[FTS] Interpersonal Skills Seminar and Workshop (July 21, 2010)
Theme: Cut the differences, wind up the knot, meet and gain new friends."
I never thought that it was gonna be that fun. Seriously. XD
The first part of the event was a half-day seminar. I was very early, as in suuppeerr!!! I really thought that when I got there I am already late. I thought that the cut-off time for attendance was 8am, but it was really 8:30. But it was alright. it's much better to be early. :D
Mhay and Wifee were the MCs!!! LOL.
The program started off with an energizer (roll-call of all courses and year). There was also a part where we would crack uo "corny" knock2 jokes. It was suuuppeeer LOL. Ahahaah. I couldn't believe taht I actually came up the stage, good thing I hid myself behind the red curtain. *LOL*
After the prayer, there was a really short welcome note from our FTS president, Junelo Sumapig.
The first speaker was our University Guidance Counselor, Ms Joerene Jacot. She imparted to us some important points about having Interpersonal Skills: Communication Skills, Assertiveness Skills and Conflict Resolution Skills. From her lecture, I've learned many things. I mean, we have these skills already in us, and all we have to do is enhance and improve it. This is also very important to us because even though we're in the same college/institute, we're still not that close to each other. And now that students from Tagum are here in the Obrero Campus, it is all the more vital to us.
I mean, we'll go for a field trip to Manila and we still don't know who are the people we're dealing with???
So, for me, I'm super glad that a event like this came about. :)
Ok... Back to the topic!!! So, the second speaker was Jeffrey Danola, a member of Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC). He tackled about Leadership. I think in some point this is also vital for us, because we ourselves are leaders of the school and in the community.
What really made an impression on me that time was the video clip that he showed to us. I mean, yes! I'm really a cry-baby when it comes to touchy-feely things and happenings, but I promised myself that this time, i will not cry. But I can't help myself. I CRIED. ;C
Well, the video clip was about a disabled son and his father. The son wanted to join the "Iron Man" race, the harshest and hardest triathlon in the world. So, his father fulfilled his wish. His father ran with him at his back for many miles, swam, and rode a bicycle with him all throughout the competition. Even though it was evident in his father's face that he was really, really tired, he never failed his son.
That's how God loves us so much.
So whatever our aspirations may be, we should always trust God that He will support us all the way. :D
After which, IT WAS LUNCH BREAK!!!
We ate at the karinderya near Zychor, where I saw one of my co-cosplayers, Ate Zhel (she's so pretty!!! :D).
Afterwards, the Workshop began. :D :D :D
We were grouped into 12, i think (memory loss), and the first activity that we had was to make a jingle/cheer for our groupBut before we can do that, we must have a name for our group. And tha name that we came up with was... CUTE PINK PIG!!!! And, what a timing!!! We already had a symbol!!! One of our groupmates had a pig figure on his backpack. Wahahaahha. So, we performed our jingle, and because of that, we got closer even for a bit!!! :D
And, the true bonding began. :D LOL.
The game was like an amazing race, where the group will have to perform and accomplish 4 tasks. So, we headed out from the Social Hall and got ourselves dirty!!! LOL
The first task we encountered was "Build Me Up" (somewhere at the earthy front of ROTC HQ), where we had to make 12 nails stand on its own with only one nail on the ground and no other things for support. The game was soo familiar to me, but I had no idea how to do it. Out of the blue, Kuya Rex started to construct something and the rest was history!!! LOL. we immediately picked up with his idea and poof!!! It was finished!!! We finished the game in 3 minutes, so we had 10 minutes more allowance time for the next task.
The learning from this game was: A small thing/part can make a huge difference. If I'm going to relate it to our course, it's like a program made up of several functions, in which if one function is missing, then the whole program cannot run smoothly. Also, it's like on our current situation: We are of different years and courses college, but we are of the same college. To materialize our goals, we must work hand-in-hand. :D
The second task was the "Spider Web" (@ the soccer goal, field). OMG!!! how am I supposed to fit in to those small holes??? I shouted to myself, But that was the challenge. All the members must traverse to the other side of the web without touching any part of the web.
At first, we were so calm: we kept on blabbering what to do. We tested every style and moves, until it was too late. 5 minutes before the time (including the allowance time), we panicked, not even realizing that we are just only making ourselves hopeless.
Our hopes low, out "Ate" (facilitator) gave us time to reflect on what went wrong about the task. The main mistake was: we kept on thinking and blabbering, and we didn't came up with the idea that it is possible that we could have many persons get in at the same time.
So, the application was: we must coordinate and think of the best way possible in life. But, we must also listen to what others say. It is very vital because we will never know, the suggestion of the other might be the best solution.
So, we carried on to our next task, all pumped-up. XD
The next one was called "Trust Fall" (@ the centerstage) I was like "OMG!!! I'm gonna let myself fall from there? No way!!!" But at the same time it was exciting. I wanna try something risky like that, though it is totally our of my personality. I don't know, it just came into me.
So, one-by-one, we fell. the falling person will have to say "Are you ready to catch me?" and wait for the reply from the group which is "Yes!" and finally he/she has to say "Catch me! I'm falling..." and the group has to say "Fall!" Before he/she starts falling.
For me, it was the most exciting and enjoyable task!!! Hahahah. Being the one who is about to fall makes one really uneasy, especially when he/she is facing away from the group and not knowing if there are really people who will catch him/her.
The lesson was: Trust with all your heart. I know, it wasn't easy to trust someone that you met an hour ago, but knowing that he/she will be there to catch you is comforting enough. I think that was the driving force that let me fall down from that height. Yeah. :D
The final one was the "Helium Hoop" (inside the Social Hall). Watta!!! It was the hardest task for me!!! I mean, it was frustrating because we only has to make the hoop fall down with only our forefingers until it reaches the ground. But whatever we do, it keeps on moving up!!!
We had many chances, but we kept on failing. So ate decided that the time is up. But Ate Veniza didn't give up and said "Last chance! And if someone talks then it is over." This is because ate said that the trick was only to "let it fall" and clear our minds. And also focus on what we are doing.
And, tada!!! Miraculously, we made it!!! But our points was only half-credited. but it was ok. The points cannot equal the joy of accomplishment that we felt!!! :D
So, the lesson was: In this changing, busy world, we must find ourselves some time to stop, think, and focus. of course, as students, we have so many responsibilities, but we must also find time for ourselves to relax, unwind, and focus on the priorities in life. In order to focus to something we really want, we must clear our minds. :D
So, after the tiring yet very enjoyable amazing race, all were gathered again at the Social Hall. Each group representatives must give their comments and reflections from the tasks. And I was the representative for the group. As what we've learned from the exercises, we must trust, listen and focus. :D
There was a light snack afterwards. :D
The last thing to sum up the day was our facilitator, Mr. Randy Gamboa, had a little meeting for our upcoming major field trip to Manila. :D
Some pics:
(The stage decoration: LOL)
(Class pic. *Pictorial after the event*)
(Tired faces. But still smiling!!! LOL)
So, that was all. All I can say that it was a memorable event for me, and I will never forget that day. And the most important thing was that I gained new friends. :D