Greenview Secondary 1 Orientation Camp

14-15 January 2010

Reflections from a Trybe volunteer

It was really a blessed opportunity to be involved in the Greenview Secondary 1 Orientation. I was there as volunteer for Trybe who was organising this camp. Although my interaction with the Sec Ones was indirect, considering that my role was to assist the Peer Support Leaders (PSLs) in leading the students, there were still many opportunities where I could interact with the students. The two days of activities, which included Amazing Race and Dragon-boating, allowed me to get in touch with the Secondary Ones in my group as well as to observe the interactions between youths these days. It was a new experience considering that this is the first time I was involved in a school which has a large percentage of Malays in its student profile. The culture of the school is very different compared to a typical Chinese-majority neighbourhood school. The students generally warm up to people easily and can be readily motivated. Through this orientation, I definitely gained a new understanding and learnt to adjust in my interaction with these students and how to relate to them.

What was most rewarding about this camp was the opportunity to inspire my PSLs. After my observations of the PSLs's interactions with the group during the two days, I had a debrief with my PSLs indivdually and highlighted their strengths as well as provided guidelines to help them grow in their leadership. I was pleasantly surprised and thankful to hear their hunger to grow in that aspect as they dialogued with me about the problems they faced. They were eager to learn as I shared some of my understandings and experiences. Through these, I realised my own growth through the years as well. I was glad that these years of personal growth are now being translated into sources of learnings and inspirations for these young leaders. Although the debrief sessions with the PSLs were short, I believe and trust that what I had shared will create sparks that will bring forth actions which will be make a difference in their journey as a leader.

Jelvin

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Reflections from a Greenview Peer Support Leader (PSL)




It was never an easy task. But i made it, and i am proud of myself. And now, i am taking this chance to say "thank you very much Trybe facilitators, especially Superjunior (Steven Junior) & Caroline". Throughout the camp, they gave me so many advices on how I could overcome my weaknesses and build confidence as a PSL.

I was complimented by Superjunior for speaking confidently in class. I was really happy, because no one really acknowledged me this way, not even my parents, nor my teachers. I am grateful that the school had asked Trybe to come facilitate us. :D

I really had lots of fun in this camp. There were times I feel like strangling the Secondary Ones, and leaving them alone. But hey, I was once a Sec 1 too; I need to put myself in their shoes more. I felt uncomfortable with the boys too. But the most beautiful parts were when we put our arms around each other's necks, regardless of our races and differences, and danced together as one. And not forgetting those times we spent walking long distances from school to White Sands etc., and also the dragonboating. After walking together through all of this AS A CLASS, they bonded well.

The PSLs were awesome! This bunch of us would not stop screaming and shouting, whether it was cheering out loud, bringing up the morale of the group or class, having friendly challenges with other groups, getting the Sec Ones to be familar with the school's facilities, making friends with the Sec Ones. Seeing us cheer loudly as one makes me smile. Thank you, people, for giving me this impression that not all leaders are bossy and arrogant. I made many new friends along the way. This friendship, i am sure, will last.

Pei Qi
(the reflection above was extracted from her blog, with acknowledgement from Pei Qi)