When I was 16 years old, I fell in love for the very first time. I remember how special he made me feel, how he would rush to call me after work, how he understood me in a way that most people have struggled to do.

He was also the first person to help me feel proud of who I am.

Despite being a young teenager, I saw the world quite differently to those around me. My life didn’t revolve around clothes, make up or even around boys.

I was focused on my career, excited to start university, and passionate about helping others.

I wanted my life to have meaning and purpose.

I was the 13 year old who would donate their weekly pocket money to Project Compassion, the 14 year old who raised hundreds for 40 Hour Famine.

I was the student, the friend, family member who was laughed at for caring too much about other people.

However, I still stood strong in my belief and convictions.

I was the 16 year old whose boyfriend said:
“I don’t care that you’re not into make up. You say that like it’s a bad thing. I’m glad you are different to other girls.”

I struck such a serve with that first boyfriend that it took him 14 years before he completely moved on from the relationship we once had. 14 years for him to forget about who I was and what I meant to him.

14 years for him to forget that I was one of the most empathetic and forgiving people he had ever met. His words.

For so much of my life, I struggled with accepting and embracing my individuality.

For years, I felt uncomfortable and at unease because I didn’t care about owning different pairs of beautiful shoes. That I wasn’t a stereotypical “female” because I didn’t value these things.

I felt strange that I was happy to attend my Year 11 and Year 12 Ball looking pretty, but I didn’t care that my dress wasn’t the most expensive one off the rack.

I felt so isolated because I wanted my conversations with my high school friends to be more meaningful to the point that I hid in the library during lunch to read books instead.

I felt defective being a 14 year old who ran 25 websites and was being offered freelance jobs at 15 because I wanted my free time to be productive.

I felt strange that I was happy to leave the house without make up and just dressed the way I felt comfortable.

I felt out of place because I was more concerned about how I treated other people and the difference I made in the world – than the money I had, the size of my house, the objects I owned.

But since being with my husband and carving out a fantastic career for myself, I have grown so confident and at peace with myself that I feel incredibly proud of who I am.

If I didn’t care so much about others, about the impact I make on the world – I wouldn’t be working in Community Services/Development. I wouldn’t have been in this field for the past 10 years.

If I didn’t care about helping others overcome adversity and increasing their quality of life, I wouldn’t have studied Psychology as a 17 year old.

If I didn’t work hard to overcome my own challenges, I wouldn’t be able to inspire and motivate others today.

It is so easy to get caught up and lost in a society that tries to encourage you to conform, to not break the mould – but at the end of the day, it is your happiness that matters most.

If it makes you happy to go against the grain and live an alcohol free life, then do it.

If it makes you happy to prioritise fitness and the gym, then do it.

If it makes you happy to stay at home or go out with family and friends, then do it.

If it makes you happy to go out for dinner alone or watch a movie alone because you enjoy your own company, then do it.

Life is meant to be lived. And it is best lived when you fully embrace who you are, what is important to you, and what makes you happy.

Be proud to be you. Celebrate your own values and beliefs. Challenge yourself and still open your mind. But don’t forget yourself in the process.

Every single one of the men I have ever loved has loved me for my individuality.

Today I am proud that I love myself for the very same reason.

The world needs change makers, the unique voices, the ones who are comfortable to embrace change and individuality.

True change happens when we are willing to speak up, to advocate about the things that really matter.

I will keep being proud of who I am. I will keep speaking up.

I will keep amplifying my voice for those who are unable to do so.

Be proud to be you. Every day. It is the only way that you can truly enact change.