Dear Student,
This is just a little reminder that we have this one precious life
It’s fleeting which makes it all the more profound
We have this chance to do good in the world
but we can only do that with self-belief
Self-belief is not built on the grades you get
but what you learn about yourself while at school
And what you learn afterwards too
And when you learn you are worthy
I hope you have all learnt the most important lesson
That you just need to be a good person
To be kind
Knowing you can build others up rather than pull them down
Knowing joy is multiplied when you share the joy of others
I hope that you always seek to surround yourself with good people
You should feel safe and supported by those around you
And this comes from knowing your worth
So, may you always know it
I hope you all continue to learn by reading books
And reading people
May you also learn to read yourself
Listen to what your body tells you as it knows what’s right for you
May you all go into the world believing you can change it for the better
You do have a voice and the right (and need) to use it
Know that you can find the words to use when you need to speak
And you can reach out to others for support if you feel afraid or alone
I want you to write
I want you to write eulogies and love letters
And activist letters to the government
And to businesses you want to see do better
I want to see you use social media for good
and to know you can make this world a kinder world
Gather your friends and share homecooked meals and talk with hope
About all the goodness you can bring into the world
And all the adventures you can have
By Jenny McAdam
This poem was originally in Issue 45 – Lead the Way.
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