New Faces, Shared Spaces: ICAS 13 Volunteer's Reflection
Working with a small, familiar team is certainly more desirable. But what if we’re paired with names we’ve never known, faces we’ve never seen, and have no clue how we’ll work together in between? Here's a little story about my experience as the volunteer coordinator.
One month before, I met the committee and they just gave me some short brief and some volunteer data. Since I don't meet them personally, I need to explore the data and discuss it with my teammate. It gave me a big challenge, ensuring the ideal portion for every section is a big deal. But, I have great optimism for this event.
The day of the event started, a little bit worried, till a notification hit my phone up, “So far, this has been my favorite committee,” someone shared with me in a message, quietly. Perhaps it’s due to a Main Committee that’s so committed, joyful, and passionate. Many things were done wholeheartedly, with smiles and sincerity. That all my big optimism comes from.
For me, volunteering isn’t just about filling time or seeking distraction. At the very least, I learn about myself, about others, and about the world’s interaction. It’s not merely about what is allowed or what is not, but understanding "the why" something. Serving is noble, but don’t stop there—learn and grow, embrace the dare.
When their names were chosen, we accepted whatever would come. Little sparks and whispers did arise, but fostering a positive, appreciative, and cohesive vibe is the key to thrive.
Lastly, my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) event. Especially for AIIOC and Universitas Airlangga. Like “The Waiting Room” in the main lobby of the Avenger Tower – The students refer to ASEEC building Tower as ‘The Avenger Tower’ because its design resembles the letter A on Avengers Marvel movie – scene, the vibrance of this event brought reflections, friendships, bittersweet moments, and glimpses of a future unknown, yet serene.