Est Optimum Sui | Prefects' Honours Evening Speeches
13 July 2024 · 16 min · as at 2024-07-13
Mika (guest) · Myles (guest) · Solana Britz (guest) · Luca Di Nicola (guest) · Kyle Mayhew (guest)
Listen to the episode on iono.fm · MP3
About the guests
Mika
prefect · Education Incorporated
One of the prefects who delivered a speech at the 2023 Honours Evening on the theme of Being Your Best Self.
Myles
prefect · Education Incorporated
One of the prefects who delivered a speech at the 2023 Honours Evening on the theme of Being Your Best Self.
Solana Britz
prefect · Education Incorporated
One of the prefects who delivered a speech at the 2023 Honours Evening on the theme of Being Your Best Self.
Luca Di Nicola
Prefect · Education Incorporated
One of the prefects who delivered a speech at the 2023 Honours Evening on the theme of Being Your Best Self.
Kyle Mayhew
prefect · Education Incorporated
One of the prefects who delivered a speech at the 2023 Honours Evening on the theme of Being Your Best Self.
Guest details come from the published episode notes or the guest's own words in the episode.
Episode analysis
Analysis by AI, drawn only from this episode; every point links to the moment it rests on.
This episode presents the speeches five prefects of Education Incorporated gave at the 2023 Honours Evening. Education Incorporated is a mainstream independent school in Fourways, Johannesburg. Each prefect interprets the school motto, Est Optimum Sui, 'be your best self'. Mika argues that your best self is the person you are comfortable being. Myles starts from honesty with yourself and authenticity. Solana describes a set of lifelong growth habits. Luca argues that being your best self is not perfection and that it creates a ripple effect in the community. Kyle closes with an end-of-year toast to embracing your quirks. The presenter frames the speeches in terms of what prefects are chosen for and what the role involves.
Key ideas
- Mika argues against aiming at an idealised future self. She says your best self is the person you are genuinely comfortable being. [01:16]▸ [01:16]▸ [01:28]▸ [02:55]▸
- Mika holds that comfort and confidence with yourself come before growth, because without them you cannot identify areas to grow. [01:37]▸
- Myles says honesty with yourself is the starting point. Authenticity lets you adapt to situations without fundamentally changing who you are. [03:13]▸ [03:32]▸ [04:03]▸ [04:36]▸
- Solana treats the motto as a lifelong compass, not something that applies only during school. [05:10]▸
- Luca argues that being your best self means the best version of yourself, flaws and all, and finding a balance that works uniquely for you. [09:28]▸ [09:41]▸ [09:48]▸
- Luca says being your best self goes beyond personal gain and creates a ripple effect that supports the community. [11:09]▸ [11:23]▸
- Kyle frames being your best self as accepting your quirks and flaws rather than being a superhero all the time. [13:12]▸ [13:13]▸ [13:24]▸ [14:14]▸
Solana's compass for being your best self
- Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound SMART goals for various aspects of life.
- Regularly reflect on your values, goals and actions, and adjust course if needed.
- View challenges and obstacles as opportunities for personal development.
- Practise mindfulness so you make intentional choices rather than reacting impulsively.
- Stay curious and committed to lifelong learning of new knowledge, skills and experience.
As described in the episode: [06:21]▸ [06:45]▸ [07:01]▸ [07:16]▸ [07:34]▸ [08:05]▸
Lessons
- Mika advises giving yourself time to make mistakes and to explore your identity, for example through fashion, study styles or music, to find what makes you comfortable. [02:34]▸
- Myles advises staying honest with others but starting to be honest with yourself. [03:32]▸
- Solana recommends SMART goals and regular reflection to keep your choices aligned with your values. [06:45]▸ [07:01]▸
- Luca suggests treating being your best self as a continuous journey, not a final destination. [11:33]▸
- Kyle encourages letting go of worries and making time to rest and relax. [12:39]▸ [12:56]▸
Who it's for
Pupils, parents and teachers interested in how Education Incorporated's prefects interpret the school motto. It also suits anyone looking for student perspectives on authenticity, honesty, self-acceptance and personal growth habits.
