Learning Outcomes:
1: Identifying Own Strengths and Areas for Growth
2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
5: Demonstrate the skills and recognise the benefits of working collaboratively
As a proud member of the SerWIS club, I’ve been able to engage in various meaningful events, including Pinktober and Movember. One particularly memorable event was Color Run 2024, a collaborative initiative held by Operation Smile Thailand along with several international schools. This event aimed to advocate for and generate funds for cleft lip and cleft palate treatments, ensuring safe surgeries reach individuals in areas where they are most needed. It was a remarkable opportunity to contribute to such a good cause that truly makes a difference in the lives of people.
In my role as one of the students responsible for organizing the runners, I identified several strengths, notably in organizational skills and teamwork. My experience as a leader in multiple school clubs provided a solid foundation for communication and coordinating events, which was further reinforced during the Color Run. Collaborating with students from different schools, such as ISB, NIST, and ASTER, through Operation Smile Thailand's initiative highlighted the power of collective action in making a positive impact. Together, we advocated for and raised funds to support essential medical treatments, demonstrating the significance of collaboration in addressing global issues.
At the same time, I also recognized an area for growth in adaptability. During the Color Run, an unexpected challenge arose when it was discovered that there was a lack of planned cheering activities at the finish line for the participants. Recognizing the importance of expressing happiness and gratitude for those who participated in the run, a decision was made on the spot to organize cheering activities. As one of the students responsible for the event, I had to quickly adapt to this change and engage in coordinating the cheering activities. This experience taught me the importance of remaining flexible and adaptable in dynamic situations, and I view it as an opportunity for personal growth in my ability to respond effectively to unforeseen circumstances in the future.
Throughout the event, I encountered numerous challenges that allowed me to develop new skills. From ensuring all participants were properly positioned at the starting line to coordinating cheering activities at the finish line, each task required problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Through overcoming these challenges, I acquired valuable skills in event coordination, problem-solving, and teamwork, which I believe will be invaluable in future endeavors.
This is a video of us energetically cheering for the runners!!
Learning Outcomes:
3: Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience
4: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences
5: Demonstrate the skills and recognise the benefits of working collaboratively
6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
7: Recognise and consider the ethics of choices and actions
As a long-time member and now leader of the PAWS club, I have been deeply involved in our efforts to support animal welfare. Our latest initiative was the PAWS Cat Food Drive, aimed at aiding the PAWS Bangkok Organization in its mission to care for cats. This event provided an excellent opportunity for the Wells Community to contribute to a worthy cause.
Having previously organized booths and events to raise funds and awareness, we decided to focus on collecting donations of cat food this time. To ensure we provided the most useful support, we contacted PAWS Bangkok and asked about their specific needs. They provided us with a list of essential cat food items. We then created an eye-catching poster and designed a donation box to be placed in the school lobby for easy access. This process from conceptualizing the cat food drive, contacting the organization, designing promotional materials, and executing the plan demonstrated our ability to initiate and plan a CAS experience comprehensively.
During the donation week, our club leaders made repeated morning announcements to remind everyone about the drive. We also sent emails to students and teachers to maximize our reach. These consistent efforts in making announcements, sending emails, and ensuring the drive's success highlighted our commitment and perseverance throughout the CAS experience. The dedication and hard work we put into this event were crucial to its success.
The successful outcome of the cat food drive was due to effective collaboration among club leaders and members. Working together to make announcements, design promotional materials, and manage the donation process underscored the importance of teamwork. The collective effort not only made the event successful but also strengthened our sense of community and shared purpose. This experience demonstrated the skills and benefits of working collaboratively, as we were able to achieve much more together than we could have individually.
By supporting the PAWS Bangkok Organization, which addresses animal welfare—a global issue—we demonstrated our understanding of and engagement with a significant global concern. This drive not only provided immediate support to the organization but also raised awareness about the importance of animal welfare within our community. Recognizing and addressing these global issues is vital, as it helps us to make responsible decisions and take appropriate action.
The ethical consideration in choosing to support a volunteer-run organization and addressing their specific needs showed our awareness of the consequences of our actions and decisions in planning and carrying out this CAS experience. Ensuring that our contributions were aligned with the actual needs of PAWS Bangkok reflected our commitment to making responsible and impactful choices.
By the end of the donation week, we had collected a box full of cat food donations. The generosity of the Wells Community was truly heartwarming, and we are excited to deliver the donations to PAWS Bangkok and support the dedicated volunteers there.
Reflecting on this experience, I feel a great sense of pride and fulfillment. It was gratifying to see the community come together for a noble cause and to witness the positive impact of our efforts. This project allowed me to identify my strengths in organization and leadership while highlighting areas for growth, such as enhancing promotional strategies and logistical planning.
In conclusion, the PAWS Cat Food Drive was a rewarding experience that reinforced the importance of thorough planning, effective collaboration, and ethical decision-making. This event not only enriched our club's activities but also made a meaningful impact on our school community and the lives of the animals we aimed to support.