I got there super early — way before the audience. The theater was completely empty, and nothing was really set up yet. But I actually liked that. It was my first time being in that auditorium, so it felt nice to have a quiet moment to explore and get familiar with the space before showtime. 

As a staff member, I also got to see things that guests usually don’t. Like the singers' rehearsal! They came early too, just like us, to adjust their mics and run through everything. Watching them behind the scenes, being serious but also kinda chill, gave me a whole new respect for performers. 

My main job was at the entrance: opening and closing the door, guiding guests from the gate into the right place.

There was this one funny moment when guests came too early while the singers were still rehearsing. We had to stand like bodyguards and keep them out — it felt dramatic but fun 😂. 

At first, I wondered, “Why do we need to guide them? Can’t we just put up a sign?”

But then I realized — it’s just like on an airplane. Even with instructions, the flight crew still stands there to guide you.

Our presence actually made the audience feel more welcomed and less confused. Some guests even smiled and thanked us — those smiles honestly made my day. 

I wore a red long-sleeved shirt that day — something I rarely wear, but it was the uniform. Wearing it made me feel like part of something professional and organized.

I also used Zello, a kind of walkie-talkie app, which meant I had to keep my AirPods in all the time to stay connected with other staff. It felt a bit uncomfortable at first, but also kind of cool — like I was really part of the team. 

Later, I helped during the tea break. We had to run up and down to carry trays and set up tables upstairs while the show was happening.

The organizers told us we had to be quick and full of energy, and honestly, I was nervous. But it all went smoothly! 

There was one moment I’ll never forget: a group of three guests wanted more servings.

Technically, we weren’t supposed to give extras, but I smiled, asked around, and made it happen.

When I brought it to them, they were so surprised and happy — I could see the joy on their faces.

I might have bent the rule a bit, but it made someone’s experience better. And that, to me, felt worth it. 

Even though I was just an event volunteer, I felt like I played an important role.

We weren’t just “helpers” — we were the first impression of the entire TEDx experience. Just by showing up early, staying sharp, and treating every guest with care, we helped set the mood for the whole event. I realized that even small roles matter a lot when everyone works together toward something meaningful. 

Although I didn’t get to watch every speaker since I was busy behind the scenes, I caught a few moments when I had the chance. One talk I briefly heard was about slowing down to understand life’s complexity — which fits perfectly with the event’s theme, “De Rubik Code.”

That idea actually stuck with me.

I play badminton, a super fast-paced sport where you move almost on instinct. But sometimes, I hit a rough patch — like when I kept messing up my backhand corner. I wouldn’t have realized what I was doing wrong if I hadn’t slowed down, recorded myself, and looked closely. Just like the talk said: reflection leads to clarity.

It’s not just sports either. In this chaotic, rapid-scroll, notification-every-5-seconds kind of world, slowing down feels like a superpower. Even during the event — between mic checks, busy schedules, and tray deliveries — there were quiet moments where I just paused and took it all in. The energy, the effort, the people.

I might not have sat in the audience, but I still walked away with something valuable: a reminder that sometimes, the best way forward is to stop for a second and actually look.

After the event, I got the chance to meet some of the speakers and performers — a total surprise bonus! I didn’t expect to be anywhere near “celebrities” that day, but I was lucky to take a photo or two. What struck me most wasn’t just that they were well-known — it was how kind they were. A reminder that even the most inspiring voices on stage are just real people offstage.