Facts stated in the episode
- The speeches were given at Education Incorporated's 2023 honours evening. [02:55]▸ [09:17]▸
- Luca states the school motto is Est Optimum Sui, meaning be your best self. [09:17]▸
- Mika quotes Oscar Wilde: be yourself, everyone else is already taken. [02:09]▸
Questions this episode answers
- What does Education Incorporated's motto Est Optimum Sui mean?Luca explains that the school motto, Est Optimum Sui, means be your best self. [09:17]▸
- Is being your best self about becoming an ideal version of yourself?Mika argues that it is not. She says it is about embracing who you are and being genuinely comfortable with that person. [01:16]▸ [01:28]▸ [02:55]▸
- Where should someone start if they want to be their best self?Myles says practically everyone must start with honesty, especially honesty with yourself. Authenticity follows from that. [03:32]▸ [04:03]▸
- What practical habits help with personal growth?Solana recommends SMART goals, regular reflection on values, treating challenges as opportunities, mindfulness, and lifelong learning. [06:45]▸ [07:01]▸ [07:16]▸ [07:34]▸ [08:05]▸
- Does being your best self mean being perfect?Luca says it is not about being perfect but being the best version of yourself, flaws and all. Kyle adds that it is not about being a superhero 24/7. [09:41]▸ [13:13]▸
- How does being your best self affect other people?Luca argues that it creates a ripple effect: positive attitude, determination and kindness help a community thrive on mutual support. [11:09]▸ [11:23]▸
- What does being a prefect at Education Incorporated involve?The presenter says prefects are chosen for leadership, responsibility and commitment to a positive school environment. The role means setting an example, solving conflicts with integrity and supporting fellow students. [00:13]▸ [14:54]▸
- Is the motto only meant for school years?Solana says it is not limited to school and is often considered a lifelong philosophy or compass for self-improvement. [05:10]▸
In their own words
Longer stretches of the conversation, word for word from the transcript, turn by turn.
Mika: your best self is who you're comfortable being
Note (AI): Mika's full argument against chasing an idealised self, and her view that comfort and confidence come before growth.
Mika, guest · [01:16]Many advocate for focusing on the person you aspire to become. However, I would like to diverge from that notion. If I were to stand here today and tell you that I'd be leading you astray, it's not about aspiring to become an idealized version of yourself. Instead, it's about embracing who you are, genuinely comfortable being. I'm not suggesting that you don't have goals to grow in life, but …
Read the full passage (292 words, 01:16-03:02)
Mika, guest · [01:16]Many advocate for focusing on the person you aspire to become. However, I would like to diverge from that notion. If I were to stand here today and tell you that I'd be leading you astray, it's not about aspiring to become an idealized version of yourself. Instead, it's about embracing who you are, genuinely comfortable being. I'm not suggesting that you don't have goals to grow in life, but how do you achieve them without truly being comfortable and consequently confident with yourself? You wouldn't know which areas to identify for growth. Aspire to be someone you're truly comfortable with being, and in turn, that individual will pave numerous ways for growth. In a society that often measures success by external accomplishments, we must recognize that true fulfillment stems from internal peace with yourself. It's not about matching someone else's expectations, but about aligning with our authentic selves. As Oscar Wilde wisely said, be yourself, everyone else is already taken. To be your genuine self is to acknowledge your strengths, celebrate your uniqueness, and accept your vulnerabilities. It's a journey that liberates us from the restraints of comparison, allowing us to appreciate the beauty of our own individuality. So keep in mind, the journey to becoming your authentic self demands both time and patience. Allow yourself the freedom and time to make mistakes, enjoy embarrassing moments, reconsider friendships, and explore various aspects of your identity. Whether it's fashion, studying styles, or music, through this exploration, you'll find what truly makes you comfortable. While the journey may be exhausting, rest assured there's something for each of us at the end. So I'm here today to tell you that the person you're truly comfortable with being, that's your best self, now and always.
Myles: honesty and authenticity as building blocks
Note (AI): Myles lays out a two-part case: honesty with yourself, then authenticity, which lets you adapt without changing who you are.
