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How great was school? I know that sounds like a joke, but seriously, think about it. You got to hang out with your best friends Every. Single. Day. I miss that.

You know you’re from Adelaide when someone asks you, “So, what school did you go to?”. I get all warm and fuzzy with that question, because I’m so lucky that I loved my school!

I was like most teenagers – awkward. I look back and think, “Wow, how did I leave the house looking like that?” But I was confident (in my blue eye-shadow and fairy-dusted cheeks) and it was because of a few special people who made me feel that way – my teachers.

IMG_2203(My awesome awkward teenage years – Spice Girls inspired hair style)

All of my teachers at Walford deserve an honourable mention, because they were all great. But I had a personal favourite who taught me Drama and English. She also taught me to dream BIG and to “like myself.”

I remember being in Year 9, and the beginnings of teenage self-doubt began to start. My drama teacher, Mrs Butler, who was so AMAZING (and slightly terrifying at the same time) would make us all lay down, relax and listen to waterfalls while getting us to say “I like myself” over and over again. She toughened me up and taught me to love the skin I was in. Even though as a teenager, that’s a very difficult thing to do. She put fire in my belly, so at 15 years of age I knew I could be whatever I wanted to be.  I never once thought I should be paid any less than my future male co-workers. Because why would I?

I’m SO passionate about following your dreams and being the best at what you do, whatever that may be. I credit my Walford teachers and my beautiful parents for making me that way. I’ve thought about Mrs Butler so many times over the years. She wouldn’t have a clue how her words have influenced my career and adult life.

I don’t think teachers realise the impact they have on young people. If you’re a teacher, YOU help shape who we are. It’s not just about teaching us Pythagoras’s theorem or the circumference of a circle, you teach us about ourselves and give us confidence that will stick with us for the rest of our lives. Even the teachers we clash with help us grow stronger.

So, I’d like to say a big thank you to my teachers and to all other teachers who might be reading this. Sure, surgeons save lives, but you ignite a fire in our bellies so we can go out into the world and kick butt!

I’d also like to thank Walford for giving me my best friends. My highschool friends are still my favourite girls in the world.

Hayley xx

PS Sorry for talking too much in class.

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Hayley Pearson

Hayley Pearson

Co-Creator and Writer for Adelady, she still gets goosebumps that she’s combined her creative passion with sharing the best of her stunning home state.

2 Comments

  • Another Walford Old Scholar says:

    I too went to the same school and am years older than you. Mrs Butler was amazing and I look back at her belief in me, her kind words and firm push towards big dreams.

    She would have no idea the impact she had on me but I have often thought of her as an adult.

    High school and being a teenager can be tough on the spirit and confidence and Mrs Butler made me feel like I had value, that my life was worthwhile and she saw something special in me. My own parents didn’t make me feel like that!

    • Hayley Pearson says:

      Oh I’m so glad she’s had an impact on so many of us – how lucky were we! I didn’t realise at the time. Lots of love xxx

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