Experience Teaches………….
A Fish in the water learns swimming by itself, in the same way we learn many things by ourselves through our experiences. Similar was my experience as President of Indian students at University of Nebraska, Lincoln.
Actually I was always active and wanted to be part of ISA for that year. I was interested in Public relations position, which suits to my nature, more over you will have great fun meeting people, coordinating events and airport pick ups especially picking up girls from airport etc etc………lots of fun.
I did not see any one very active forming committee until I initiated a committee formation meeting at my home with help of seniors. Lincoln seniors and all members came to the meeting and suggested to form the committee the same day. There was tough competition for Treasurer Position and a little to other positions but I was elected unanimously as a President when some of my seniors put forward my name. I was happy to take up as I thought this would be a great opportunity to learn and grow as a leader.
Finally a full fledged committee formed and I was excited to have all my friends who were very close and I thought it would be a cake walk which never been so…………
Glimpses of my Experience
Happy Moments: 1) When every one expressed their gratitude for a successful ISA tenure from the bottom of their heart for our committee’s effort.
That’s when I realized the meaning of satisfaction for Voluntary work. Many questioned why I waste my time when I don’t get any monetary benefits. But then the satisfaction is more valuable.
2) When we got Certificates to every committee member for their service. This is the moment I saw smile in every one’s face.
3) When the parents expressed gratitude for helping their children in pick ups and accommodations and more when they blessed for our success in future.
I later learnt that this people’s blessings are invaluable and felt very happy being president despite the hardships.
Funny Moments: 1) Many requests to pick up girls and always shortage to pick up boys.
2) Many disappointments as most of the girls are either married or committed.
3) One day a girl comes and complains about noise in neighboring room and requests me to take action against them.
Frustrating Moments: 1) I have signed officially as President but then I also need another key committee member to sign on but I have to go to her home and get it signed.
2) Many started giving suggestions, some go beyond and preach how to respect people when they really don’t know.
One person comes and says I have to dress decent as I am representing India, other says I have to speak decent and act diplomatically so the list goes on. I initially tried to follow each one’s suggestion where I nearly fumbled then I realized that I should go with my own conscience.
3) When a committee member who spoils relations or creates turmoil instead of doing the right Job. I saw some member’s finding fun in passing rumors and disturbing the environment.
4) When committee member stopped talking when I mistakenly confused between lamb and potato. This happened during ISA get together.
Ambiguous Moments: 1) When one of the committee member’s leaves crying in the middle of the event when she was teased by other committee member. Seriously I did not know what to do for a while but from then I leant how to pacify people.
2) A situation where I have to deal with seniors and committee member. It was really hard for me to pacify both.
Mistakes: 1) At one stage I became showier and wanted to be part of every thing in ISA.
2) Reacting very seriously when some one comment on ISA’S pick up which was spotless. I was so sincere towards it and took comments to heart.
3) Bursting out my anger one time and not realizing its impact.
4) Not able to remove politics and struggled to get support from few committee members.
Things Learnt: 1) Holding my nerve when some one severely bashes you or disrespects you.
2) Appreciating and crediting every one.
3) Learnt to be diplomatic.
4) Improved leadership abilities.
Definitely its invaluable experience and gave me a chance to improve myself as a human and a leader.
A Fish in the water learns swimming by itself, in the same way we learn many things by ourselves through our experiences. Similar was my experience as President of Indian students at University of Nebraska, Lincoln.
Actually I was always active and wanted to be part of ISA for that year. I was interested in Public relations position, which suits to my nature, more over you will have great fun meeting people, coordinating events and airport pick ups especially picking up girls from airport etc etc………lots of fun.
I did not see any one very active forming committee until I initiated a committee formation meeting at my home with help of seniors. Lincoln seniors and all members came to the meeting and suggested to form the committee the same day. There was tough competition for Treasurer Position and a little to other positions but I was elected unanimously as a President when some of my seniors put forward my name. I was happy to take up as I thought this would be a great opportunity to learn and grow as a leader.
Finally a full fledged committee formed and I was excited to have all my friends who were very close and I thought it would be a cake walk which never been so…………
Glimpses of my Experience
Happy Moments: 1) When every one expressed their gratitude for a successful ISA tenure from the bottom of their heart for our committee’s effort.
That’s when I realized the meaning of satisfaction for Voluntary work. Many questioned why I waste my time when I don’t get any monetary benefits. But then the satisfaction is more valuable.
2) When we got Certificates to every committee member for their service. This is the moment I saw smile in every one’s face.
3) When the parents expressed gratitude for helping their children in pick ups and accommodations and more when they blessed for our success in future.
I later learnt that this people’s blessings are invaluable and felt very happy being president despite the hardships.
Funny Moments: 1) Many requests to pick up girls and always shortage to pick up boys.
2) Many disappointments as most of the girls are either married or committed.
3) One day a girl comes and complains about noise in neighboring room and requests me to take action against them.
Frustrating Moments: 1) I have signed officially as President but then I also need another key committee member to sign on but I have to go to her home and get it signed.
2) Many started giving suggestions, some go beyond and preach how to respect people when they really don’t know.
One person comes and says I have to dress decent as I am representing India, other says I have to speak decent and act diplomatically so the list goes on. I initially tried to follow each one’s suggestion where I nearly fumbled then I realized that I should go with my own conscience.
3) When a committee member who spoils relations or creates turmoil instead of doing the right Job. I saw some member’s finding fun in passing rumors and disturbing the environment.
4) When committee member stopped talking when I mistakenly confused between lamb and potato. This happened during ISA get together.
Ambiguous Moments: 1) When one of the committee member’s leaves crying in the middle of the event when she was teased by other committee member. Seriously I did not know what to do for a while but from then I leant how to pacify people.
2) A situation where I have to deal with seniors and committee member. It was really hard for me to pacify both.
Mistakes: 1) At one stage I became showier and wanted to be part of every thing in ISA.
2) Reacting very seriously when some one comment on ISA’S pick up which was spotless. I was so sincere towards it and took comments to heart.
3) Bursting out my anger one time and not realizing its impact.
4) Not able to remove politics and struggled to get support from few committee members.
Things Learnt: 1) Holding my nerve when some one severely bashes you or disrespects you.
2) Appreciating and crediting every one.
3) Learnt to be diplomatic.
4) Improved leadership abilities.
Definitely its invaluable experience and gave me a chance to improve myself as a human and a leader.
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