Myles, guest · [03:13]So, Est Optimum Sui, be your best self. These four words are quite significant. They can set out how you should live your life. There can be many interpretations for being one's best self, and they're all dependent on who you are. No matter who you are, however, there is one main thing that practically everyone must start with, and that is honesty. Keep being honest with others, but start …
Read the full passage (217 words, 03:13-04:50)
Myles, guest · [03:13]So, Est Optimum Sui, be your best self. These four words are quite significant. They can set out how you should live your life. There can be many interpretations for being one's best self, and they're all dependent on who you are. No matter who you are, however, there is one main thing that practically everyone must start with, and that is honesty. Keep being honest with others, but start being honest with yourself. People are honest with others, but not necessarily themselves. And when you are honest with yourself, There's something else that ties in wonderfully with it. That is authenticity to oneself. Now, authenticity. To be authentic with yourself, you need to accept who you are. Not try to be someone else, but learn who you are and embrace that person. When you are truly authentic with yourself, you are able to adapt to situations without changing who you are fundamentally. Throughout my entire life, I've seen plenty examples of this, of people who own change who they are, depending on the situation that they might be in or the friend group they're with. You need to be real. Trust who you are and just be honest with yourself. These two ideas are the main building blocks to Est Optimum Sui, being your best self.
Solana's compass of habits for personal growth
Note (AI): Solana gives the most practical guidance in the episode: SMART goals, reflection, mindfulness, lifelong learning and adaptability.
Solana Britz, guest · [06:21]The motto Be Your Best Self can serve as a powerful and enduring compass for guiding one's life in various aspects, such as continuous improvement, which embraces a mindset of constant growth and improvement. Strive to be better today than what you were yesterday. This involves setting personal and professional goals and working towards them. Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound SMART goals for various aspects of your life. …
Read the full passage (278 words, 06:21-08:34)
Solana Britz, guest · [06:21]The motto Be Your Best Self can serve as a powerful and enduring compass for guiding one's life in various aspects, such as continuous improvement, which embraces a mindset of constant growth and improvement. Strive to be better today than what you were yesterday. This involves setting personal and professional goals and working towards them. Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound SMART goals for various aspects of your life. These goals provide direction and milestones for your journey to becoming your best self. Regularly reflecting on your values, goals, and actions. Assess whether your current choice aligns with your aspirations and values. Adjust your course if needed to stay true to your version of your best self. View challenges and obstacles as opportunities for personal development. Facing adversity can bring out your strengths and resilience, helping you evolve into a more resilient and capable person that is mindful and present. Practice mindfulness to stay present in the moment. Being aware of your thoughts and actions allows you to make intentional choices that align with your best self, rather than reacting impulsively. And just be true to yourself and your values. Authenticity is a key component of being your best self, and avoid compromising your principles for external validation and strive to live in alignment with your true identity. You need to stay curious and committed to lifelong learning, seek new knowledge, skills, and experience that contributes to your personal and professional growth. This continual learning process keeps you engaged and adaptable. Adaptability is to embrace life. Life is dynamic, and being your best self involves the ability to navigate and adapt to new circumstances, challenges, and opportunities.
Luca on imperfection, balance and the ripple effect
Note (AI): Luca uses humour to argue that being your best self is not perfection and that it benefits the wider community.
