Returning to speak about entrepreneurship at MyLDS 2010
4 years ago, i stumbled upon an organization that gave me a platform to improve myself. I grabbed the opportunities that came along my way ever since, benefiting from the exposure, practicing moderation in my involvement with activities, and as well planning my exit plan from it. Looking back at AIESEC now, i can happily conclude that i have done it all. Here's a little something i want to share from my experiences attending AIESEC's National Leadership Seminars (NLDS) held yearly.
NLDS 2006
How - I attended as a Delegate
Outcome - Had so much of fun, met many pretty faces, finally had a sense of belonging in life having an organization that fits me perfectly and lead to open other doors in life.
Feeling once i left NLDS 2006 (in the bus from Penang) - Sad. Emo. Almost cried thinking of all the pretty faces i have met and wondering if i will ever keep in touch with them. (Note this is a time before Facebook - and the most treasured souvenir is the sugar cubes (little envelopes that other delegates write cute messages in it throughout the conference), the delegates booklet! (Like i have said without facebook means having to write sweet sms's on the bus back home to all the new pretty faces met - that explains the emo feel)
NLDS 2007
How - I attended the MNC track (senior member meet to discuss the planning of each local committee and involve a lot of strategy and also legislation)
Outcome - Attended MNC with initial plans to start a new LC at UNITEN (which never worked out due to the lack of pretty faces on campus :P). Spent most of the time listening to numbers, plannings, strategy, elections, boringness. Sneaked in many times to the delegates track to have fun!
Feeling once i left NLDS 2007 - Feel stressed up. Too many plans and strategies being discussed during the period. Having hard time to absorb all the information given - found myself in the position of being stressed up with all the responsibilities to start a new Initiation Group (to start a new local chapter in UNITEN).
MyLDS 2008 (Renamed Malaysian LDS)
How - Became part of the Organizing Committee. Worked in a team to ensure MyLDS was executed well.
Outcome -Having to carry chairs, taking care of sick delegates, washing cups, in conclusion -doing all the donkeys job in ensuring a well planned event. Being working in the background means having no chance to attend events and parties throughout the conference, but made a good bond with OC members, which means good times together as a team. Lots of new experiences in making drinks for 400 delegates (without a ladle - lol) and also much more. (I believe being part of the OC is equivalent to being a Facilitator as lack of sleep and hard work drains out all energy)
Feeling once i left MyLDS 2008 - Tired. Exhausted from so much work during the short space of time. However the only good thing that came out of all these hard work is the bonding among the OC team, which made us best of friends till today.
MyLDS 2010
How - invited to become an external speaker as part of enterprise day
Outcome - Traveling all the way to Johor to address the 400 over youths present and to encourage them to become an entrepreneur is truly one amazing experience. Had butterfly's in my stomach during the journey there thinking of how much the speakers at NLDS 2006 actually inspired me a lot -making me to what i am today. Damm! Lots of expectations. But my session was successful, even more so that we extended the time from a 1 hour session to almost 2 hours!! I had to cut short the delegates who were present up front to address their questions due to the lack of time! Felt bad :(
Feeling once i left MyLDS 2010- For once i felt happy as its that feeling you get when you can finally leave an AIESEC Conference having inspired many, sharing with them your experience throughout your AIESEC career and looking at all their excitement. Truly a great feeling for once without the thought of anything negative :)
This sums up my experiences in AIESEC. Having been solely recruited as a exchange participant first from a different university, i personally chose to go back to this organization in UPM and contribute, building my way up along the way including exposure as a Team Leader in AIESECs International Congress 2009 in Kuala Lumpur - the highlight of my AIESEC times.
Next Step - Sponsor IC and become a corporate partner with my H3 Conglomerate :)
Yours AIESECly,
HJH
