August 2020

Dear girl behind the camera,

I know why you’re there. I know why you choose to be behind the scenes. I know why you don’t want to be the center of attention, You don’t want to be the star.
You work in silence, not realizing that breaths have been held in anticipation … waiting to see what you’ve done/ produced/ created. In a room full of hundreds of people, you’re the only one standing. You’re in control. You decide what moments should be prioritised. You’re in control.

You laugh off labels such as leader and boss … But know this, you are all those things.
Some days you will be and do more than you think you could accomplish, you will be asked to do what seems to be impossible, to step outside of your comfort zone and participate. You may have sleepless nights because of it, but guess what, you’ll do it anyway. And you’ll do it well. In fact, think of the times you’ve been called to task. Look at you now.
You don’t realise that you’re a game changer, And you feel shy/embarrassed/awkward when you’re complimented. But one day you will need to take the stand and maybe you will be surprised by how confidently you handle that moment. In fact, think of the times you’ve had to be at the forefront. And look at you now.

Then you’ll hear your name mentioned alongside words like pioneer, inspiration, revolutionary, role model, ambassador and you’ll accept it and smile, and think to yourself yes, I did that.

Maria