Aislyn Burns, the valedictorian for the 2025 graduating class from St. Stephen High School, delivered her speech in front of an audience full of her peers, happily embracing being outside of her comfort zone.
During her speech, Burns talked about the passing of time and the changes that she underwent with her fellow classmates, relating these changes to experiences, which push them out of their comfort zones.
“I believe that growth happened most when we stepped outside of what was familiar, what was safe–when we dared to leave our comfort zones,” said Burns. “With all the changes we have experienced over the past four years, it is incredible to see how much we have grown and how these experiences have shaped us into the young adults that we are today.”
Burns then highlighted the emotions students may have felt over the years, and the effects those feelings can have on a growing student.
“Along the way, we have all experienced moments of doubt, fear, excitement, and pride,” said Burns. “All those emotions have contributed to the students and people we are today.”
The spotlight of her speech then switched to the teachers, highlighting the help that they give to students both inside and outside the classroom.
“I have witnessed teachers take the time to talk with students during breaks when they feel overwhelmed and confused, and many have gone above and beyond to ensure that every student truly understands the material.”
She then talked personally about how it was never easy for her to try new things, or stepping out of her comfort zone. For her, the boundary of the comfort zone was when she had to be okay with not knowing the answer, or trying things that scared her.
“But every time I have tried something new, whether I was successful or even if I failed, I became more of the person I was meant to be,” said Burns.
Burns talked about how she has watched in admiration as her fellow classmates did things over the years that were far out of her own comfort zone.
“For some it was playing sports, being in trivia groups, drama, tech crew,” “I have watched each of you at times step out of your comfort zones, and I have admired so many of you because a lot of those things are far out of my comfort zone.”
She talked about how the entire graduating class will be moving on, whether it be to university, college, work, travel, or another option, and they will all eventually face uncertainty again.
Burns herself will be attending University of New Brunswick Saint John in the fall in pursuit of nursing, which will likely push her out of her comfort zone once more.
“But that’s not something to fear. That’s something to welcome. Because uncertainty means possibility. It means growth. It means something new is about to begin.”