Luca Di Nicola, guest · [09:28]But what does it truly mean to be your best self? Is it an unattainable standard, a distant aspiration, or is it a journey we embark upon each day? Well, let me share a little wisdom I picked up this year. Being your best self is not about being perfect. It's about being the best version of yourself, flaws and all. Now, I know we're all juggling academics, extracurriculars, and …
Read the full passage (347 words, 09:28-11:28)
Luca Di Nicola, guest · [09:28]But what does it truly mean to be your best self? Is it an unattainable standard, a distant aspiration, or is it a journey we embark upon each day? Well, let me share a little wisdom I picked up this year. Being your best self is not about being perfect. It's about being the best version of yourself, flaws and all. Now, I know we're all juggling academics, extracurriculars, and the occasional existential crisis, but being your best self is finding the balance that works uniquely for you. It's about discovering your strengths, embracing your quirks, and of course, mastering the art of setting multiple alarms to conquer those early morning classes. So, how can you be your best self? Well, it's a bit like making the perfect sandwich. Layering dedication, a sprinkle of passion, a dash of resilience, and let's not forget the secret sauce of compassion, and voila, you've got the recipe for success, or at least a pretty tasty metaphor. Now, why should you even bother being your best self? Well, aside from the fact that it impresses your grandparents during holiday dinners, being your best self sets you up for life. It's not just about acing exams or landing that dream job. It's about navigating the intricate dance of life with confidence and grace. Think about being your best self as having a superpower. Imagine going through life with a cape of self-assurance, prepared to tackle challenges with unwavering determination, whether it's personal relationships or mastering the art of sleeping in class whilst looking like you're paying attention. Being your best self becomes the key to unlocking doors and paving the way for success in the face of diverse challenges. But here's the twist. Being your best self isn't just about personal gain. It's about creating a ripple effect that touches the lives of those around you. Your positive attitude, determination, and kindness become the catalyst for a community that thrives on mutual support. After all, a rising tide lifts all boats, and so does a person committed to being their best selves.
Kyle's send-off: quirks, flaws and adventure
Note (AI): Kyle closes the year with an end-of-year toast to accepting flaws and living as your unapologetic self.
Kyle Mayhew, guest · [13:12]Now folks, being your best self is not just about being a superhero 24/7. It's about accepting your quirks, relishing your uniqueness, and flaunting your flaws like they're just the latest fashion trend. After all, who wants to just be another clone in a sea of sameness? As we bid adieu to this whirlwind of a year, let's raise our invisible cups, or real ones if you have, and toast …
Read the full passage (188 words, 13:12-14:22)
Kyle Mayhew, guest · [13:12]Now folks, being your best self is not just about being a superhero 24/7. It's about accepting your quirks, relishing your uniqueness, and flaunting your flaws like they're just the latest fashion trend. After all, who wants to just be another clone in a sea of sameness? As we bid adieu to this whirlwind of a year, let's raise our invisible cups, or real ones if you have, and toast the sheer audacity of being unapologetically you. To the graduates, to the adventurers, and to every soul in this room and beyond, remember this: life's a treasure trove of memories waiting to be unearthed. So grab that shovel, put on your adventure boots, and dance through the carnival called life with your own unique swagger. So here's to you, to me, to us, the architects of our destiny, painting the canvas of life with hues of laughter, shades of courage, and strokes of brilliance. As we bid farewell, let's march ahead, heads held high, hearts beating to the rhythm of our dreams. Embrace your quirks, seize the day, and always, always be a gloriously, imperfect, beautifully authentic self.
Quotes
“As Oscar Wilde wisely said, be yourself, everyone else is already taken.”
“So I'm here today to tell you that the person you're truly comfortable with being, that's your best self, now and always.”
“You need to be real. Trust who you are and just be honest with yourself.”
“Strive to be better today than what you were yesterday.”
“After all, a rising tide lifts all boats, and so does a person committed to being their best selves.”
“here's to embracing the imperfect perfection of being your best self and lighting up the path for others to follow.”
“After all, who wants to just be another clone in a sea of sameness?”
“Embrace your quirks, seize the day, and always, always be a gloriously, imperfect, beautifully authentic self.”
“Congratulations, my friends, for this is just the prologue to your epic tale.”
What was said, by topic
Being your best self
“Many advocate for focusing on the person you aspire to become. However, I would like to diverge from that notion.”
“It is not limited to a specific time or context, such as being applicable only during school. Instead, it is often considered a lifelong philosophy or compass that guides individuals in their continuous journey of self-improvement.”
“I want to reflect on a guiding principle that shapes our journey at this esteemed institution, the school motto, Est Optimum Sui, which means be your best self.”
“Now, I know we're all juggling academics, extracurriculars, and the occasional existential crisis, but being your best self is finding the balance that works uniquely for you.”
