Growing up in Tuntable Falls, surrounded by nature and community, I learned early on that life is about more than titles and status. Life is about people. It’s about the connections we make and the support we offer one another as we navigate our paths. Yet, somewhere along the way, society has shifted to place an inflated sense of importance on certain roles—politicians, celebrities, executives—while overlooking the everyday heroes who keep our communities flourishing.
I often reflect on this as someone who has worn many hats. In every role, I’ve witnessed how people are quick to categorise others as “VIPs” based solely on their title. But is that really what makes someone important? Shouldn’t we flip this idea on its head and instead focus on the contributions we make to each other before our time inevitably runs out?
Life, after all, is fragile. I’ve seen that first hand, growing up with a mother who struggled with addiction, navigating my own traumas, and working with vulnerable communities. These experiences taught me that what truly matters isn’t how many accolades or privileges we collect, but how we uplift those around us. The idea of a “VIP” should be redefined, because at the end of the day, we all pass away. No one is exempt from this. So why do we let artificial hierarchies, based on status or wealth, define who is considered important?
Take politicians, for example. Often, they’re treated as though they’re somehow more deserving of respect or special treatment. They get invited to exclusive events, sit at the head of the table, and are lauded for their position. But the reality is, they’re paid to do a job—just like teachers, nurses, carers, etc. Their role is to serve the community, not the other way around. Or volunteers who serve without payment! Why are they considered VIPs, when the people who work day in and day out to care for others, often without recognition, are equally deserving of that title?
For me, titles and positions have never been the driving force. It’s the impact we have on others that counts. I’ve always believed in the power of connection. I’ve learned that we all have something to give, and that our worth isn’t measured by our status, but by the contributions we make to the lives of others. The cleaner who ensures our spaces are safe, the young person starting their first job, the volunteer who shows up week after week—they’re all VIPs in my book.
We need to stop putting people in boxes based on status. Imagine a world where we flipped the script and treated everyone with the respect and care that’s often reserved for the so-called VIPs. Every interaction would become an opportunity to make a difference, to support, and to truly listen—because, as I often say, listening is one of the greatest skills we have.
I think about the people I’ve met along the way—many of whom were never recognised in the way they should have been, despite their enormous contributions. People who work behind the scenes to improve their community but never get the spotlight. These are the real VIPs. These are the people who remind us that the measure of our life is not in our titles, but in our actions.
In my opinion instead of focusing on the idea of VIPs, we should recognise that we are all here to support each other. We all have something valuable to contribute. What remains after we’re gone isn’t the accolades or titles, but the impact we had on the lives we touched along the way.
I know, for me, I want to be remembered not for any title I’ve held, but for the people I’ve listened to, the communities I’ve supported, and the kindness I’ve spread. In the end, it’s not about what we take from this world, but what we leave behind for those who come after us.
