5 years ago, if you told me I would be speaking in front of a crowd of students, teachers and the deputy principals about self-love and growth I would have laughed because I knew nothing of it. I remember 16-17 year old Liz thinking she wouldn't make it through high school because it involved so much pain and tears... I was a "drama queen" , a "sook", a "loner", a "bitch", a "loser", a "slut", an "ugly rat", a "pizza face", " and the list goes on. I've been spat on, teased, pushed around and even had people throw eggs at my window. Some would say "she deserved it", some pitied me, others simply didn't care. And it really took the life away from me. But these past few years have truly been years of growth. I realised that people's opinions of me do not define me. The only perception of me mattered, was mine. Only I can control how I see myself and the world around me. Once I took my agency back in my life, I became a stronger person. I learnt what it means to love myself without belittling others, I learnt how to ignore nasty comments, I learnt how to continue to strive for improvement, all the while accepting my "flaws" that others considered "disgusting". I learnt that my inner strength is my outer foundation. This is my final year of University (graduating with a 5 year double degree in Education and Arts). I am currently on my internship at Bankstown girls and recently presented this talk to the beautiful young students there. The deputy principal and head teacher of well-being faculty loved and appreciated it so much that they booked me next year to host a self-love workshop. I also got invited to speak at Wiley Park girls and I am forever honoured to be able to share my story because if I could make even a small difference then that's all that matters. I never want young girls to feel like they are unworthy or ugly like the way I felt when I was in High School. I never want young girls to feel like they have to accomodate to social expectations. I never want young girls to feel hopeless and depressed like I did. But I do want them to learn that life has so much to offer. I do want them to learn that they are stronger than they'll ever know. My heart is full and I know what my purpose is. If you've read this far, thank you. With love, Elizabeth