Distracted at church

I was never the best singer; my mum always told me that I have no future in singing and commented every time I do so. It was all because of this mother's day choir I was in during first grade, in which I sang the tune so pitchy people thought I was tone deaf. From then on I never wanted to sing in public, that is, until the 30th of January, when my friend asked me to join his band and sing at church. The whole thing was rather sudden; we did not have much time to practice or even think of the band name, thus calling ourselves "Distracted" (because we totally were). We had three lead singers and I was one of them, and seeing the audience at church was terrifying. Eyes were staring at me, and it reminded me again of that time my mother was watching me while also being embarrassed. This was so much different from singing in the class, which I was somehow used to. This was public. As I stood there my stomach hurled. I felt like running away but there was no backing out now. I was on stage. I sang.

I messed up, I messed up so much. And I would've felt really bad if it wasn't for my friends who also made mistakes. Knowing that I'm not the only person who was nervous was a relief, and I didn't feel that much of a burden anymore. I actually enjoyed it. I guess the biggest thing I needed to deal with was the fear itself, because overthinking made me lose concentration and miss out on a few parts. Nonetheless, I was glad to see the audience supportive as ever. Nobody was booing, and instead, they were cheering for us, and we had a pretty good time.

Learning outcomes checklist:

1. Increased their awareness of their own strengths and areas for growth
I learnt to be more confident and perform in front of people, even if I didn't want to.

2. Undertaken new challenges
Performing was not new, but surely a challenge. It was the first time performing while being so self conscious of myself.

5. Shown perseverance and commitment in their activities
I really wanted to back out, but eventually I still went with it.

8. Developed new skills 
I had fun on stage, and I guess with all that pressure on me, I started singing better, at least compared to the mess I sang a few years back.

Sports Day Cafe

1st Oct 2015- It was sports day, the annual celebration of competitiveness. We were separated into four teams, the Red Eagles, Blue Sharks, Yellow Tigers and Green Dragons. The crowd cheered as the teams faced each other in a few heated matches, which included basketball, soccer, and tug of war. Knowing that some people get to lazy to go to the canteen, the grade twelve students used this opportunity to their advantage and opened a drink stand in which all profits go to charity. As it was so hot outside, and everyone was tired after playing all the matches, the drinks ran out pretty fast. Soon the eleventh graders joined us and sold food for their CAS activity, and some other students had their own business project that involved selling goods as well. We realised that this sports day didn't just involve sports competitions, but selling competition as well. Luckily, we did manage to earn about twice as much as our capital, with some drinks left to spare. As the day ended, we celebrated by consuming all the unsold goods, and there was not one drop to waste.

Learning outcomes checklist:

3. Planned and initiated activities
We set up the stalls by ourselves and chose what product to sell in the stall.

4. Worked collaboratively with others
There were quite a lot of customers, so we had to work together to serve each and every one of them. We also took shifts when some of us were competing in the match.

5. Shown perseverance and commitment in their activities
As some of us had matches too, we were pretty tired and worn out, but that didn't stop us selling whenever we had time for it.

6. Engaged with issues of global importance 
All profits earned was donated to charity.

Student Council Election

My time was up. Yep, I was a twelfth grader already, which meant the title of the Student Council president had to go to someone else. On August 7th, 2015 I, along with the previous student council body, went around the school and introduced each class to what this whole student council thing was about. There were 2 competing parties, the Prodigies and the Alithea. While some of us visited classes, the other decorated the assembly hall, set up the election booths, and made the ballot boxes. We all pitched in to make sure that the election was similar to the election of the Indonesian president, which happened not that long ago. While the classes were coming in to vote and the assembly hall was all set up, we stayed and watched them, in case they made mistakes in voting. It took quite a while, but we were glad to see that there were very little invalid votes. 

