"To Rise Above a Flood"

Many of us have probably already experienced being under the crushing weight of society’s expectations—whether it be from our peers, family, teachers, or strangers. Some of these pressures could include having excellent academic performance – something perhaps many of you relate to – or having to conform to societal norms and gender roles. Others may even feel pressured to act and think a certain way, just to “fit in” with their peers and classmates.

Our whole lives we are expected to live up to the ideals and expectations of others. Before we can even come out of the womb, our parents already had expectations for us. Would we be a girl? A boy? Would we be a kind, loving, and responsible child—or would we end up being the complete opposite? Could we become a doctor or a lawyer in the future? Or would we end up as a jobless deadbeat still relying on their parent’s money? Sometimes we’re even held to impossibly high standards, only to be met with disappointment and frustration from those around us.

It’s so easy to want to fold under the pressure and emotional turmoil that comes with such expectations. To feel like a failure who has wasted their life away, and that nothing you do will ever be good enough. I have felt a similar way before too – when I broke the trust of my parents. It was a difficult time not just for me, but our entire family. I had many things stripped away from me, and many hidden feelings about each other—both good and bad—surfaced during that time. Even if I wanted to sink into the depths of Earth in those few moments, I felt that there was a silver lining to my situation.

First off, I felt more motivated than ever to prove myself to my parents—that I could be a good daughter, one they can put their trust in. Second, I felt that my parents and I had taken a step closer towards a more open and healthy relationship. Afterall, we had finally opened up our feelings about each other we had kept hidden for years. That’s why even after all that, I feel glad that I wasn’t the “perfect daughter” they wanted me to be—and none of you should feel pressure to be that way too. Because we’re all just human beings, trying our best to survive.

So I want you all to think about your own struggles when dealing with other’s expectations, or perhaps going against them, and take a look at yourself now. The pressure you feel will surely come to pass. Remember that after the rain always comes a rainbow. Even during times of hardship, we can overcome any kind of struggle if we believe in ourselves and refuse to give up.

And even if there is no rainbow at the end, or if the storm never subsides, don’t let yourself drown in its flood—but rather rise above it, and everyone else around you. We can’t please everybody, nor can anybody escape from judgement, but at the very least—don’t let that stop you from being the best you can be. Love yourself first, so that even if you fail others—at least you haven’t failed yourself.

A memorized speech by Maicy Baric of Grade 11. Delivered during the Elocution Contest 2024.