Lola Castles - Deputy Head Girl

Change. You know that unpredictable thing that some people love and embrace but for most of us it's scary and challenging. Well for me, I'm one of those people who is not a fan of change, it scares me, I feel vulnerable, and it makes me uncomfortable. However, through my wise years of living, I have learned that change is a part of growth and growth is a part of life. 

When I was 13 I made the decision to move away from my hometown of Arrowtown to board at Tolcarne, knowing almost no one, just as many of my fellow friends out there did. 

In 2023 my Dad fell very ill and we were close to losing him, we didn’t know if he would make it. He fought through and is now on the road to recovery. Later on, my parents decided to part ways which was a huge change from the familiar family unit I’d ever known and later last year I made the long hard decision to leave Tolcarne – the place I had called home for the past four years to live at home and finish my time at St Hilda’s as a day girl.

Like all decisions, these changes had consequences; some were expected, and others were completely out of my control. Some changes in life, like moving towns or switching outfits at the last minute, are ours to make. But others, like my dad’s illness or my parents’ separation, were entirely out of my hands. And as much as I wanted to cast a spell and make it all better, there was nothing I could do but stand by and support those I loved.

For a long time, I fought against the reality of change. I tried to hold everything together, to be the glue that fixed what was breaking. But then I realised, my glue wasn’t sticky. There was nothing I could do.

From there I shut down. I gave up.  I thought "If I can’t change what’s happening, then what’s the point in trying?" I started to come to school with the attitude of "Well I've got bigger problems than these people I’m not going to give this my all."

In these times of family stress, personal struggles, and other life issues it can be easy to lose sight of yourself and your morals. This happened to me.

Then something shifted. I started to think “hold on”. Rather than putting up a wall and drowning in my feelings, how about I find a light in it? I have always been one for looking on the bright side of life and thinking the glass is half full rather than half empty, but for me in these tough times changing my perspective wasn’t easy.

It’s not simple to see the bright side, especially when life feels overwhelming. But I challenge you—when change comes knocking and trust me, it will try flipping your switch.  Flip the way you look at your situation whatever it may be. Last year wasn’t easy for me. I could have continued to look at the changes in my life and hate them, be down about them, and let them constantly intrude on my thoughts. Or, I could flip that imaginary switch in my brain. Instead of resisting, lean in. Instead of shutting down, look for growth because when we stop fearing change we start to embrace it. 

And that's what little Lola would have done, she would have found a way to work around her issues and move on with a smile on her face because she didn’t have a worry in the world.

So, here is one last message I want to share with you this morning. Wherever you go in life, whatever windy road life takes you down, remember that little person who walked through that arch for the very first time wide-eyed and nervous is still in there somewhere, she has not changed, she is the roots of this tree you are blossoming in to, and she is proud of you. 

Lastly to my beautiful Year 13s. We are all about to experience some major changes in our lives as we leave the comfort of St Hilda's to embark into the big wide world. Time is flying, and we can’t hide from it, but what we can do is get excited, and find something that excites us about the future and the inevitable change that comes with it. 

Before I finish I want to leave you with a quote from the famous Maya Angelou "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." 

Lola Castles

Deputy Head Girl