Anna Harcus by Isla Huffadine

Last Word

Anna Harcus

Those who know me and my family also know our family motto “Make Good Choices!” This is often said as one of us leaves the house, a reminder to keep ourselves safe, take time to think through an uncomfortable situation. On a lighter note it can also be about making a good choice at the Canteen or at Glassons, “do I really need that top now or should I save that money to go towards a concert in Auckland.” Sometimes making good choices is based on our personal reactions to situations out of our control.

Bad things happen in life, that’s just life. Some of us go through more than others and when people don’t understand what you're going through, it's even harder. I feel like when bad things happen, such as family problems, losing a loved one, or when Covid-19 ruins your plans for your last year of high school, there are three choices. You can either let it define you, let it destroy you or let it strengthen you.

As I reflect back over my 5 years at school, I can say life has definitely thrown me some major curve balls. I have had moments where making a good choice has not been so obvious. I believe looking back, those moments and those choices have made me stronger, defining the person I am now.

Each year since starting at St Hilda’s I have experienced personal setbacks. I did dwell on these setbacks, struggling to find the positives out of each situation I was in for a long time. After a few years and now in Year 13 especially with time to think over Lockdown about who I want to be and what I want to do next year, I feel that at times I let these situations destroy me for a while. I didn’t particularly like that person so I decided to change, rethink my point of view on many things, look more to the positives, search out what it is I really want going forward.

I can say that making that choice has really helped me through this year. I have been able to see more of the positives and enjoy the good things and opportunities available to me in the time I have left at St Hilda’s. I am happier with the direction my life is going. I didn’t let those moments destroy me, they haven’t completely defined me, my choices have strengthened my character and focused my goals. To you out there listening to this, Covid-19 may have thrown you some curveballs. How will you let 2020 shape your choices?

My gift to you is “make good choices”..... and let’s face it we all make bad choices…. bad choices make great stories.