My name is Annika Squires, and I’m currently in my first year at Nipissing University, studying Child and Family Studies and Concurrent Education. I have been going to Girls Inc. for truly as long as I can remember. As well, I am one of the lucky recipients of the 2025 Girls Inc. She’s Got More Powerade scholarships.

My journey to where I am today — and all the accomplishments along the way — didn’t come easy. Girls Inc. taught me to be strong, smart, and bold — to take my dreams and make them happen.

When I first joined Girls Inc., I was scared. I was shy. I was afraid to stand out. But Girls Inc. helped me discover that I am capable, I am unique, and I can create the change I want to see in the world. I still remember being at a Girls Inc. camp where we had a talent show. I was so scared to play the ukulele, but the Girls Inc. team and community made me feel so safe and showed me that it’s important to be your true self.

I struggled a lot in school. There was a time when I couldn’t read or write — and now, I’m standing here, sharing my story, knowing I’ve made an impact.

I am the girl I am because I’ve stumbled, learned, grown, and kept pushing forward.

And part of that growth came from stepping outside my comfort zone — even in unexpected ways.

Last year, I decided to try a completely new sport: rugby. At first, I had no idea what I was doing. I was nervous, out of my element, and definitely scared. But with every practice, I fell more in love with the sport — with its strength, teamwork, and confidence.

My parents call me fearless —and maybe they’re right.

In Grade 11, I took another risk. I wrote a speech to advocate for change in our school system and became the Upper Canada District School Board student trustee — I became the voice I once needed when I was younger.

Through that role, I worked to break down financial barriers, empower students to advocate for themselves, and help them adjust to new challenges.

That’s when I realized: I am the change I lead.

Leadership starts with believing you can make a difference — even in a small way. Change isn’t easy, but it begins when you’re willing to be uncomfortable. Because when you’re uncomfortable, that is when you grow.

I once read a quote that said, “Enjoy being in the process of becoming.”

To me, that means learning to love the journey — the ups, the downs, and everything in between. Don’t be so focused on the end goal that you forget to celebrate how far you’ve come.

I could have just done what was expected of me. Instead, I saw an opportunity to create real change — and I took it.

I look back at moments in my life and all I can think of is how Girls Inc. changed me and I learned to be my true authentic self. Always.

We all create our own destiny. We all have dreams. And Girls Inc. has taught me to hold onto those dreams and make them happen.

If I could leave you with one message today, it would be this: Be bold. Be strong. Be your authentic self. Dream big.

And most of all, be the change you want to see in the world — don’t wait for someone else to do it.

Life isn’t always easy, and the road ahead won’t always be clear. But everything happens for a reason, and every step — even the hard ones — helps you become who you’re meant to be.

This is just a fraction of the lessons I have learned at Girls Inc.