Embracing Embarrassment

February 27, 2024

Traditionally each new Head Girl addresses the community during the Commencement Assembly. However, this year marked a historic moment as Head Girl, Rachel Yap, took a bold step in breaking the norm by getting everyone on their feet – not for a typical speech, but for an impromptu dance party. 


‘For the next 20 seconds, I just want you to feel so embarrassed that your face turns beet red. So, everyone get on your feet right now and either copy the dance moves we’re (Lottie, Sruthi, and I) doing onstage or do your own thing and groove with the person next to you,’ Rachel exclaimed, setting the tone for a memorable and unconventional Commencement address. 


‘Congratulations, you just did your first embarrassing thing for the year. And you survived! So, what’s stopping you from joining volleyball even though you can’t catch without falling over, or taking your singing career out of the shower by joining the choir?’ she continued. ‘We are so lucky that Fairholme offers us countless academic and extracurricular opportunities, so if the fear of looking silly or getting embarrassed is about to stop you from signing up for an activity, just think back to this moment and sign up anyway.’ 


Rachel’s unconventional approach wasn’t just about creating a memorable moment; it carried a deeper message about overcoming fears and embracing opportunities. In her speech, she encouraged her peers to step out of their comfort zones, emphasising the wealth of opportunities the school provides. 


‘I have definitely grown with Fairholme in terms of the people I love being around and the opportunities that it has presented,’ Rachel shared. ‘I’ve discovered that I like more arty things and music and drama. I love being creative with the extracurricular activities like choir and drama, but also planning activities like Galentine’s Day.’ 


As someone who has worn the Maclaren tartan since the early years, Rachel expressed her desire to give back to the school. ‘The Head Girls have always been people I look up to, and being here for so long, I really wanted to give back to the school. I think Head Girl is a great way to do that,’ she said. 


Rachel touched upon her role as one of the Arts leaders in Year 9, emphasising the importance of involvement and contribution. ‘It was fun being involved in the school and putting ideas forward,’ she added. 


Looking forward, Rachel envisions bringing the school closer together. ‘You don’t have to be friends with everyone, but being supportive of their differences is crucial. It’s about embracing individuality and creating a space where every person feels valued and accepted. Together, we can build a safer place for everyone,’ she stated. 


By envisioning a closer-knit school, Rachel advocates for a community that thrives on mutual respect and understanding. The emphasis on support echoes her commitment to creating an atmosphere where everyone feels encouraged to pursue their passions and explore new horizons. Through this vision, she hopes to create a nurturing environment where students can confidently step out of their comfort zones, just as she prompted the entire assembly to do with an impromptu dance. 


The inspiration for Rachel’s unconventional commencement address stemmed from her desire to encourage her peers to try new things. ‘I started writing it on the holidays, and I knew from the start that I wanted to talk about trying new things, but every year we talk about that,’ she explained. 


‘So, I thought getting people up to dance and consciously doing something that they will remember the moment more and that they can do something out of their comfort zone, and everyone survived.’ 


Outside of her academic and leadership pursuits, Rachel enjoys reading and spending time with her energetic Border Collie. Her proactive approach to balancing her workload while seeking support from friends reflects her commitment to personal wellbeing and academic success. 


With aspirations to attend university and pursue a Bachelor of Arts and Creative Writing, Rachel dreams of becoming an actor. ‘I really love being able to experience new things through acting, to connect and tell stories,’ she said. 


For Rachel, coming to school is a sanctuary. ‘Even if I am stressed or not feeling well, as soon as I step through the gates I immediately feel better, I feel at home,’ she concluded, reflecting on the sense of belonging and comfort that Fairholme College provides. 


In breaking the mold of traditional Commencement addresses, Rachel Yap’s speech serves as a testament to the vibrant spirit and forward-thinking approach that defines Fairholme College. Her message resonates not only with her peers but with anyone seeking to break barriers, embrace embarrassment, and seize opportunities.

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