As the former student council president, I rooted for the Prodigy party, and even gave some tips to the candidates. Alas, all my responsibilities and tasks were lifted, and I felt so relieved. By the end of the day, the grade 12 class counted and recounted the votes about three times to make sure that it was accurate. The Prodigies came out victorious, and the Monday after, we had the student council coronation day, where I officially gave my title to the new president, Celine Yap.

Learning outcome checklist:

4. Worked collaboratively with others 
While some decorated, others informed the students, and together we made the election a success.

5. Shown perseverance and commitment in their activities
It took almost the whole day to set up, but we didn't stop. We went around and disturbed some lessons just to inform the students and it was pretty tiring for us.

7. Considered the ethical implications of their actions
When going around and informing the students about the student council election, there were questions that popped up asking about what the student council does and what the students can get from them. I had to make sure my answer made them interested in electing but also didn't give them false hope.

Foster Homes for the Elderly

12th September 2015 - We still had some money left from the previous fundraising activities and thus used it to buy some supplies for the elderly who were in foster care. There were grannies and grandpas whose kids can no longer support them and thus left them there. It was nice to see that they had friends, but rather sad to know that visits do not come very often. We were more than happy to talk to them though, and with the entire class going there, we were sure to talk to each and every one of them.

  

Learning outcomes checklist:

1. Increased their awareness of their own strengths and areas for growth
I am usually not very social, especially when asked to talk to strangers, but conversing with the elderly feels a lot more comfortable. Maybe its their way of telling stories than makes it so nice to listen to, and made me feel less awkward as I did not have to say much to entertain them. I do however, realise that I need to be better at conversing with people of all ages, and should not be restricted to just the elderly.

2. Undertaken new challenges
I've never been to a foster home before, so this was a pretty exciting experience. I do get along with my grandma quite well, so talking to the elderly wasn't much of a problem for me. 

5. Shown perseverance and commitment in their activities
We stayed in the foster home for quite some time, maybe 2 hours or more. It was really fun talking to them and listening to their stories, thus the commitment was genuine, and we personally considered it more as curiosity about what this old lady's life is about.

6. Engaged with issues of global importance
It is sad to know that old people are easily forgotten. Once you can't give much to the society, people tend to forget you. The senior citizens I met were very sad because they cannot do much with their lives, and they were forced to enjoy this new 'home' of theirs, which was rather crowded and full. When I first got in, the foster home was not as I imagined, and it was really different than how they portray it to be in western movies. There were no bingo games and barely any nurses. It was rather sad, actually. 

7. Considered the ethical implications of their actions
Old people have a different way of thinking than us students, and sometimes talk about death rather morbidly. Knowing that they are very fragile beings, we made sure that we were polite and cheerful about the things that they worry about.

8. Developed new skills 
I'm good at talking to my own grandmother, but I never knew that I would be good at talking to other old people as well. This was the first time going to a foster home for the elderly, and I knew I left a mark already.

Feeding the Hungry CAS 2014

I forgot about this event. It was last year; we were still eleventh graders, and I still had that pixie cut. We were new to this subject at school called "character building" which taught us morals and well, builds our character. Our first project was social impact. It could be in any form, whether it be just a raise of awareness or a raise of funds. Other teams sold pins for charity and did the then famous ALS ice bucket challenge, but my group mates decided to do the classic: Feeding the hungry.

Nasi Padang is delicious and everyone deserves to eat it. With so much Indonesian culture wrapped into small paper packages, one bag would be enough to fill your belly. Really, it may seem like a bit in the picture, but I personally can only eat half. In it theres a whole lot of rice, with mashed potato cakes called "Perkedel", a boiled egg with some sort of curry sauce, fried chicken along with cassava leaves as the fibre source. We got about 30 bags and left off.

It wasn't hard finding people who needed it; Indonesia is filled with poverty. We targeted poor people with hard jobs, and mostly those of older age who still have to work. This was when we realised that we take things for granted; we're lucky that we can provide a nice retirement for our elderly family members, and that they won't have to pick up and sell trash just to gain a living. We're lucky that we can go to school unlike the children of these people in which their parents are unable to support their health, what more their education. We're lucky that we can still live with the ones we love most, as some of these people are separated with their loved ones as they would each need to find a source of finance in different areas of Indonesia.

