Day #4: Friends & Impressions.

Thursday, 2016, 8 January.

The highlight of the day would be the Leadership Amazing Race. The activity planned for us was truly unlike any other training courses I have attended and it was an immensely introspective one indeed.

There was a certain degree of unease even before the race commenced, as we were abandoned in a foreign land and were stripped of our communications devices in which we have come to rely so much on. So, it was back to the days of navigating using good old maps and approaching the locals for directions. Nevertheless, it was indeed an amazing Amazing Race with my group taking up the challenge dauntlessly. Throughout the race, the unyielding team spirit was my constant encouragement and admittedly, I was thoroughly amazed by the commendable traits displayed by my group mates at different instances. Decisiveness. Enthusiasm. Motivation.

These notable qualities of my peers are precious learning points for myself. Furthermore, it really made me mull over my attitude towards my group mates. I definitely did not want to be one who depleted the team spirit and vigour, and constantly reminded myself to be a more cautious and conscious team member. Also, a member shared with us how he committedly read for at least half an hour everyday (on any and every topic) and that “knowledge is not innate, it is obtained through practice and hard work.” This spurred me to put in for effort for my academic work and to be even more resolute in engaging in more extensive intellectual development, because when there is a will, there is a way.

Lastly, the self-reflection section after the race was of particular significance as we were prompted to further contemplate about our performance. What struck me most was Professor Zachary’s “a person can be both confident and humble”. Usually when I am alone in a room full of strangers, I am very reserved and passive. I kept quiet as I do not want to sound loud and arrogant. However, I realized that this mind-set will get me nowhere. Passiveness is not humility. Neither is being self-assured associated with haughtiness. I am thankful for the timely injunction and am dedicated to work towards harbouring the admirable combination of confidence and humility. Meanwhile, again as mentioned by Professor Zachary, “fake it till you make it”. Impressions count, and I’m working on making an impression that will count.