Alexandra Thompson, Grade 11
UWC Mostar
At the beginning of the year, I struggled with choosing which CASes to pursue, as I felt that so many would each bring their own challenges, lessons, and outcomes. I ended up selecting English Conversation CAS (ECC) as part of the Service requirement because, as a native speaker, I thought I would be able to help in a way that I would feel able to contribute with a little bit less anxiety. I am quite a shy person, so I thought that it would help me to step out of my comfort zone a bit more, and improve my ability to converse. Furthermore, I hoped to understand a bit more about language, communication, and the importance of it. I also hoped to learn about different viewpoints and opinions.
The CAS effectively involves conversing- in English- with some kids from the area of Mostar, to help improve their conversational skills. Through using a different focus topic each week, you help to expand their vocabulary and general knowledge about the idea or issue.
This was a more holistic approach and experience than I had anticipated. I met new people and saw some continually grow as the sessions progressed. I was able to achieve some of my goals that I had hoped for and pushed myself out of my comfort zone in a way I did not anticipate.
One thing that I learned from this experience was to not expect immediate progress. I often find myself putting pressure on immediate results and gratification. Yet, this experience taught me that patience and trust in time were vital and a highly valuable skill. I socialised with a group of people that I would not have usually met had it not been for ECC - those of a much younger age as well as second years whom I had never talked to, and we collectively got involved in the community. There were prevalent friendship groups, and I think that through asking questions and sharing thoughts, there was more integration. It was impressive to see how well young people can articulate their thoughts and the depth to which they thought. I saw the importance of ensuring that everybody gets the chance to be involved and contribute: often those who were timid or nervous had much to offer, and just required a space made for them and a welcoming attitude.
I started to relearn the importance of curiosity in conversation and absorbed to some extent, the different levels of communication, and to what extent language portrays a message. I also improved my general knowledge by using the conversation topics of themes. I felt my self-confidence build even after so many new experiences and was able to realise that I still have a long way to go. New situations bring new challenges, and therefore new opportunities for growth. In something that supposedly comes so naturally- conversation- I found that I always had something more to learn, even if the topic seemed dull or overspoken about. It was extremely rewarding to see the younger kids already have such skill, but be able to improve further. It was a gentle reminder that progress can always be made, and to always push yourself to do your best and literally speak up. Also, I was reminded that there are always people who will not only hear you but listen to you. One thing that definitely struck a chord with me was that, at least for me, I feel that I get caught up in talking but not listening. So much more can be learned if we listen to learn, rather than listening to respond. Thus, I have learned and am still learning how to better listen and engage with others; this was an invaluable learning experience from ECC.
This CAS is meaningful to me as, whilst sometimes it was difficult to go after an extremely tiring day at school, I knew that each session brought something unique: we learned something we had not known, saw a shy person speak up, or bonded with our peers.
Little did I know, such a small decision amongst the millions made at the start of the year would have such a massive impact upon me as a person. I grew exponentially and am beyond grateful that I was able to partake in such an experience.
The CAS effectively involves conversing- in English- with some kids from the area of Mostar, to help improve their conversational skills. Through using a different focus topic each week, you help to expand their vocabulary and general knowledge about the idea or issue.
This was a more holistic approach and experience than I had anticipated. I met new people and saw some continually grow as the sessions progressed. I was able to achieve some of my goals that I had hoped for and pushed myself out of my comfort zone in a way I did not anticipate.
One thing that I learned from this experience was to not expect immediate progress. I often find myself putting pressure on immediate results and gratification. Yet, this experience taught me that patience and trust in time were vital and a highly valuable skill. I socialised with a group of people that I would not have usually met had it not been for ECC - those of a much younger age as well as second years whom I had never talked to, and we collectively got involved in the community. There were prevalent friendship groups, and I think that through asking questions and sharing thoughts, there was more integration. It was impressive to see how well young people can articulate their thoughts and the depth to which they thought. I saw the importance of ensuring that everybody gets the chance to be involved and contribute: often those who were timid or nervous had much to offer, and just required a space made for them and a welcoming attitude.
I started to relearn the importance of curiosity in conversation and absorbed to some extent, the different levels of communication, and to what extent language portrays a message. I also improved my general knowledge by using the conversation topics of themes. I felt my self-confidence build even after so many new experiences and was able to realise that I still have a long way to go. New situations bring new challenges, and therefore new opportunities for growth. In something that supposedly comes so naturally- conversation- I found that I always had something more to learn, even if the topic seemed dull or overspoken about. It was extremely rewarding to see the younger kids already have such skill, but be able to improve further. It was a gentle reminder that progress can always be made, and to always push yourself to do your best and literally speak up. Also, I was reminded that there are always people who will not only hear you but listen to you. One thing that definitely struck a chord with me was that, at least for me, I feel that I get caught up in talking but not listening. So much more can be learned if we listen to learn, rather than listening to respond. Thus, I have learned and am still learning how to better listen and engage with others; this was an invaluable learning experience from ECC.
This CAS is meaningful to me as, whilst sometimes it was difficult to go after an extremely tiring day at school, I knew that each session brought something unique: we learned something we had not known, saw a shy person speak up, or bonded with our peers.
Little did I know, such a small decision amongst the millions made at the start of the year would have such a massive impact upon me as a person. I grew exponentially and am beyond grateful that I was able to partake in such an experience.
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