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I cannot believe I won, what an honour. Standing on that stage, sharing my story, spreading awareness for alopecia and inspiring others was amazing. But how did the whole process unfold? Read further to see my video of the finals and see how I spoke :)
My school, Summa College, has a competition called Summa Sterren (Summa Stars). Here, students can get nominated by their teachers. This is because, as my school says, they deserve to be in the spotlight, as they bring out the best in themselves. My school wants to share those (personal) successes and inspire others with it.
When I first got the notification I was nominated, I had never heard of “Summa Sterren” before, but my teacher wrote the most beautiful thing about me. To be short, she said that I am an enthusiastic and committed student with a good dose of perseverance. I am positive in life and know how to turn setbacks into a learning moment. (If you're Dutch (hi!) you can read it here: https://www.summasterren.nl/summa_ster_2018/anne-buigt-tegenslagen-om-naar-positiviteit/ )
“Anne shows with her hard work and determination that she is able to make conscious choices at a young age. She chooses to shamelessly attend school with or without hair. She chooses to help others. Moreover, she dares to choose for herself.”
I am so grateful for her sweet words, thank you Monique.
Furthermore, the path to the finals began with a dinner. Here, all the “Summa Sterren” came together to celebrate. Then, the three workshops began!
First workshop
Here, we had a group assignment, to build the highest tower with spaghetti and then to put a marshmallow on top. This was difficult as you had to make sure the tower would not collapse haha. You had 8 or 10 minutes for this, I am not sure. Then you had to present your story (the one for which you were nominated). Each group chose one person to let them present their story and my group chose me! I took my wig off and one of the boys started to clap and then all the others did as well. This was the best moment of all.
Second workshop
Here the real preparation began for the pecha kucha. We got to see two videos of speakers and became 3 tips:
· Making mistakes is okay.
· Preparation is the key.
· Live your story.
We got three minutes to write down as many words as you could about why we would be a suitable ambassador for my school. Then we got 10 minutes to write our story WITHOUT using the words we just wrote down (I am not creative enough for that haha), then we had to present our story and we received the feedback.
A pecha kucha is a presentation where you (in our case) use 5 pictures without text. These photos switch to the next one after 20 seconds, meaning you have to finish that part in time. Your pictures support your story.
Third workshop
As homework we had to make our pecha kucha and mail it to the people who give us our workshops! Then, we had to present them. My problem is that I spoke too fast, like I usually do haha.
Presenting it for the jury
Then, it was time to present our pecha kucha to the jury. However, as I am in Germany, I needed to do it through skype. Afterwards, the jury was going to choose the 3 who would be in the finals, including me!
The finals
I went home earlier from my internship to go to the Netherlands for the finals. My friend made a beautiful shirt with my design idea on it, “bald and proud”. I was so nervous. My pecha kucha went well and I became the winner. I am so, incredibly grateful for that. I was able to share my alopecia story, I was able to share that you are good as you are and you should not feel like you need to be as the perfect picture. As last, I was able to share to go after your passion, as it is never too late for that.
This experience was amazing and I am so happy I was a part of it.
After the finals, we all came together, ate, made pictures and had fun! After that, I was on my way to Germany again.
“Be yourself and go after your dreams. Find your passion. Don’t be afraid to show yourself, everyone has something, you don’t have to fit into the perfect picture.”
So, what are my dreams?
I would love nothing more than start my own fashion brand to show that you don't have to fit into the perfect picture and that you are bald and beautiful.
I would love to expand my blog and Instagram so that I can help more people!
I would love to continue studying :)
A big thank you to:
- All the Summa Sterren
- @teamxollie for the workshops
- Everyone involved in organising this amazing competition!
- All the professional photos are made by Hans Dehing
Thank you for reading xx
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