Most of the people we gave the food to were thankful and nice people. There was an old lady who was also oh so kind to share with us her life story, and how she was just about to look for food somewhere when we "angels from above" came and filled her hunger. She told us that it's difficult to find food here in the city of Jakarta, as people like her can't afford anything but rice and egg. It was a beautiful coincidence, and we were sure glad to be able to make her smile. There was also a man who ate right after we gave him the food. It was lunch time by then and we were glad that our efforts were appreciated.


All the food was gone before midday, and it really speaks about Indonesia's poverty rate. Thirty people, just in the area of Pluit. While we were giving food to the hungry, we noticed a car that seemed to be following us. Watching from the back seat I realised that they too were giving impoverished people bars of chocolate, something for dessert after our meal. That really brought a smile to our faces. Perhaps we didn't only help the needy, perhaps we also inspired others to make a difference.

Learning outcomes checklist:

2. Undertaken new challenges
I suppose I was always a hermit; never did I leave the house, let alone speak to random strangers. This activity made me not only more social but also more aware of other people's issues aside from my own. This was my first time actually helping people directly, and talking to them instead of simply donating money from afar sure made a different impact. 

3. Planned and initiated activities
It didn't matter how we did it, we just needed to help people in some way. And though selling goods and making videos would be fun, my and my friends decided that it would be more personal if we did it the classic way. We brainstormed, created the plan, and initiated it all by ourselves.

4. Worked collaboratively with other
It was a team project, and I was glad that it was. I had a hard time talking to strangers, and with the help of my friends, I was able to gather the courage to do so. We also took turn giving the people food.

6. Engaged with issues of global importance
Poverty is a big problem in Indonesia, and some people do not earn enough even to eat. With our help, a few lucky people had good meals for the day, and we were glad to help them even though it was just for a day.

8. Developed new skills 
While talking to strangers, I learnt to come out of my shell, after the first few people we visited, I got braver and was eager to help more. 

Hari Raya Idul Fitri

A few of us with our beloved principal. And a very happy security guard.

Lebaran was nearby, which meant fasting was almost over. The Muslims would celebrate as they asked for forgiveness from their family and friends this time of year. For them it was like Christmas, the time of joy and happiness.

We live in Indonesia. And although we may not have the same beliefs and religion, we must respect with great honor  the values of others. Since most of the staff at school celebrated this wondrous event, we thought that it would be great to show a little appreciation to those we often take for granted. It was a great way to make others feel good about themselves, and also a brilliant way to start off our first CAS this academic year, with my batch finally at the top; finally the oldest students at school.

Thus we began collecting. There was no minimum amount, it was all a matter of how much you're willing to give. Whatever the amount was, it was highly appreciated. Along with some teachers, the now grade 12 class to chipped in a total estimate of RP4000000. This was divided among the staff at school, including security guards, caregivers, the cleaning service as well as technicians. Eventually, everyone got a share, even those who weren't celebrating this event as we wanted to make everyone feel equally special.

The best part was giving it to them. At first we called them to our classroom for distribution, but since some of them were on duty, we had to take matters to our own hands and track their location one by one. It was like a mission: Everyone must be found. Do not let anyone get on the loose. *Queue Liam Neeson* I will find you. And I will give your share to you.

Learning outcomes checklist:

4. Worked collaboratively with others
Since we had to track down every single one of the staff, it was impossible to do it alone or in one group. We split up and tried to find as many staff as possible, searching the whole school for security guards as well as cleaning personal.

5. Shown perseverance and commitment in their activities
Finding the staff was not easy, some even left the school to get lunch and we had to wait for them to come back, and we wouldn't stop until everyone got the little envelopes of joy.

6. Engaged with issues of global importance
Much like Christmas to us, this event is really special to them. It is our job as IB students to make them feel welcomed and accepted in their own little way, and this token of appreciation is a good way to start.

