St Michael students urged: Support one another

As students at The St Michael School observed their school’s 97th anniversary, they were reminded that, even in the midst of chaos, they can rise and excel.

Speaking at the school’s anniversary service, held at the St Michael’s Cathedral, Reverend Angela Phillips urged students to maintain their balance in the rapidly changing world in which they live.

In her feature address, Reverend Phillips, an alumna of the school, declared, “It is not an easy task to maintain the balance in our lives, especially in these times in which we are living. Life is full of ups and downs…. everyone has to face his or her own set of challenges.”

The Reverend urged the students to lean on each other in order to overcome adversity. She said they needed to stay grounded in faith, and draw strength not only from within but also from God. She reminded them that while life brings inevitable struggles, it is through perseverance, compassion, and unity that they will soar above adversity.

She noted that learning how to overcome challenges helps one remain centred, referencing Isaiah 40:29–31, which highlights God offering strength to the weary and power to the weak.

Furthermore, students were reminded of the well-known Bible verse, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

Posing a reflective question to students about the challenges they face daily, she advised, “Help each other, strengthen each other. Support one another. Care for each other. So that when you are strong and you notice one of your classmates is weak or just falling away, help that person and seek to build them up.”

She reminisced about her school days when she struggled in one of her classes.

“Any time I had a problem, and I was never good at Math, so I always had my friend and she would always tell me [that] I just had to get to school early. That’s all she asked of me, come to school early and she would help me sort out any problem.”

Phillips said, “Some of my young people feel alone and afraid but despite the challenges, many of our youth are living meaningful and positive lives, and I’m sure many here this morning are making an effort to live a meaningful and a positive life.”

The past student reminded attendees that facing adversity and life’s trials presented them with an opportunity for growth and development.

“What is meant for us and for you as young people is to be resilient.

“And so this morning I am encouraging you,” she said, “keep pressing on, keep pressing forward, in spite of the struggle and the challenges we face.”

Reverend Phillips urged the students to have discernment and stay focused.

“Focus on showing care and compassion to each other. When things don’t go your way as planned, trust God. In his time, he will renew you.”

She concluded by telling the students, “I believe whatever discussions we may have in our country as to what is happening in our country, our young people, your voices need to be heard as visionaries of our time.” 

(LG)