Global Youth Leadership Summit 2009

The Global Youth Leadership Summit was of course, the highlight of the whole trip.

This time, I was in Team 14 [alumni] - Dragons.

That's my buddy, Nicole and I showing off our group tattoo.

Everything I loved about it:

1. The sessions

Session with Kathy Buckley.

Board breaking session with Felix.

This time, I managed to break the board with one precise blow. :D
[goodgraciousorIwillbeembarassedlikecrap. again.]

Session with Anand Chulani.

We had speakers like Stu Mittleman, Dave Sanderson, Kathy Buckley, Marlon Smith, Shore Slocum, Gary King, Anand Chulani and Felix Lin.
[I'm terribly sorry if I've missed out any names.]

Each speaker had a powerful message to convey and gave us much substance to digest.
It was truly empowering as well as inspiring.

2. Break-out sessions

As alumni, we broke out for our own private sessions where we learnt more about relationships, handling money, the power of laughter, the gift of choice and the list goes on. Everything spelt out f-u-n.

Girl talk with a man about men.

Break-out session with Kathy Buckley.

Kathy and I.

3. Alumni 'bonding' time.

Alumni meal time together.

Once our sessions were over, we are to return to the main room but Brigitte [our team leader] didn't want us to cause any distraction. While we waited for the right time, we bonded. :)

Brittani, Alessandra and I.

Daniel [I think] and I.

Anthony and I.

4. Bonding session in room.

From left: Jen [our awesome coach], Jocelyn, Stephanie and Amanda

We'd share while snacking before going to bed.

5. Scaling the 50 feet tall tower.

The ascent was scary.
At the apex is a triangular platform. Slightly below it, there is a smaller one.
The belay said that if you're afraid of heights and you feel like you cannot go any further, at least reach the smaller triangular platform.
I thought that sounded like me so maybe I should keep the small one in mind.
When I started climbing, I was freaking scared as the ground below increased its distance.
At one time I reached a snag but the only thing in my mind was:
"How the heck do I move from here?" and I shouted for instruction.
My ears caught sounds of encouragement for I could not decipher instuctions from noise but I kept reaching for a firm grasp and kept on taking another step of sure footing till I reached the triangle where the sky is above and both obstacles and assissting structure are below.

Then I descended.

And cried.
Why? I was too scared to cry while ascending so this is compensation.

The end.

[Note to self: Fear is False Expectations Appearing Real]

6. Contribution day.

The last day is contribution day. The ambassadors planted trees while alumni went to the hospital to visit the veterans.

Outside the hospital.

It was a great experience just talking to them veterans.
Some reminisced and told their stories while others advised.
Some put us through an inquisition while others waited for us to ask questions.
Overall, it was fun.

We weren't allowed to take pictures inside. Sorry. =)

7. The 'ball'.

The whole summit ended with a formal party.

With blinking incandescent coloured lights, blaring music, chocolate fondue, fancy desserts and a dance floor, who wouldn't go wild?

Nicole and I.

Jan Jee, Nicole and I.

From left: Kirsten [my roommmate], Nicole, Shannon, Varundh and I.

Kyrie [I don't remember how to spell your name, sorry] and I.

Jen and I.

Hayon and I.

Varundh and I.

Bryan and I.

Avi and I.

The night of the party ended.
The sun made its way up the next day.
It was time to say goodbye.
:(

While everyone started leaving:

Felix and I.
And an intruder who jumped into the picture. :P

Jocelyn [my other roommate], Livvy and I.

Melvin and I.

On Melvin's cap is the word 'UNMARRIED'.
What's more interesting are the instructions inside on how to STAY unmarried.
In other words, how to wear a condom efficaciously.
I can't supply a picture close to pornography so I hope you understand. :D

*waves*
Bye Global Youth Leadership Summit 2009.
:(