2025 Leaders Poem | Celebration Dinner
This poem was written by our 2025 graduating Peer Leaders and recited at their Celebration Dinner:
Once Young
Once Alone
Always around, but nowhere to call home
So many voices yet no one to talk to
We find ourselves always feeling alone.
Something we were searching for we now know its you.
Thankyou Youth Insearch,
The future we always dreamed of can now become true.
So much potential we never thought to use.
A silent waste dreams we did refuse.
And now we rise with strength again.
To chase the stars, me and you.
From the shadows deep a light appears.
Chasing away all doubts and fears.
With every step a stronger stride.
Leaving the past far behind.
The heart now blooms the spirit now roars.
Opening up new hopeful doors
In every moment a chance to grow
Letting the best of you now show.
Through shared tears and laughter,
We've come to see that healing begins in community.
Each face we meet, a mirror somehow.
Reflecting the strength we carry now
We stood side by side, no longer afraid,
In bonds of trust, our pain began to fade.
From broken pieces
We've learnt to mend in each other we found a friend.
Now we rise, not just as one but as a tribe.
With our hearts and hands,
No need to hide
Our past no longer chains us down
Together we wear courage like a crown.
Now we walk towards what's still unknown
We did it together, never alone
With voices sgtronger, hearts set free
We carry our stories with dignity.
The road goes on, but so do we
Braver, bolder and finally seen.
Through training, I learned to listen deep
To hold the pain that other's keep.
Each voice a flame, each tear a song.
Teaching me that healing makes me strong.
Step by step my walls fell down
I found my voice, i claimed my ground
Not just for me, but for those who hide,
I became a guide, standing by their side.
Youth Insearch gave me space to grow.
To plant new seeds and let love show.
Advocacy shaped me, cleared my view
And in helping others I healed too.
Now i stand taller, with open hands
A better version of who understands
Growth is a journey, not a race
And I've found my strength in a kinder place.
But what I treasure most, beyond my own stride.
Are the friendships formed, standing side by side.
Together we've built a bond so true,
Growing as one, yet shining a new.
So here we stand with a grateful heart,
For every ending sparks a start.
Thought Youth Insearch I've come to see.
The best in others and the best in me.
