The Gift of a Pearl
A reflection on gratitude and recognising the sacrifices others make for our happiness.
Each week, our student leaders share their insights with their peers in Assembly.
I would love to take you on a little journey to my Friday night last week. Exhausted from my week of exams, I was determined to give myself the break I deserved. So, I sat down and watched one of the most inspirational films of all time. If you have not watched Shark Tale, you are truly missing out. Talking, singing, and dancing fish and sharks—what more could you possibly ask for in a movie?
Aside from one of the best musical scenes in a movie, there was a particular moment that really stood out to me. When Oscar, the main character, is in debt, his best friend, Angie, gifts him her grandmother’s pearl to help him.
The act of giving away one’s ‘pearl’—something that required hard work to obtain—to help a loved one, made me consider how sometimes it isn’t just about putting in the grit to receive some kind of reward. Rather, it’s so that someone else can receive a pearl.
When reflecting on my own life, I find my family constantly being the ones who have put in the grit so that I may enjoy myself. As an example, my mum, when I was in Year 1 and told her I wanted a cat-spy birthday party didn’t say no or suggest an easier theme. Instead, she spent her weekend sewing little fabric bags with a black-and-white cat print and a ribbon as the strap to give to everyone as party bags. Also, my dad has driven me to countless sports events, birthday parties, and extra-curricular activities.
And my sister, the afternoon before my biology exam, knocked on my door and said, “Let’s go to Manly and get ice cream. I’ll pay.” Besides being truly the best sentence I’ve ever heard, it is because of their effort, hard work, sacrifices, and grit that I have enjoyed the rewards—I have received their pearls.
It’s why, as we get closer to the holiday season, I ask you all to show some love for those dear to you, to appreciate the hard work that has been put in by others so that you may enjoy yourself. And to try to be the person who puts in the grit for someone else. Ultimately, the best pearl you could ever receive is gratitude and love.