Note: A tribute to the EB 08/09, EB 09/10 and all my super duper juniors of AIESEC in USM

1st of February 2009

( Yes , it has taken me some time to write this all down)

Happy New EB Day AIESEC in USM !

As I sit down and write this I'm having all sorts of feelings. A mix of being proud , some hints of dissapointment for not being able to hit some of my own personal goals, a tinge of sadness that my EB term has come to an end and so has my team but mostly a lot of excitement for the coming term!

It has been a long 3 years in AIESEC for me. Three years filled with heartfelt moments but some of these years have been tainted with bad memories and utterly, meaningless arguments. Do I regret any of them ? No , not all. Every moment of my 3 year journey has help shape me into the person I am today. I am far from perfect but I am definitely contented with the way I am now. And I owe it all to AIESEC and all the people I have met during my journey in this awesome organization.

I still remember joining university life with a desire to make a difference. Make a difference in what ? In myself firstly. And then in the people around me and if possible the world ! Many people said to me " My,my, what lofty ideas you have. Perhaps you should be more practical in your goals and ideas"

If you don’t already know, I AM a very practical person. And I thought those were very practical ideas indeed. You just need to take the first step and go do it. I wanted to. But I didn’t know how. My first encounter with AIESEC provided me the platform and the direction in achieving my goals.

Malam Mesra 2006. It was my first encounter with this "weird" organization that didn't even seem to know how to spell ISAAC properly. It was funny how I went in with no expectations whatsoever, but came out filled with a world view filed with possibilities and ideas. Things I could do , things I can change, things that I WANTED to do. It was an instant click for me and I fell so madly in love with this organization that has meant so much to me.

Many of you all probably didn’t know the person I was years back. In 2006 , I decided that I was going to change. Change myself into a better person and leave behind everything else before this that had held me back. All the painful memories, all the unsupportive people . all the negative vibes and situations. Everything. I was no more going to be the person who was scared all the time, I refused to be the person who held back, I decided that I was not going to be the person who everyone pushed around. Its like I took a knife to all the ties I had to the previous "Me" and cut it all off. I felt like a new person. A person that could do anything she put her mind to.

I started off with the HIV/AIDS Project. Met so many new people there. Most importantly I met Ranveer and Yin Wei ( I already knew Ching la). We started becoming closer after the project and LLDS. Even though our LLDS was quite boring ( I can safely say that) but I made some of the closest friends I would ever have. And I realised all the potential in me , things that I could do and achieve if only I stepped up. So I decided to step up for BUDAYA.

BUDAYA was a really good experience . Although I did not hold any Director positions, I contributed as much as I could. It gave me a chance to explore some of the skills I never thought I had before and helped me with numerous issues including my insecurity issues.

Then came NLDS 2006. It was a turning point for me. I was challenged in every way I could imagine. Personally and professionally. "Friendships" were tested as well. I also met one of the most important people in my life, Miss Serena Chan. I never thought that I would meet my next family member at NLDS. Its funny how you meet someone for the first time and feel an instant connection with them. Well it was like that when I met Serena ( Siang Ling.LOL) .

Also, for the first time in my life, I felt empowered. I felt like I could do something with myself , I could be the person in front, leading a bunch of people in completing their own life-changing experiences. I at last FIT.

The sugar cubes I got ( I really didn’t expect to get any at all) was so moving and uplifting. It was my source of motivation and still is ! ( the ones from LLDS 06,NLDS 06, NATCON 07, MNC 07,GTs, NATCON 08, INSPIRE, USMLDS, MNC 08 , farewell sugar cubes ! I even have most of them with me in Minnesota)

