Love, Molly

A love letter by Molly Goodisson

My name is Molly Goodisson and I am a 4th year student at the University of Otago and I am in love with the mental health space. 

My first interaction with the social impact studio was at the end of first year, where I literally snuck into Silverline Festival (had a ball), planting the seed of curiosity for the space. Not long after, call outs for the 2020 team were put out, so naturally I applied and somehow got in. 

Little did 19-year-old me realise; I was about to embark on a self-growth challenge like no other. I grew up in rural Hawkes Bay and went to an all-girls boarding school in Havelock North, which gives little room for diversity and perspective. Through meeting the likes of Sze-En, Tash, Maddie and Amal, I have been gracefully guided to see the world in a different perspective that grounds me. I am certainly not perfect, but I can acknowledge that I have come a long way. 

To try understanding, to listen and to seek the minority perspective is something that doesn’t happen overnight (been here two years, still trying), but I have started to learn. This would not have been possible without the space that Silverline can authentically create. To say this space is essential could even be an understatement. Silverline isn’t just home for the leads, its home for hundreds of students. It has a unique ability to give people permission to be their most true self, be vulnerable and share things they might not be able to share with anyone else. Through this, I have seen not only myself, but strangers grow, have an ‘ah ha’ moment and take the experience with them. 

The studio mums (we like to call them) are literally watching you grow up, which is what makes the space so special. You have moments of such strong emotion, whether it be vulnerability, guilt, joy or passion, they are there for the highs and the lows, helping you feel those emotions and understand why you might be feeling that way. 

Silverline has done that for me – it has given me a space to admit that life sometimes gets shit and yes you can be a better ally. Alongside this, it also gives you the people who want to help and support you in that endeavour. To be truer to yourself and to others. 

Love,

Molly