Students at The Scots School Albury participated in a transformative workshop on July 23, 2023, aimed at promoting self-love and resilience. Led by Angela Lindegreen of Bloom Within and youth advocate Daniel Principe, the session provided practical tools for students in years 9 through 11, focusing on body image and mental health.
Year 11 student Lilly Baranyay expressed her surprise at the workshop’s impact. Initially uncertain about what to expect, she left with valuable insights that she plans to carry into her future. “Angela spoke with the girls and Daniel spoke with the boys,” she noted. “Angela was great – she is such a beautiful woman.”
Lilly has faced challenges related to body image for years, making the timing of the workshop particularly beneficial. “Angela opened our eyes to more self-love and empowerment,” she remarked. A significant portion of the session also addressed online safety, a growing concern among young people.
“I believe social media has infiltrated this idea where we only see the best in people,” Lilly explained. “Many young girls look up to celebrities like Kate Moss and have posters of her in their rooms because she represents a skinny model they aspire to be like. But why would you want this negative beauty standard in your bedroom to look at every morning?”
Principal Mark Hemphill emphasized the importance of such workshops in shaping students’ characters. He acknowledged the unique challenges faced by the current generation, particularly those stemming from technology and social media. “As a result of this, their mental health is being seriously affected,” he stated.
While The Scots School Albury maintains a strong academic focus, Hemphill underscored the necessity of ensuring students are healthy and secure. “It’s important for us to invest time and money into these programs and meet the students where they’re at,” he added.
The workshop resonated with many students, including school captain Finn McDonnell, who found inspiration in Daniel Principe’s advocacy. “It’s wonderful to know there are people out there who care,” he said. Finn highlighted the necessity of engaging in difficult conversations about mental health and self-image, particularly for young people navigating a complex social landscape.
Overall, the workshop at The Scots School Albury has fostered an environment of self-acceptance and empowerment, equipping students with the tools to face societal pressures and build their self-esteem. The positive feedback from participants illustrates the critical role such initiatives play in developing not only academic capabilities but also emotional resilience.
