volunteering
I strongly believe that everyone should play a part in giving back to the society by volunteering and helping the people in need. It might be just a small act for you but it might mean the whole world to them.
#Events/ Programmes
Verve 2019
Every year, the year 2s student would have to plan and run an arts festival which will take place in the community of Bukit Batok East Community Center. This year our theme is 'ThrowBack 659". Our main objective is to spark inter-generational bonding. The planning of this project took about 6-7 months and the whole process was not easy. We were tasked to find our own sponsors and artist. I was in the volunteer management team, and our main role was to find and manage the volunteers on the day itself. For me, this was an easy task compared to others, as I have friends who are already interested in helping out before we send out anything. The volunteers were also pleased with how the management team took care of them. Overall, Verve 2019 was a success.
My takeaway from this would be that despite all of our differences, we have managed to put them aside and work together to create something we can call our own. I have also realized the importance of mutual trust between team members as without it we could not have pulled it off.
Oh!VerveDrive OVD 2019
Verve 2018
I volunteered for Verve 2018, an annual arts event run and led by students for Arts Business Management. My job scope for that day was to mend and help out with one of the installations. I had loads of fun and interacted with many adorable young children.
Challenges: My friend and I who were mending the booth felt that the visitors were feeling slightly uncomfortable. The atmosphere in the hall was a bit awkward.
Solution: So, we decided to take the initiative to bring them around, introducing some of the installations and workshops.
My takeaway would be the fact that I took the lead to help resolve a situation. It was not easy, but with the help of my partner, we managed to overcome it. Overall, it was a great experience.
Besides assignments, we are tasked to plan and run a fundraising event for our end year arts festival. We sold items that students might be interested in and there were also performances. So my role in this was to mend the booths and helped out with the logistics. Overall, the whole fundraiser drive was a success and we managed to raise up to about $1,000.
My biggest takeaway from this would be that as long as we do not give up, things will naturally fall into place. Everyone worked hard for this and I am very grateful that we are led by capable and responsible EXCOS.
#Front-of-House
Music Day Out 2019
My friends and I helped out at the Music Day Out 2019, organised by Vocalise, during our term break. This event was held at the Botanics Garden and my job was to help out with the sign-ups at the registration booth. There were people of all ages around, and the whole atmosphere there was great.
My biggest takeaway and challenge would be the fact that I have stepped out of my comfort zone once again. I was always afraid to interact with children as I am afraid that I might hurt them or get ignored. But overall, I have learnt a lot in terms of crowd control and getting people to sign up for workshops. So, it was important for me not only to be systematic in allocating the tickets, but also to be alert as I am looking out for any potential safety issues.
The Goodman Arts Centre 2018
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During my school break, I have volunteered for The Goodman Arts Centre Open House, RE: Imagined. I was assigned to do front-of-house duties and assisting of artists.
Challenges: At the start, I did not know how to manage the crowd as the registration booth was full of enthusiastic parents, and some were getting impatient due to the long line and hot weather. So, I have decided to take the registration out of the booth and went down the line to help fasten the process.
Takeaway: My takeaway for this event would be my ability to problem solve a stressful situation. I did not give up and thought of possible solutions to help resolve the situation. I was happy after that day as I felt accomplished. It was a memorable experience.
The Arts Ground 2018
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The Arts Ground's '100 and 100 more' festival was an event catered for families with young children to enjoy. There were lots of fun-filled activities and performances, engaging both the parents and child. My task for the day was to do ushering and assisting artists. There were no difficulties faced as everyone there and the whole atmosphere was great.
My biggest takeaway would be the overall experience. Even though nothing out of the ordinary happened, I was happy to see the smiley faces on the children's face. The whole experience was very wholesome and meaningful.