It's one am. I just reached home from watching Night at the Museum 2 (Hilarious! Exceeding expectations!) and spent half an hour writing this reflection:


I am an ex-AJCian and one reason why I joined PVC2 was because I thought this would serve as a good opportunity to contribute back to my alma mater.

Having led my NIE team to secure funds from Young ChangeMakers (YCM), I suggested that my AJC team do likewise. I thought it would be a relatively hassle-free process, for I remembered how YCM entrusted me with the funds after a few phone calls.

Things have certainly evolved since my time. Due to the significant increase in groups seeking funding from YCM, we were informed that we had to do a ten-minute presentation to persuade the panelists of our conviction within very short notice.

That Wednesday, my Team Aspiranate members met up uncomplainingly after a long day of school with YCM panelists to understand their expectations. When they reached home, they could not rest yet for they had to prepare the powerpoint slides.

That Thursday, the team compiled their slides.

That Friday, I met up with them after school and we holed ourselves in the Reading Room, running through the presentation and thinking of ways to best articulate our ideas.

That Saturday, we met up earlier to rehearse our presentation. The four presenters came prepared with cue cards and the coordination between them was impeccable.

In front of a panel comprising more than twenty members, their nerves held steady; their speech was earnest and well thought-out; their determination to engage their audience shone through.

Eventually, we secured an initial grant of three hundred dollars from YCM.

The fund obtained was sweet, no doubt but the teamwork exhibited? Priceless.

I am an ex-AJCian and a proud member of Team Aspiranate.

Heng Kai Le. Mentor of Team Aspiranate. Teacher from Yishun Junior College.
*****

I hope the last line provided the Ooomph! For it sure clinched my heart. :)