Growing Through Giving

Prefect and Choral Captain Molly, reflects on Wenona’s production of Legally Blonde and how giving fully to an experience helped her grow, connect and build meaningful friendships.

Each week, our student leaders share their insights with their peers in Assembly.

My name is Molly, and I am honoured to be serving as one of your Prefects for this year. Today I want to share an experience. More specifically, I want to share one of the best experiences of my life. One that ended 100 days ago. Let me paint you a picture.

Opening night: backstage. The excitement had become nerves for most of us. As the prologue played from the orchestra, we gave our final hugs and good luck wishes as we took the stage for ‘Omigod You Guys’. This may not sound like much, however, compare this moment to our first rehearsal. Nerves and worry overshadowed excitement, not from performing on stage but from just meeting one another in this setting.

Yes, if you had not caught on, I am talking about Legally Blonde. I am sorry, especially if you are in my year group or if you are my sister. You will know that I talk about this musical daily, and it is still one of my biggest personality traits. I promise there is a reason for taking you back 100 days, and that is to highlight our Prefect initiative, Give More, Grow More. Comparing these two moments of nervousness and excitement truly reflects how much I and the entire cast, grew together as we put everything we had into this show ... and it was worth it. If I had not given my all to the audition, then I would not have been lucky enough to play a lead role; and if I had not thrown myself into the whole musical experience, then I would not have become as close with so many people, including two of my best friends, Alex and Evie and of course, my sister, Heidi. This is quite ironic because her real sister’s name is Molly. If I had not given as much as I did, then I would not have grown in the same way or had the same amazing experience, and I also would not have formed all the wonderful friendships that I did.

Friendship is something that is so important to me, something that I think is aligned with trust and kindness. It can sneak up on you in the most unexpected ways. This year I have made so many friendships through sport, choirs, or even just a seating plan in class. In similar ways to my musical experience, friendship is very much a case of you give what you get back. The more you give to a friendship, the more it will grow and flourish. I have learnt the hard way that friendships do not always go the way you want them to, but the only thing you can do is be kind.

When I look back at one of my favourite numbers from the musical, Legally Blonde Remix, I think about this idea of friendship and togetherness. Elle Woods was encouraged by Vivienne to go back into the courtroom to fight for her friend and stand up for what she believed was right, and everyone had her back. This is what real friendship should look like. Throughout the song, more and more people showed up to support her. This was very similar to our experience in rehearsals: everyone cheering each other on afterwards, or the way during mic checks, we brought ease and comfort to each other and became closer as a cast.

So, if the musical has taught me anything, it is that I am an even bigger 'theatre kid' than I thought I was; and yes, I do break into song daily. The second lesson it taught me is that friendship is the most amazing thing, especially for Year 11 students as we embark on our final year with our best friends. So, be grateful for your amazing friendships, and always be kind not only to them, but to everyone.