“let's remember that being your best self is not a final destination. It's a continuous journey of growth, resilience, and a fair share of laughter along the way.”
“This year, let me tell you, has been a rollercoaster ride, with loops and surprises that even an amusement park would envy.”
Authenticity and self-acceptance
“it's not about aspiring to become an idealized version of yourself. Instead, it's about embracing who you are, genuinely comfortable being.”
“In a society that often measures success by external accomplishments, we must recognize that true fulfillment stems from internal peace with yourself. It's not about matching someone else's expectations, but about aligning with our authentic selves.”
“Allow yourself the freedom and time to make mistakes, enjoy embarrassing moments, reconsider friendships, and explore various aspects of your identity. Whether it's fashion, studying styles, or music, through this exploration, you'll find what truly makes you comfortable.”
“To be authentic with yourself, you need to accept who you are. Not try to be someone else, but learn who you are and embrace that person. When you are truly authentic with yourself, you are able to adapt to situations without changing who you are fundamentally.”
“Throughout my entire life, I've seen plenty examples of this, of people who own change who they are, depending on the situation that they might be in or the friend group they're with.”
Personal growth habits
“I'm not suggesting that you don't have goals to grow in life, but how do you achieve them without truly being comfortable and consequently confident with yourself? You wouldn't know which areas to identify for growth.”
“Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound SMART goals for various aspects of your life. These goals provide direction and milestones for your journey to becoming your best self.”
“Regularly reflecting on your values, goals, and actions. Assess whether your current choice aligns with your aspirations and values. Adjust your course if needed to stay true to your version of your best self.”
“View challenges and obstacles as opportunities for personal development. Facing adversity can bring out your strengths and resilience, helping you evolve into a more resilient and capable person that is mindful and present.”
“Practice mindfulness to stay present in the moment. Being aware of your thoughts and actions allows you to make intentional choices that align with your best self, rather than reacting impulsively.”
“You need to stay curious and committed to lifelong learning, seek new knowledge, skills, and experience that contributes to your personal and professional growth. This continual learning process keeps you engaged and adaptable.”
“Layering dedication, a sprinkle of passion, a dash of resilience, and let's not forget the secret sauce of compassion, and voila, you've got the recipe for success, or at least a pretty tasty metaphor.”
“Take that breather, savour the peace like it's your last slice of pizza at a party, and indulge in some quality relaxation time.”
Honesty with yourself
“No matter who you are, however, there is one main thing that practically everyone must start with, and that is honesty. Keep being honest with others, but start being honest with yourself.”
Embracing imperfection
“Being your best self is not about being perfect. It's about being the best version of yourself, flaws and all.”
“Let go of those worries, fears, and doubts. Release them into the wild and watch them vanish like socks in a washing machine, mysteriously and forever.”
“being your best self is not just about being a superhero 24/7. It's about accepting your quirks, relishing your uniqueness, and flaunting your flaws like they're just the latest fashion trend.”
Prefect leadership
“These students have been chosen for their exemplary leadership, responsibility, and unwavering commitment to creating a positive school environment.”
“Being your best self isn't just about personal gain. It's about creating a ripple effect that touches the lives of those around you. Your positive attitude, determination, and kindness become the catalyst for a community that thrives on mutual support.”
“being a Prefect at Education Incorporated means setting a positive example, solving conflicts with integrity, and supporting fellow students through challenges.”
Episode notes (as published)
From the episode notes published with the podcast.
Est Optimum Sui - Be Your Best Self Our prefects each delivered a speech at our 2023 Honours Evening on the theme of "Being Your Best Self" Hear Mika, Myles, Solana, Luca, and Kyle share their stories. Edu Inc website · Facebook (Public) · Facebook (closed group) · Twitter (closed group) · YouTube · Review us on Google
Every quotation and passage on this page is copied word for word from the episode audio transcript and linked to the moment it was said. Quotations are never written or altered by AI; topic labels, passage notes and the episode analysis are AI-generated. Guest details come from the published episode notes or the guest's own words.