Like Thx, I Guess

Written by Ranen Chan

Edited by Charis Chen

Welcome to the first meeting run by the newly-appointed student leaders!

Jern Yoong had us warm up with a tongue twister, “The mentor munches on Mentos.” He then quoted Mollie Marti: “Integrity is a powerful force, keeping you alive to others long after you’ve left their presence.” By keeping our integrity, we are able to leave a legacy when we are gone.

Photo by Ranen Chan

Next we played Confusing Taboo, an icebreaker led by Eunice. Everyone was given a piece of paper with a word on it. Underneath it was printed the category it belonged to (color, emotion, shape, etc.), and a list of taboo words. When the game started, we had to find a partner and took turns to guess each other’s word. We could only use words to give hints to the other person; no body language was allowed. Also, we could not use any words that were on the list of taboo words.

The game was a fun way to help us realize how important cultural communication is. It also taught us the importance of communicating effectively with others.

Our devotion for the day was led by Jern Yoong, who spoke about the end times and the blessed hope that we have as Christians. This hope gives us a reason to invest in, and mentor others, so that they too can share in that hope. He talked about the three different types of mentors: wise guides (those older than us), side guides (our peers), and surprise guides (those younger than us). These guides may provide input to, and impact our lives.

Photos by Ranen Chan

Coach Joseph related an experience he had at a classical music open recital where almost every performer greeted the audience in a very casual manner. Hardly anyone said “Good Afternoon” nor addressed the audience respectfully i.e. “ladies and gentlemen.” This did not come across as very professional. He stressed on the importance of introductions and the fact that first impressions, really do count.

Then the YCC and YSG split for their respective teaching sessions. Ian and Jern Ling led the YSG lesson time, which was about writing thank you notes as a sign of appreciation and respect; while Charis and I taught the YCC. The YCC-ers learnt about the importance of voice inflection and the role of the audience during a speech.

Here's a short account by Ian on what the YSG-ers did. :)

"I taught about the importance of saying “thank you” and writing thank you notes. Saying “thank you” is a way to respect sources of others helping you in life.

How a card should be written:

First of all it, should be specific. Second, it should be sincere, then, insert a title for the person you would like to thank; this is showing respect. 

Why do we write thank you notes? We recognize that we are dependent on others. We get to show someone respect. We acknowledge that someone else had a choice to be kind or helpful and did so. We affirm that their time and effort was meaningful to us.

Jern Ling did the Activity, which was making a card to keep in the Portfolio. This activity was to use what I taught and put it into practice, although there were already a few who made cards often. The Speakers who made those had good taste in art- I just realized. They should make more cards!"

Photos by Eliza Tan

And then, it was time for teabreak!

When teabreak was over, the YCC had their speech coaching led by Coach Daniel, while the YSG-ers gathered into their respective portfolio coaching groups to practice their speeches.

Photo by Eliza Tan

Photo by Ranen Chan

After the speech coaching, everyone congregated in the living room. Coach Joseph told of a time he was selected for a job over numerous other applicants, just because he wrote a thank you note to the interviewer. He also reminded us that in order to improve, we need to practice, practice, and… yes, you guessed it, practice!

Later, Coach Lalitha shared some information on a possible community platform with a large group of children from various homes in the month of December.

Finally, Jern Yoong had us repeat the quote by Mollie Marti (the one about integrity), and dismissed us.

The student leaders then met for a debriefing session.

After that it was time for the long-awaited movie! We watched the premiere screening of “The Secrets of Yesterday,” a movie that was written and produced by Eliza and Eunice Tan, and filmed by Eliza. It was originally titled “Mission Exterminator,” and was nearly cancelled, but was revived after a rewriting of the script.

We also saw some familiar faces...

Photo by Ranen Chan

Photo by Toh Jern Ling

When the movie ended, the speakers stayed back to spend some time with Nathanael and Eliza, as they were leaving for studies abroad.

Collage by Eliza Tan

We shall miss you Nate and Eliza...*sniff* *sniff*

What an eventful evening ...till the next blog posting...Bye