It's only the beginning...

My two years of CAS experience was nothing short of amazing. What started off as just another course requirement had turned into a life changing journey of memorable events. Never have I discovered so much about myself and yet had so much joy in learning what I’m capable of, and to be able to share these moments with friends made it all the more unforgettable. Fun as it was, the skills I’ve acquired over these two years are invaluable.

Like most of my friends, the CAS program just seemed to be another daunting IB assignment, a mere course requirement to be completed by the end of two years. Never did it occur to us that the future tasks we undertake will empower our minds and mold us into the global citizen that is in every IB student. I began clocking hours by participating in a school-organized charity event, the Methodist Walk. The purpose was to bring several Methodist schools together to raise money for the Methodist foundation. Already I was experiencing new things. I have previously participated in a charity marathon, but never in such a huge scale. Though I only clocked in a few hours, it was a good start. With a hundred and forty more so hours to go, it seemed as though I had a colossal mountain to climb, and I didn’t have much time. The first school term was over and all I had was a few measly hours. Panic started to set in.

Miraculously, an offer came to me during the second term which would change not only my interest in the CAS program, but also my personal life as well. I grew up being well educated in the field of music. I picked up one instrument after another as a growing child, but the instrument that I loved the most, I never had a chance to perform with it. The drums further instilled a passion for music in me, yet it bothers me that I could only sit around and watch my other friends play on stage while I could only reflect upon my own personal skills without a chance to develop it on a stage. There was much anticipation and excitement in the air when it was announced that the school would be hosting Celefest, a fun filled charity carnival to raise money for needy children. Little did I know that I would already be having fun way before the actual event. I couldn’t believe my ears when one of my friends approached me on a regular school day to ask if I was interested in forming a band for the Rockout competition at Celefest. It was like a dream come true. To be able to clock in hours and finally be able to form a band like I always wanted, I was the happiest kid in school. For the first time in my two years as an IB student, I was eager to be involved in CAS activities. The actual event turned out to be a success, though the competition was a disappointment for the band. Feeling that we should have won the competition, we came in fourth instead. Though we played our hearts out, we were still a fresh band and without the experience of playing together as one, we could only contemplate over our loss. If this event had any positive effect on us, it was to push us further and motivate us to do better. Ever since then, I have blossomed into a decent drummer in my own right, and we have been constantly looking out for chances to perform at gigs. This event would be one of many in which I will discover new things about myself, develop my talents, and pick up new skills along the way.

I thought it could only get as good as Celefest, until my friends and I embarked on a service trip to Chiangmai. Going on a service trip was another thing which I have been longing to do. Not only was it rewarding and fun to be able to help a remote group of village children build a new school, I was able to live in their shoes for a moment. We hear of third world issues all too often, and say that we are thankful for what we have. We claim to understand the problems of poverty and empathize with those that are suffering, but how many of us have actually experienced it firsthand? Though the conditions in the village are considered to be far better than those of third world nations, these people are nonetheless in need of financial help to provide their future generations with a better education. I have learned much from the villagers. They have inspired me to volunteer for future service trips, and perhaps with my experience, I can inspire others to do the same as well.

Before I knew it, I was enjoying the opportunities of joy and rewards that the CAS program was bringing me, and none presented a pleasurable time more so than the Performing Arts Concert. Firstly, I got the chance to play in a different band, broadening my experience as a drummer. Secondly, I got to showcase my skills as a drummer and actor in front of a gigantic audience. Thirdly, I successfully pulled off a drumming trick that I have always wanted to do for the first time. Last but not least, I got to do all this on my birthday. This concert had boosted my confidence as a drummer and I have ascended to a higher plateau in my skills as a drummer. It seemed like I came a long way since first playing at Celefest. The other activities that I have participated in might definitely be more educating, but it doesn’t get better than finding out you have the ability to get better at the things you love doing.

I don’t think I have ever accomplished so much within such a short period of time in school. During this time, I have bonded with my friends, shared immeasurable joy and laughter with them, and together, forged memories that will last me a lifetime. The numerous other activities that I have undertaken, served to further reinforce the lessons I’ve learned and reveal qualities in me that I never thought existed. To sum it all up, I’m glad to have been through the CAS program. It is not simply a course requirement, but a window to a better perspective of the world as an exemplary IB student.