RESILIENCE I’m a person who has learned to embrace change; it invigorates me and helps to keep me feeling challenged and excited about the possibilities. But I did not always feel this way. As an adolescent, I found change overwhelming and scary, and despite this, I had to find my way through it pretty regularly. For example, I went to four different high schools, in three different cities. Some of those changes in schools came from family relocation as my dad grew his business, and some came from my parents wanting a different environment for me. As PAGE 22
an adolescent trying to fit in and establish connections, only to be told I was on the move once again, was disheartening and infuriating, even if I understood the reasoning behind the decision. My parents bore the brunt of this, as I stomped up every stair we had, slammed every door I could, and all reprimands were met with prolonged sobbing. However, as I look back and remember those angsty days of trying to figure out a new social scene, whilst trying to figure out my teenage-self, I’ve come to the realisation that it is because of such experiences that
I adapt well to change now. I’ve encountered change, disappointment and frustration many times, and found my way through it. I did so by developing my internal resources of confidence, optimism, and hope, and leaning on my external resources of strong relationships, and a family that believed in counselling support. Through these experiences, I’ve learned resilience. Throughout this pandemic that we are still navigating, resilience is at the forefront of so many conversations about missing out on celebrations
