As I mentioned in my proposal, the learning outcomes I anticipated were as followed the second, third and fourth. Below, I reflect on this experience through these lenses.
2. Undertake new challenges
Although this was not my first time in a leadership position, there was something that made this task distinct from my role in MUN or Cancer Initiative. The first aspect of this was the complete and utter responsibility which I will go deeper into in the following learning outcome. The second was the language barrier as there were some girls who did not speak English as fluently and I was worried that they were not completely understanding and therefore benefitting from the advice and formatting tips. What was interesting about this however is that I found myself benefitting even more strongly from the advice that I was sharing as I had to focus on communicating effectively regardless of barriers through diction and pronunciation.
3. Plan and initiate activities
While at first I was ecstatic to be taking part in this event, as the deadline approached I realize it was the first time that I was planning an activity like this completely alone. The only information that I really had to work with was that the workshop would be 20 minutes long following the theme of public speaking. To my surprise, I had great feedback from the girls and while it was not as interactive a 20 minutes as I’d like, I suppose the responses from those involved is really what mattered!
4. Work collaboratively with others
I think that perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of this event and my participation was the opportunity to collaborate with people who I would not normally have the chance to. What pleased me the most was the way in which at the end of each session girls would take my notes and transform them into own speeches. As they discussed issues like environmental awareness and women’s rights I realized that despite coming from different places and leading very different lives to my own, we have incredible amounts in common in terms of our interests and passions.
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