My objectives going into this program were, first and foremost, to reach out and make positive change within my community. I was aware of my distance, both figurative and literal, from those less fortunate than myself and I wanted to break down this barrier. I think it is quite ridiculous to be living in a country like Kenya and limit oneself and one’s worldview to only a small portion of Nairobi. Coming into CAS I was particularly passionate about making contact with the KSPCA. My personal goals also included developing my leadership and interpersonal skills and building my confidence.
I planned and initiated a number of activities in CAS. I was a dedicated member of a multitude of clubs, including Interact, Save the Rhino, ARTSCO and KCCL. I believe I have shown perseverance in, and commitment to, these groups as I have been a member of many for numerous years (even making my way to acquiring leadership positions in a few) and have consistently attended meetings and trips. For example, I have been a member of Save the Rhino since its conception and am now the vice president. I also engaged with issues of global importance in these groups: in the Global Issues Network, for instance, we discussed women’s rights, water scarcity [etc], in Save the Rhino poaching, and in KCCL, Shangilia and Interact we actively worked to bridge the gap between social classes. As president of ARTSCO and vice of Save the Rhino I was also involved in a great deal of initiation and planning of events. I took charge of the mural painting around ISK, coordinated various fundraisers, was involved in drama productions, wristband sales, and was continuously organising other activities. Participating in, and leading, these groups also meant that I was constantly working collaboratively with my peers: brainstorming ideas for events, breaking into committees when planning, and making sure that all ideas and opinions were being heard.
The outcomes from my experience in CAS were wholly positive. I was successful in achieving my goals due to the fact that I pushed myself to take more risks and step out of my comfort zone. I challenged myself by taking on leadership positions and interacting with those who I would normally be intimidated to approach. My success definitely led to me learning a number of new skills. My leadership and interpersonal skills improved as I learnt to communicate and engage with people in difficult situations (such as the HeArts children at Gertrude’s hospital and the mentally disabled children at KCCL). My ability to work in a team have also been bettered as I have been involved in Round Square – coming together with other group leaders and working together to support the IDEALS made me understand the value of collaboration. I also became a strong swimmer through my participation in the swim team, learnt piano and guitar, developed my writing in journalism, Spanish newspaper club and writing troupe, and gained many more useful traits. I have also become far more capable of taking on responsibility, and am far more organised and able to balance my time.
My personal growth in this program is credited to the challenges that I undertook. It was difficult organising my time so that I could contribute valuably to all of my clubs, but I cut down on my groups near the end of CAS and was far more effective a member in the remaining ones. I tested myself in taking on piano, which was a very new kind of learning for me, and physically in track and field, as I was not very fit at first. There has essentially been a challenge in every club I’ve been a part of. For instance, in Shangilia I had to take on the role of a teacher, which is something I’d never done before, and speak to a large body of students, which was an intimidating prospect at the time. Similarly, my leadership roles in CAS were one of the biggest challenges for me. It was the first time I’d stepped up in this way, but I certainly feel that I grew into the role.
In conclusion, CAS has been a brilliant experience for me over the past few years. I have taken on a new and utterly enhanced worldview and can apply the skills and values I have adopted to all that I do (both in the present and future). CAS has moulded me into the person I am today, and inspired me to continue making change in years to come.
No comments:
Post a Comment