At Satellite Foundation, we are incredibly proud of our Youth Advisory Council member, Alison Turner (Ali), who received a high commendation for her short story “Every Door I’ve Ever Opened” in Odyssey Victoria’s 2024 Short Story Competition. The competition’s theme this year, Regret, inspired an array of powerful and thought-provoking narratives, and Ali’s entry stands out as a deeply emotional and reflective work on this universal feeling.
In “Every Door I’ve Ever Opened”, Ali uses the metaphor of doors to represent the various paths and decisions one may face in life. Each door signifies a moment of choice, whether it be in relationships, family dynamics, or personal struggles. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that regret permeates every step of the journey, with each door opened leaving a mark on the protagonist’s emotional landscape.
The opening line, “I regret every door I’ve ever opened, and all the ones that opened on me,” sets the tone for this reflective and raw exploration of regret. Ali takes us along a series of poignant moments, moving through childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood—each marked by emotional pain, loss, and the aftermath of decisions made. This journey highlights the complexity of regret, demonstrating how it can be both a source of torment and a catalyst for growth.
From the door marked ‘Mum’ to the struggles with body image and identity, Ali’s story dives into themes of family, self-worth, and the search for healing. It’s a story of trying to find peace while confronting the emotional weight of past decisions and experiences. Ali’s words remind us that regret is not always something we can easily escape—it’s something we live with and learn from.
We are so proud of Ali and are thrilled to see her recognised for her remarkable talent. Her story, along with other winners from the competition, can be read in full on Odyssey Victoria’s website.
A big thank you to Odyssey Victoria for creating a space for writers to explore the theme of regret. We look forward to seeing more of her inspiring work in the future!
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We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.
Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.
