Class of 2022 CAS Final Reflection and Celebration

Charlene's CAS Journey

Final DP CAS Reflection

CAS projects and activities have taken a big part of my DP life. They might not have been the greatest things, but they definitely have an impact on my DP experience. Throughout the CAS experiences, I have learned to communicate and collaborate. I also had more chances to exercise since it is not something I would want to do if I did not have CAS. Overall, I improved and learned many new skills throughout the CAS experiences.

1. Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

To a certain extent, I was able to achieve this learning outcome. Exercising, especially running has never been my "go-to" activity. But I wanted to give it a chance. Although I was not able to motivate myself to continue running at school, I was able to exercise at home during the online school period. Through time, I was able to build endurance which is a personal growth that can be helpful in the further. Through this activity, I realized that running is probably not my strength, but with ,training I can remove it from my weaknesses list.

2. Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

Back in elementary and middle school, I enjoyed hiking, but as I grew up, I would rather spend my weekends at home rather than going outdoors. In this hiking activity, we had to find the way to our destination. I researched the trail we were going to hike, therefore had a better understanding of what it is like and also the things we should bring. Since none of us has been on that trail before, it was a challenging experience. To an extent, I have achieved this learning outcome.

3. Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

To a large extent, I have achieved this learning outcome. Working as a club president means that there are lots of activities and events that need to be planned and dealt with. I have learned so much throughout this experience. Including how to plan for myself, for the group, and for the school. I learned how to make clear plans that are specific through setting goals that are achievable. I developed this skill through the planning of the Hunger 12 + Matthew 25 event, winter festivals, sports day fundraisers, and even weekly club meetings.

4: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

Not only was I able to continue to lead the World Vision club for three years, but I also volunteered for Beyond Horizon for almost two years. I was fully committed to these two projects and genuinely enjoyed the experience. Although there were many problems that I had to work with and solve, I still decided to complete the projects and work on the project until the end. To a great extent, I have achieved this learning outcome.

5: Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

I was involved in preparing for Seussical. In this project, we had to work as a team to make the backdrops and props for the musical. Some people were better at drawing while others were better at painting, therefore we each had our own jobs and did what we were better at. During the day of the musical, I also helped out with setting up the stage and greeting the parents. Again, we each had our job to do but we helped each other when help is needed. To a good extent, I have demonstrated the skills of collaboration.

6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

To an extent, I have achieved this learning outcome through holding and participating in the Hunger 12 event. Since I have already participated in the event for around 4 times, I decided to try hunger 30. The event is about experiencing hunger and helping out people who are in hunger by donating the money we would spend on our meals. Hunger is definitely a global issue, and through this event, we were able to address this issue and take action in helping to solve it.

7: Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

To an extent, I have achieved this learning outcome. Our club sponsored a child from Nepal, but we had to earn money to fund her through fundraisers. When funding, we had to consider the privacy of the child. Although we could have just used the child's photo and found many pictures of starving children to make viewers feel empathetic. We decided not to. It felt unethical to do so and unfair to the child. Therefore, in the end, I drew a cartoon version of the child for use to use when asking for donations during the fundraiser.

In terms of making your CAS experiences more meaningful, I would choose things you are actually passionate about. CAS experiences are not meant to be hard and annoying, but they should be interesting and enjoyable. I would start by looking at the things that are already in progress, such as the World Vision club I was already in. You can also seek new opportunities and be open-minded about other possible projects. For example, becoming a part of Beyond Horizon was not part of my plan, but since someone I encountered brought it up to me, I thought, why not?

Five years from now, I would probably still remember the World Vision club and Beyond Horizon. I have learned so much from them. Including communication skills, planning, organization, leadership, and much more. These skills will be useful even after five years, and I will definitely remember how I improved on and got these skills.

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