Chapel Talks

Cherishing Time: Cherishing time means valuing every moment and recognizing that it’s something we can never get back once it’s gone. It reminds us to focus on what truly matters: our relationships, goals, and experiences, rather than wasting time on distractions. For me, there is constant regret for not cherishing time and just letting it pass by.

Perfection in Imperfection: We were never meant to be perfect. Attempting to achieve perfection caused a shell of myself to surface, leaving mental health issues dictating my life. But I’ve learned that obstacles will always arise, no matter what happens in your life. So, find what you deem makes you perfect, whether it's a personality trait or a cool trick. We can all be perfect in our own way, without achieving the societal norm of "perfection.”

Forever Young: Curiosity keeps us young, and neuroscience proves it.
 

All Is Well: At Hill, and in life, it is easy to find yourself in a state of constant comparison, whether that be athletically, academically, or even personally. Throughout my talk, using a powerful metaphor from a Bollywood movie, I emphasize the importance of self-empowerment instead of comparative success, and how this simple change can transform your life.

The Things You Can’t Measure: For a long time, I felt a quiet pressure to constantly do more—to prove that I was worthy of success. I measured my value by achievements until I realized that fulfillment doesn’t come from what we accomplish, but from who we become. In my talk, I share how I shifted from chasing validation to finding joy in the things that can’t be measured: kindness, friendship, resilience, and love for this community—a reminder that we are already enough, because of who we are, not the things we do.

What’s Left When You Let Go: I reflect on how my experience with illness completely changed the way I understood success and self-worth. For most of my life, I measured progress in clear, structured ways: grades, achievements, and how much I could handle at once. But when that structure fell apart, I was forced to confront what was left when all the proof disappeared. Through that process, I began to realize that strength doesn’t always come from pushing through; sometimes it comes from slowing down, listening, and allowing yourself to simply exist without performance. I learned that being enough isn’t a status you reach or a standard you meet; it’s a mindset built on self-compassion, resilience, and the courage to keep becoming, even when life looks different than you planned.

Motivation Against Difficulty: At a time in my life when my future seemed hopeless, I needed a way to keep pushing myself to succeed and overcome the hardships. I had to find the correct source of motivation, develop it, and be enthusiastic about tapping into it. It's possible for every person to find what motivates them and use it as a helpful resource, and I encourage each of you to do so, as you will need it to battle the unavoidable difficulties that come with life.

The Receiving Tree: Healthy relationships require giving and receiving, but time plays a fundamental role.

The Cost of Camouflage: My small town restricted me to the same friends for nine years. As I felt that none of them truly saw me for me, I hid major parts of myself to fit in. My talk discusses the effects of bad friendships that brought down my identity and sense of self while also sharing my personal growth after coming to Hill. Everyone deserves to surround themselves with people who prioritize them. I hope to instill the lesson that being authentic attracts the connections that truly matter.

Finding Meaning Through Connection: Not everything happens for a reason. Sometimes things just happen, and it's through the connection we make and the relationships we build that we can learn to find meaning in the pain. 

Lessons Through Loss: My mom was my hero; always knowing what to do, what to say, and how to make others joyful. She passed due to cancer when I was 10. My talk shares stories of who she was and insight from my years of reflection on losing such an incredible human. How can you change your outlook on life and impact others around you?

Figuring Out Whatsoever Things Are True: The world is a complicated place and the virtues Paul lists in Philippians 4:8 defy easy explanation. How do they fit into our lives and personal stories? 

Finding a New Perspective and Gaining Gratitude: Oftentimes, we can get caught up in our everyday lives and lose sight of what we have. Sometimes you have to shift your mindset to focus on the bigger picture in order to be fully grateful for what you have. This talk highlights my personal struggles, growth, and triumphs on the path to gaining a new perspective. 

The Importance of Showing Up: Why do we continually put ourselves through hard things, and how do we get through them? The support from those around us encourages us to keep going even when we are tired, down, or just not feeling like ourselves. This talk serves as a reminder to keep showing up for others in big and small ways. No matter what is going on in your life, it is crucial that we show up for each other, because you may not know just how much a small act of kindness or support could mean to someone on a daily basis. Even just being present for someone in that moment is all they need. Sometimes it is a language that is felt rather than said, that’s what’s needed most. One little push could lift someone over a roadblock they are facing that day. When we are presented with the opportunity, we should all take that chance to brighten someone's day.