Serving as EXCO (Programmes) for Chrysalis 2024, the college's flagship leadership camp summit celebrating its 10th anniversary, was an immensely rewarding experience for me. Having previously participated as a delegate, this year I took on the responsibility of planning, executing, and coordinating the event alongside dedicated stakeholders. Our primary objective was to equip participants with essential skills to become empowered leaders and effective communicators.

Throughout the planning stages, I played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the event. As Deputy Head in Programmes, I led substantive discussions during our sub-committee meetings, contributing ideas on programme flow, timeline, games, and educational content. Several of my suggestions were integrated into the final agenda, enriching the overall experience for our participants. Yet despite our overall success, there were also times when flames were sparked within the EXCOs as well as between various stakeholders, which posed challenges to the event. 

On the day of the event, I ensured seamless coordination with other committees to guarantee a smooth execution of activities. From logistics preparation to adhering to safety protocols, I maintained a hands-on approach to ensure everything ran efficiently. This included overseeing the implementation of engaging team-building exercises and facilitating talks by esteemed speakers, which fostered stronger bonds among participants and enhanced their leadership capabilities.

Being part of Chrysalis 2024 not only allowed me to contribute meaningfully to my school community but also provided a platform to develop my own leadership skills. It was a privilege to witness firsthand the positive impact of our efforts as participants left with newfound insights and strengthened leadership qualities. This experience has reinforced my commitment to promoting leadership development and collaboration within our school, setting a foundation for future leaders to thrive.

On the 22nd and 23rd of November, I had the opportunity to attend the Student Leaders' Retreat 2023 which proved to be an insightful experience, especially considering my role in the Executive Committee (EXCO) involved in the retreat's planning. This was a retreat for the Student Leaders in our school to reflect on their leadership journey thus far and to act as a checkpoint.

The weeks leading up to the event were dedicated to extensive preparation and training by external vendors, with subsequent application of acquired skills during the retreat. The retreat not only broadened my understanding of facilitation skills but also emphasized the significance of tailoring challenges to each team's capabilities. I realized that values are fundamental drivers of action, influencing how we approach and execute activities.

Interacting with diverse leaders provided a rich learning experience, offering insights into their unique stories and motivations for participating in the retreat. A recurring theme emerged: the pivotal role of a cohesive team spirit in navigating challenges and devising effective problem-solving strategies. This was particularly evident during the water games, where teamwork was paramount. The significance of emotional support and coordinated efforts became evident as participants engaged in kayaking to reach rubber duckies, prompting the development of innovative strategies.

As a leader, I recognized the importance of being on the ground and actively participating, despite EXCO members not being obligated to join in the games. I chose to immerse myself in the water games, discovering that sharing the same difficulties as the team fostered camaraderie and strengthened our bond. Additionally, the retreat underscored the importance of reflection. While the focus might initially seem centered on successfully completing activities, the retreat highlighted that the most crucial aspect lies in post-event reflection. Analyzing team strengths and weaknesses, and identifying areas for improvement proved instrumental in enhancing future performances.

In the dual roles of facilitating and monitoring, I unexpectedly gleaned valuable lessons. The experience deepened my understanding of effective interpersonal interactions, enabling me to forge meaningful friendships. The Student Leader Retreat served not only as a platform for imparting leadership skills but also as a reciprocal learning environment, enriching my personal and professional growth.

From 30th May to 1st June 2023, I had the opportunity to participate in the college's key leadership summit, known as Chrysalis. 

Undoubtedly, this experience has marked a pivotal role in my leadership journey. This 3-day event, organized by SAJC, was dedicated to equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective and compassionate leaders capable of planning and executing service learning projects. The summit was thoughtfully curated with the goal of fostering a community of Servant Leaders who would take ownership of their community and lead with both strength and compassion.

Throughout the program, we were provided with opportunities to develop and sharpen our leadership skills, focusing on effective communication, team-building, and problem-solving, all of which are essential for becoming effective leaders. One of the most memorable aspects of the summit was the chance to connect with fellow student leaders from different schools and backgrounds. This unique opportunity allowed for enriching discussions, idea exchange, and a supportive environment where I could freely express my thoughts and share my ideas.

During the programme, we were introduced to the "Five Practices of Leadership Challenge." We learned that effective leadership involves discovering our own identity, fostering a growth mindset, and empowering others. The summit provided a practical platform to put these principles into action, testing values such as teamwork, flexibility, resilience, and adaptability through engaging activities. These activities included challenging games like carrying between a net, stretching our limits to stack, performing skits on leadership, creating reflective posters, participating in ice-breaker games centered on names and animals, building leadershi practices using recyclable materials, and constructing the tallest structure using chopsticks and marshmallows.

The summit also encouraged deep self-reflection on our personal values and beliefs, prompting us to consider how we could leverage our individual strengths and abilities to serve our community effectively. As the summit concluded, I felt well-prepared to initiate a service learning project that would genuinely impact our community in a meaningful way.

Overall, Chrysalis was a transformative experience that not only honed my leadership skills but also contributed significantly to my personal growth. It provided the foundation for becoming a more capable, empathetic, and impactful leader, driven by the values of service and compassion. 

Now, I am better prepared and empowered to step out of my comfort zone and explore more opportunities that allow me to lead others with confidence and compassion.