PEIGIE  LEE

Been spending a lot of time working on the Welcome Home Party for the EPs ( Exchange Participants) who just came back from their exchange. It all started when one day my Vice President from AIESEC skyped with me and asked me if I want to take up this role as the Organizing Committee President of this party. I was thrilled when this opportunity was offered, thinking that I want to challenge things that I’ve never done before, I agreed with his offer.

 

Different from the usual committee roles that I have taken up before, I found that an OC president needs to be strong in conceptual skills. After a few meeting with vice president about what are the things I need to do to get started with, I straightaway put myself into a lot of thinking process, determine what is the purpose of holding this party, the goals and output I want from this party, the job description of every Organizing Committee and etc. then recording everything down in google spreadsheet. When the concepts are all set, I have to acquire for members to join my OC team. This continued with having meeting with them, instil the purpose and goals we need to achieve from that party, in addition explain their job description precisely so that the team can work more efficiently.  Besides, as an OC president, the role involves a lot of decision making, anytime no matter pre, during or post event.

There are too many things I have learnt from organizing this event, but these are the main learning outcomes from discussion with Vice President.

 

Need to have goals and purposes in things you do.

The true goal behind what we pursue is often internal – and most of the time, this internal goal is simply to be happy. After that, turn the internal goal and know your external goal.

How can this applied in future ? Look at the current external goal you have,  then begin to trace it down. For example : You want a new job. Why? Perhaps higher salary? Get away from nasty employee? Then? An easier work environment or more free time. What then? What will you get? And simply repeat this process until you can’t get any more answers. Almost always, you will find that what are left with is an internal goal. The road becomes easier to tread when we realize the internal goals are achievable if we put in time and effort. After finding internal goals and if external goals is still wanted, we can do the opposite which seems more logical. For example : Once I have money, I’ll be independent. Once I found a lover, I will have self-esteem. Once my spouse quite drinking so much, I’ll be happy.

Setting goal is important. If we don’t have a goal, we are just spending time running around and not achieving anything for ourselves but everyone’s goals. Setting goals ensures that I am channelling my time, energy and efforts into things that really matter to me. It makes me live more consciously.

 

Challenging a bigger role allow you to learn more.

Being a leader isn’t just think and do everything yourself. You have to discuss with your team to come up with a solution that everyone agrees with. From there you can see the pros and cons of the action.

On a side note, I have also came to understand that it is important to have a good mentor who can point out your flaws and make you think of the solution yourself. Then, you can increase your creative thinking and problem solving skills.

 

In a nutshell, I was really thankful that everything managed to pull out in just 2 weeks of preparation. The OC team was working efficiently and accountability in everything we do.  The participants were also glad with the theme : Glow In The Dark, which was very relevant to their 6-8 weeks exchange abroad, embarking on the journey alone with all unpredictable voyage! According to the Vice President, that was the most colourful event among so many AIESEC events! These beautiful compliments were indeed a real reward after 2 hectic weeks, and casually remarking that I’ve done my job just had me on cloud nine!