Ishana Pilger
Ishana Pilger, 17 years old
When you first attended Empower U:
I first attended Empower U in May 2014 when Brent delivered his 2-day program at our school camp. I then traveled up to Sydney to attend the ‘proper’ Empower U in March 2015.
Your recent successes/ what you have done with your life:
Last year, I represented the ACT at the Australian National Championships for dance. I had the incredible honour of performing in front of a sold out theatre of 2000 people in Melbourne. It was truly an amazing experience and I will never forget the sound of so many people applauding and cheering.
Best memory from Empower U:
Choosing a best memory from Empower U is probably close to impossible. What makes the program so good is that there is never a dull moment. The entirety of the weekend is filled with love, laughter, emotion, learning, and developing beautiful and deep bonds with everyone. To choose a favourite part would not do the rest of the weekend justice.
What lesson have you implemented the most?
Living above the line and taking responsibility and ownership for my actions has probably been the lesson I’ve implemented most. I’ve found that ever since I have adopted those principals into my life, I’ve been happier and have achieved more as a result.
How did the program impact your life?
I’ve found that the program has really and truly changed my outlook and perception of myself, as well as the world around me. I am a much more positive person and I no longer take a back seat in terms of the decisions surrounding my life. I am more comfortable in my own skin and I’ve found that the friends and relationships I have attracted into my life have been so much more meaningful and close as a result of the change in my attitude.
What would you say to someone thinking of attending?
I would say that just thinking about attending isn’t helping you. Anyone who has ever achieved anything didn’t just sit around and think about it. Change requires action. By doing the program, you’re setting yourself up to achieve anything you put your mind to and in life, those skills are probably the most important thing in the world.
What advice would you give to young people trying to better themselves?
My advice would be that actions speak louder than words. In order to better yourself you must DO something about it. That something can be very big or very small but if you can find the courage to take that step and just START, you’ve already succeeded in becoming a better you. Always remember that you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
What has been your greatest lesson in life so far?
My greatest lesson in life so far is that the difference between a failure and a lesson is your attitude. To quote ‘The Lion King’, ‘The past can hurt, but the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.’ It is our thoughts and attitude that determine the way we see a situation, not the situation itself.
