June
13, 2012- This day marked my first day as an official college student.
Basically, since I am the eldest child in the family, I don’t really have much
idea about college life since unlike other people who have their older siblings
whom they can ask information about what to expect in college, I have no other
choice but to face college by myself. Well, it’s not totally all by myself
since my parents and my older cousins who now have their jobs give me some
insights about college. Moreover, prior to the first day of classes, my college
conducted an orientation which I believe equipped me with the essential
knowledge about college itself. It was through such orientation as well that I
was able to be aware of the different organizations in the University of the
Philippines, particularly those which are BA-based.
Honestly, I really don’t have the plan
of applying for an organization as early as first semester this year. I
actually plan to apply for organizations by second year because I thought of
giving my one hundred percent effort for my acads. However, this mindset
eventually changed when I attended the orientation program. You might be
wondering on what changed my mind. Well, that moment that changed my mind was
the moment when a group of eloquent speakers stood in front and eventually
uttered these words: “Hi guys! We’re from AIESEC UPD. You might be wondering
since you are all freshies on what AIESEC UPD is. Basically, AIESEC is an
international-based organization. It is the largest student-run organization
globally which focuses on leadership, bridging gaps,…” I was really astonished
that moment. I suddenly felt a crippling desire in my veins to join AIESEC.
That day then ended. Soon after I
arrived home, I turned on my laptop and went to google to search for AIESEC
since that name was stilling running on my head. It was then that I learned
more about AIESEC. And it was then as well that I became more eager to join
AIESEC. First, I filled out the application form and submitted it to the
Recruitment Team together with my Form 5. That sparked and initiated then my
AIESEC Application Experience.
After submitting the application form,
I had undergone the first Assessment Center. It was when my emotional and
psychological sides were tested. I found it very interesting since all the
applicants were divided into groups and we were tasked to analyze a situation
and basically propose a solution for it. It was more of a crisis management
task. After this, the LCOS took place. It was a sort of a welcome activity for
the applicants. It was when the members introduced AIESEC formally and in a
more detailed way to the applicants. After that part, we were taught with the
AIESEC dances and we played games as well which made that day more fun and
interesting. After LCOS, tambay weeks then followed. Through the three tambay
weeks, I was able to appreciate AIESEC even more since I met so many members
who have very pleasing personalities. It’s really fun to be with them. I really
enjoyed the times when we played games at the tambayan or the times when the
members were sharing their stories with us whenever we ask for their
signatures.
In line with this, I really enjoyed
the learning sessions since they inspired me to push through with my AIESEC
application process. Moreover, I learned more about AIESEC through having the
awareness about its components. The most exciting part then came which is the
Assimilation Camp or ACAMP which was held on July 28-29. Honestly, I absolutely
enjoyed ACAMP. It was during the ACAMP that I was able to bond more with my
co-applicants. If I had to describe the ACAP in one word, then that word would
be “AWESOME”. ACAMP was really awesome. It is indeed a highlight of anybody’s
AIESEC application process.
Then, the Internship Month came. I
first interned at OGCDP or otherwise known as the Outgoing Global Community
Development Program. I interned at OGCDP for two weeks and I would say that the
experience is really notable. Through this, I learned more about how the
mechanism of exchange works. Actually, because of this, I became more
interested in going on exchange! I really learned much through the tasks we
were required to do. Though there was pressure, I would say that my entire
experience as an OGCDP intern is totally worth it!
After OGCDP, I interned in FLA or
Finance and Legal Affairs. My FLA internship was great! I really enjoyed it. It
is probably because it is highly relevant to my course. I interned in Contract
Management Department of FLA specifically. We were tasked to make a Memorandum
of Agreement as well as a sort of crisis management analysis. I find it
challenging but very interesting.
My last internship was in Expansion,
particularly in Juan Youth. It was really a blast! I experienced to go on
room-to-room campaign. And whenever we entered the rooms and promoted Juan
Youth, we would start with the phrase, “Good afternoon, we’re from AIESEC UPD…”
So basically, saying that phrase makes me feel so happy. It’s like I am already
part of AIESEC UPD. And apparently, it gives much joy to me. The Juan Youth
Main Event then came. I was assigned at the registration booth and Prize Booth.
Basically, during my Expansion Internship, I was extremely glad because I felt
like I was already involved with AIESEC’s one of the biggest event which is
Juan Youth.
I can also say that I had a great time
with my mentor, Pia Cathryn Aguirre, in doing our mentor-mentee tasks. Through
those tasks, I was able to know her more. She has a very interesting
personality. Simply said, AIESEC became a sort of a second home for me. Far
away from the land I consider home, I found a new home which cured my
homesickness by giving me joy, happiness, and a one-of-a-kind experience. My
AIESEC application process is not an ordinary thing for me. My AIESEC
application process highlighted my freshie experience. Honestly, it never came
to my mind before that I will have this experience on my first semester in
college. I could definitely say that in a span of less than a semester, AIESEC
has already changed my life. It taught me to be more responsible and it trained
me towards professionalism. My AIESEC application process is one whole package!
Myself now is sharply different from myself before I applied for AIESEC. I can
say that I became a better person.
My AIESEC application process is about
to end. This coming Monday, I will be having my second Assessment Center and on
September 29, I will be undergoing the Member Selection Interview. I am really
looking forward to be part of AIESEC. I hope that the efforts I exerted are
enough for me to get in. If ever I will be given the chance to get in to
AIESEC, I will do my best to contribute to the welfare of the organization.
Honestly, I am very excited but also nervous. Every single day, I am just
hoping for the best. My desire of being part of AIESEC continually propels my
passion and dedication to do my best in everything I do for AIESEC.
That is then the story of my AIESEC
application experience. I am hoping that my posts on this blog in the next few
weeks or months will still be about AIESEC. However, I wish that those posts
will no longer be about my application experience but about my experience as a
member! =)))
