I’m extremely happy to be part of Focus Group, but there was a time, especially in Year 7, when I wasn’t so committed. During this time, I didn’t really speak up about many ideas, and didn’t engage in many conversations. Of course, this proved problematic, as there weren’t many students, and every opinion and voice was needed. At that time, I didn’t feel the need to speak up, and to voice my opinions.

When I joined the Focus Group again in Year 8, some of the meetings tended to be slower. When I said this to one of my friends leading the Focus Group, she replied to me with, “Maybe it is just you who doesn’t engage enough, but to me, it seems everyone is happy with the progress we are making.” I was surprised. I never heard from that perspective before, that I wasn’t contributing or engaging enough with the activities and discussions we had. From that point on, I engaged with the conversations more often. I raised my hand, provided more opinions, ideas, and feedback.

From this experience with Focus Group, I have learnt that in order to find something intriguing, you must engage with the activities and people first. Once you start contributing to the team, group, or activity, it starts becoming more personal, you start to care. Whenever I find something boring, or not to my tastes, I now try to participate even more.

Now, I find Focus Group a place where I can socialise and present my ideas. I’m participating in this team, where we can share opinions without hesitation to benefit our year, and eventually, the school.