My term as Vice President of External Relations 07/08 was very "interesting" . Although there were some achievements and many revelations on my part , the experience itself was not as good as I hoped it would be. Many times I was frustrated with how things were run but I stuck to it until the end. Even though I would not consider my time as VP as one filled with success and good times, my experience during this year thought me many lessons and made me a stronger, better person. I learn many things within this year. I learnt how to be independent, I learned how to believe in myself and my skills, I learned to trust my instincts, I learned about respect, integrity and principles. The most important takeaway from this experience is I learned what a LEADER really means and what the leader SHOULD not do in any circumstances. ( If you want more details please refer to "Goodbye EB Board" by Nadia or "I Have a Story to Tell" By Serena Chan / "Flyyy" by Ching )

When I was presented with the opportunity to apply for President 08/09 , I had many doubts. I doubted whether I would be the best person to run for it. I thought about it day and night and although I had some support , there was also overwhelming criticism from certain sides who did not think I was up for the job. Although I still wonder if I was the best person ( or the only available one), I cant figure out why those others did not run. And if they didn’t want to run , why not just let those people who want to make a difference actually run for it. I guess I shall never know the answer. But nonetheless, the elections were a disaster ( twice !) . I prefer not to speculate as to the reasons of its failure but I guess there was some good that came out of it. James and Sandy ( Thanks Guys for being there and supporting us ! ) decided it was time for the MCs to step in and those running for the Executive Board 08/09 positions were put through a extremely tough selection board ( and no , although it was only the 4 of us, its wasn’t sure that we were going to get it ! )

The night James called to announce the results was both the happiest and scariest day of my life. Happy that AIESEC USM was given a second chance to prove itself and something I hold so dear to my heart will be preserved. Scared because I knew that this few months are going to be the most challenging times of my life and my team's ( and I was right ! )

We started off with 4 EBs and then we were only left with a team of 3 ( including me !). Many people wondered ( and doubted ) how 3 people would be able to run a whole local chapter of an international organization ( which in previous times had at least 15 ppl running it) . It was HARD! We pushed ourselves to our limits , we worked day and night, we put in long hours and had less time for anything else. We knew it was MAKE or BREAK ! Either we did very well and LC USM will continue to grow , or we screw up and that would be the end of LC USM. People talked, people doubted and people criticized and through it all we endured.

Leading my EB team ( Serena and Ching , you both are the best EBs any LCP could have ) has been extremely challenging . We had our fight , arguments and occasional cat fights. But I value both of them for their insights, knowledge and skills and the fact that they constantly challenge me to be better. There are times when I felt like crap and doubted myself , but my team was always there for me. To feel crappy with me for sometime and then to whack me and shake me all about and tell me " Get UP! We've got work to do ! " They have been my backbone and my pillar throughout this journey. And sometimes when people tell me how strong I've been, I always say that my strength does not come from within me. It comes from my EB ! Your constant support and love has kept me going through the difficult times and I want to thank you for believing in me, even when I didn’t. Many people say how its hard to separate personal and professional relationships. Yes its hard ! But we did it ! You guys are still ( thank you for putting up with my crap) FAMILY ( to be exact, Ching is the pet) and I LOVE you guys. I may not say it often but I hope you guys know that I mean it from the bottom of my heart.

Some cute pics of us to make this long, long post more interesting ( I hope) =P

After recruitment, I remember telling Serena, " This is the first step. We've got a whole bunch of people but the question is , did we get the RIGHT ones? "

I am now sure we did. We managed to get the RIGHT ones for our organization.

A bunch of people who are amazingly brilliant, inspiring and talented. We saw a special something and potential in each and every one of you during the selection process. In time, we saw that special something grow. Through INSPIRE, GTs, LDS, Dept Meets and MyLDS. I was given the opportunity to be a part of that growth and I am ever grateful for that. Because as each of you learnt and developed, I developed with you. You guys thought me so many important lessons and have been such an integral part of my life for the past few months.

Sometimes when some of you come up to me and tell me how much you've grown in AIESEC, I feel an extreme sense of joy that I was a part of your journey. Thank you guys, for letting me be a part of your lives and experiences. I know I might not have been the perfect President and I realize that I have made mistakes , but I hope you can forgive them. It has been my honour and pleasure to serve LC USM.

