Back in Vietnam, I was not exposed to such things call "Prefects" or even "Student leaders". All I ever knew was class monitor and it ends there. However, after returning from Vietnam, I was enrolled into a local government primary school. There, i still remember how I was confused about the different attire that everyone was wearing. One being the normal attire, just top and skirt/shorts for the majority, and the minority was having their shirt tucked in and with a tie around their collar. Being the lost girl, I did not really care until hearing some of my friends saying that they are going for the prefect's interview. Prefects? What is that? I thought. Being me, even after an explanation, my head still went "???..."
Ok, firstly, I had no leadership qualities as a little girl. I was an extremely timid girl who fears a lot of things. To the extreme where I can't even say good morning to a teacher personally with eyes on me. But then, everything changes and here I'm going to tell you more about it.
Moving on~
I then had some problems and coincidentally, I heard that they are recruiting prefects and being a foolish girl, my personal reason of joining was to see how much respect am I going to receive if I were to be part of the board. (LOL IKR) And so miraculously, I managed to move my way through and ended up being the minority. I didn't expect much, neither did I really care about what I was suppose to do. Yes, I made a lot of unecessary troubles but again, I managed to find my way out. It was not until the end of p5 till p6 that I started to realise how passionate and serious I was with this leadership thing. How did it came about? After being exposed to speaking to a crowd often. For instance, it's reciting the pledge and giving the command for the Flag Raising Ceremony. I found myself to be different after that. A lot different. I started to get serious with duties and my confidence just boost and my fear dissolved. Without much expectations, I was given the chance to serve the school as the Vice Head prefect.
Being in Pri sch leader, we did not really do the major things. Just the minor in events. So yeah.. I then graduated.
When I entered secondary school, again, after a few months, the recruitment came again. I was actually considering whether to be part of it or not but I recalled how I was encouraged by my prefect teachers in primary school to continue. And so I did. I also found myself being part of the school leaders family. Here's a photo:
For the first year, or even until the beginning of secondary 2, I doubt that I have actually contributed much to the board. I even had thoughts of quitting cause I found myself pointless being there. But for some reasons, I still pushed on. Being a very Follow-The-Rules kind of person, I just obeyed what I'm asked to do and do what I need to do. I then again, was exposed to the same thing. Reciting of the pledge and giving the command. From there, things just flow in naturally. I was given more and more opportunities to speak to a crowd and my fear eventually disappeared. Until today, if tasked to give a presentation, I am more than happy and willing to accept it. Thank God.
As a leader in secondary school, I was exposed to even more things. From being a facilitator to volunteering for various events. Be it an usher, attendance taker, planning an event etc. Here are some photos:
Receiving bronze for Social Entrepreneurship project.
2013(?) Sec 1 registration
Prefect's training
singa ambassador project
TLFO 2013
Before going to Society of aged sick for a VIA
I am sure there are more than just those that I've mentioned. Other than just doing it as I'm tasked to, I found more wonderful meanings behind it. Not just the points gained but the experience was something that money can't buy.
Moving on~
Reaching secondary 3, it was the year where excos are selected. Which means my batch is the next batch. To be very very honest, I was expecting myself to be in a higher position than what I received. Yes, I'm judging myself today for who I was back then.
Being in the position which I was assigned to, Secretary of the board, I often felt useless and left out. Sometimes, even doing so much, the credits doesn't come to me. At times, I felt like "why am I even here? Do this do that also no one recognize. Put so much effort in for what?" Being a human, it's natural for us to be fishing for compliments. It just makes us feel good. Don't you agree? If U don't it's ok. Additionally, we want to be recognized for what we do and also feel involved. That did not happen to me. It was like a roller coaster ride. At times I feel the bond between my prefects and I are so high and at times I just felt that my existence was not needed.
However, I only realise everything at the end. And yes, a few months before stepping down. I realise that as a leader, I shouldn't be competing myself with others cause they surely will be leaders who are A LOT better than I am. I'll never be on top. So instead of trying very hard to be better than your peers, just be yourself. Don't try to climb above others, but instead, above yourself. Instead of trying to be better, be at your best.
Another thing:
I have been trying so hard to be recognized for what I'm doing that I'm torturing myself. I realise that I DONT have to do things to be recognized for. But I do things for me and I don't need anyone else to see it, cause I know God is watching. Amen! All those greediness won't bring me anywhere, neither is it a thing that glorifies God. It is nice to receive compliments, but remember, don't let your ego go too high because of it. Don't let it make U feel that it's the maximum amount of effort you can put in but instead, let it push U on even higher!
I am here to say that I'm actually very sad to be leaving the board. Only now, as I'm typing this do I realise how much I love the board. All the "scoldings" that I've did to my juniors, I'm sorry if I was too harsh. But we seniors wouldn't be doing so if we don't love the board. We want the best out of the board and that's why we're always trying to improve!
To the upcoming committee (Idh a pic with all of U :( ) but I hope that you'll continue to bring the boards to even greater heights. Do a better job than we have done! Always support and encourage one another. Remember, don't try be the best leader as an individual in the team, but together as a team, give your best and I know you'll do well :)
Above all, I would like to thank my excos for going through this journey with me. It has been a rough and smooth and rough and smooth year, but I am sure we all have benefitted from it and I'm very sure we'll miss it. But that's not the end, it's only the beginning of our leadership journey. So all the best guys! I love you all despite all the hateful days! Haha.
Here comes the pictures:
Much love for this group of ppl ❤️
With Boss.
I missed out a few ppl that I did not manage to take photos with :( but it's ok! Still got farewell to take hehe!
Well, at the end, the moment we thought that we would rejoice turns out to be different than we thought. We may have physically left the board, no longer wearing the tie around our neck, but I believe that our heart still belongs there and forever will :)
