SIS Olympics

SIS Olympics is a sports event held by the SIS group of schools once a year. As one of my action and service activity, I became one the competitors in few sports and also volunteered as a coach for lower divisions. Our school is a relatively small school compared to other SIS schools, meaning almost everyone in our class had to participate. Although the events are all planned by the school, for the practices, students made their own schedules considering when to use the court, when are the students  free, etc... As a senior of the school, we had the responsibility to get the practices going. I competed in various events including futsal, basketball, volleyball, track, pingpong, etc... and I coached futsal for the younger divisions. 

The practices went out well following the schedule made. Early morning before the school bell, break times and after school times. We wanted to win, so we joined as much practices we can, and in addition to that, volunteered for coaching so it was pretty much time consuming and a burden for 12 graders as studies are a burden as well. The balancing of time between practices/coaching and academics soon became a problem. Our teachers solved that problem by implementing new rules that students are not allowed stay at school after the 5 pm. That gave us the time to study. Practices each day made us a team, and a building confidence each day. 

The events were held for 4 consecutive days meaning we had to skip classes but no one made any complains as the school was highly motivated. Day 1 futsal and pingpong. 2nd place in futsal. The division that i had coached got 1st place. Day 2 Basket ball. 1st place. Day 3 volleyball. Day 4 100m x 4 relay. 1st place. In those days taking photos of the events, collaborating with others in the sis magazine committee.

This activity impacted me in that I gained various skills and experience of sports (some of the sports were new to me), coaching, and making schedules for practices. Time management, initiative to make plans and o follow it, stronger and firm teamwork and relationships, (not only in those sports but while planning schedules) with classmates and juniors, I believe I can apply what I’ve learned in this whole event to other life situations because I now know how it satisfying to help someone and at the same time to achieve something in a competition. If i were to participate in a similar event in the future, I wouldn't be reluctant to join because i know how these events lead to personal growth, working collaboratively with comrades. I will know what to be careful of. It is the planning process. When the planning is excellent, there would be now worries of the event to be a burden. It was and it will always be an amazing experience; representing my beloved school and the joy to share this memorable experience with the squad which leads to everyone of us's growth.

Photographer for the SIS magazine

As one of my service and creativity activity, I volunteered to help the SIS magazine committee as I realized they were lacking members and were looking for students willing to help. Fortunately, my father had a collection of cameras, and was willing to lend them as long as I took good care of them. The committee had accepted my approach for volunteering and briefly explained what they were requiring for the photos. They asked for photos of students participating and the photo of what the activities are about.

Out of the 5 activities I participated, the most memorable activity was the trip to Bandung, to a geothermal power station. The activity was designed for science students who conducted research on the power-plant itself and the natural environment of the huge area needed for the geothermal power station. Students were shown the pipes which carried hot steams, fusion reactors that produced energy, deer that lived nearby, fungus that were found in the walls of the power-plant, and may more objects to research. While that was happening, I looked for opportunities to take photos and at the same time took notes of what the engineer was explaining. That difficulty was solved because I wasn't the only photographer that went to the trip.

This activity impacted me in that I gained skills of photography through the numerous failed photos that weren't used for the magazine. I learned a lot about the difficulties in taking photos of students at places I am also supposed to listen to the lecturer. I believe I can apply what I’ve learned in this photography to other life situations because I now know how it satisfying to help someone and at the same time to learn something new. If i were to volunteer in the same situation in the future, It would be a lot easier as I have the know-how and skills, and I will be aware of the responsibility. The only thing I might change is that if I am alone, I shouldn’t participate as a volunteer where I am supposed to be learning along. It was an amazing experience and I’m proud to call myself a photographer and a member of the SIS magazine committee.