’t make our fears just disappear, in fact fear is just another part of life. What I ask of you is to not let fear be your barrier. 

My advice is to be vulnerable, to persevere, for your sense of belonging. Be authentic to yourself wherever life takes you. 

Remember, we are the 60% of people who have the privilege to receive an education, so take each opportunity, be kind and do good. 

Kia kaha