Today is the day my term officially ends. And looking at the people taking over ( I also just completed some transition sessions online) , I am very confident that LC USM will continue to grow and that it is in very good hands. I wish you guys all the best and ensure you that I will continue to support you guys in any way that I can !

My personal note to the EB 09/10:

Evelyn,

I have remembered you since the first day I met you at Malam Mesra. And throughout your journey in AIESEC, you have always stood out from the crowd. I have always respected you for your abilities, knowledge and skills. But most of all , I respect you for your heart and your concern for others. You seem to have limitless care and concern for everyone and I believe this will make you an AWESOME President. Just don’t let those rascals in your EB bully you ! =P LOL

Michele,

Although I might not know you very long, but I know that you have enormous potential. I remember observing you during The Derdians session at LDS and instantly I knew that you would be one of the future leaders of AIESEC in USM. Learn to be confident in yourself. You will do great, I know ! =)

Jason,

Always the person to brighten up people's day. Even mine ! =) Remember that you are MORE than just the joker of LC USM. There are many reasons why you are a VP today , and a mock MCP candidate in MyLDS. One of the reason is that you are a very UNIQUE person and a very CAPABLE one at that. I know sometimes things can be tough , and it will be when you're EB, but always remember to look at the positive side of things ok ?

Hooi Fong,

Very loud ! Since the first day we recruited you ! LOL But its ok to be loud, sometimes =P I totally value your excitement and passion , but sometimes you need to channel it in a more appropriate way ok? I get it because I was like you once =) I was quite sad when you became inactive in your second year but was very relieved when you re-joined this year ! And when you talked about running for VP during MyLDS , I was very proud. The first thing I thought was , " Yay! Another very capable and passionate person running for EB ! "

Tina,

What can I say ? =P We've had many conversations and most of the things I have wanted to say I already have ( You better remember ! LOL) I know that you are person of high standards and always strives for the best. Keep on doing that and you will discover a world of opportunities in AIESEC. Believe me when I say this is only the first step.

Muslih !

I am very proud of you. And I want to thank you . You were there with us when we started off our journey as EB and all through the hard times. Although many people decided to give up on the LC , you didn't. Your passion for AIESEC and your interest to learn will take you far ! Work hard and you will achieve many great things.

Ken,

You've got to know that although you are new, you bring many things to your EB. Your past experiences and attitude make you a valuable asset to you team. ICX will be tough and there are many things to do and high goals to achieve , but I have full confidence in your abilities. Just be confident and don’t be afraid to challenge the norms and think out of the box !

Wilson,

I've always liked your confidence and " I can do it!" attitude. Running for LCP was a huge step and I respect your courage. I did not have the courage or the confidence to do it when I was a junior. Although you were not an Exchanger before, you are now. You are a fast learner and I am sure you will be able to catch up in no time at all. Just keep going even though times are difficult ok. I very much look forward to the opportunity of working with you soon.

To all the Managers,

Good job guys ! Although you might not be in the EB , remember that all of you are UNIQUE and you bring many different things to team. Your abilities and skills complement the EB and without you, the EB will not be able to achieve all their goals and LC USM will not be able to reach it full potential. There might be some key aspects that you guys need to work on so find out what it is , work on it and RUN for EB 10/11 !

To the rest of my super duper juniors,

Guys, remember that every one has an important role in the LC. Without you guys there would be no use of an EB and Manager roles. Please stay , learn and grown in AIESEC with this bunch of people. You will find that you can do anything and everything you want if you put your mind to it.

I truly LOVE and CARE for each and every one of you as you guys make up parts of my life in your own unique ways.

As for me , I cannot wait to get back to Malaysia and start my term in the MC. It’s going to be a whole new experience. One that I am sure I will blog about in the coming year. This is the beginning of a new chapter for me and I am sure it is going to be a great one !

To my future MC team mates, CONGRATS and I can’t wait to catch up and start learning from you all !

-End-