7. Considered the ethical implications of their actions 
Of course, as any other religious events, we must watch out for the words that come out of our mouth. We were sure to be polite and nice to the staff, as we did not want to offend any of them.

Circle of Life BTB Musical CAS

*Photos are not of the best quality x.x

Last 2013 our school Bina Tunas Bangsa had our first ever musical production, the "Bits and Pieces of Broadway", showcasing our students in an entertaining 2 hour long performance. This year, we were inspired to do the same but better. "Circle of Life" was a Lion King inspired musical performance, with a modern twist to it, including new pop songs that were popular during the period. The singing and dancing by children of the primary sector were spectacular, face painting making them look even more adorable. Their electrifying talents blew everyone away as nobody had expected such unification and capability in little children. Us eleventh graders on the other hand, worked as behind the scene ushers.

Ten of us were in on it, me; Gabriella Wina, Jermysen Vendarwan, Dennis Oh, Kelvin Jordan, Anthonie Tjendana, Tommy Gunawan, Juanito Clement Tanjung, William Hartono, Devin Christian, and Denzel Andrews. We wore with such pride a black tee with an orange lion on its front, the symbol of the musical.

On Friday, 17 April 2015, we were given our uniforms and briefed with what each of us should do. Each of us were given a station to work at, some being in pairs, either guarding the music room, working the ticket station, greeting guests in the main door, and even roaming the 3rd and 4th floor looking for requested staff or students. As the parents who came were overly excited to see their children, we had to start working at 4pm, even though the show would begin at 6. The same happened the next day, with even more parents arriving early, most probably since it was the show's last day, and it was on a Saturday as well.

Sure it was tiring work, having to stand for hours straight with only a few sitting breaks in two consecutive days, but it was also insanely fun. With friends like these you start to forget about how weak your legs become and instead laugh and have a great time, even socializing with the staff and guests that came. During the show, when nobody else came to show their tickets, some of us went inside to make sure that the guests won't exit using the wrong door, and we helped maintain the silence of the audience as there were many younger brothers and sisters of the performers who were starting to create commotion. Me being one of the people who got to stay inside for a little bit thus got a peek and let me tell you. It made the crowd go wild.

Post performance we went back to our stations to make sure that the parents won't bring their children home straight away as the curtain call was still going on, and we had the honor of a new job: High five-ing the performers telling them they did a great job. I was blessed to be able to hi-five the young king of the jungle.

It was almost nine when all the guests had eventually gone, and since we were still young at heart, we snagged the opportunity to take pictures on the amazing set that was built, act all Mufasa and Scar on stage and ran away when we realized people were watching us. We were also provided with food, and as we dined we had a delightful exchange of opinions on who the prettiest kid actress was. I just love being friends with dudes.

And that was it. Two days, five hours each, and ten crazy people racing all the way to IB.

That was our Circle of Life the Musical CAS.

I don't know how to smile xD

Learning outcomes checklist:

1. Increased their awareness of their own strengths and areas for growth 

There were different jobs for each of us, with some having to greet the visitors, some having to hand out flyers, and some accepting the tickets in. At first I was asked to show the audience to their seats, but seeing that I'm not that good with talking to people, I was shifted to the ticket department. It showed where I was lacking and now I know where I need to improve myself.

2. Undertaken new challenges
I've been in a school performance before, but I have never helped in setting one up. This was really new to me, and I didn't know how much of a fuss it would be to work backstage.

5. Shown perseverance and commitment in their activities
Since some people came in late, it was up to me and my friends to show them the right way to the show and make them feel welcomed. We stayed in our stations the whole time and had glimpses of the show as we took shifts. 

7. Considered the ethical implications of their actions
Talking the audience was hard enough, but to know that these are also the friends and family of my school's students made it even more nerve-wracking. We were sure to be polite and nice to the people that came, making sure to not ruin the school's reputation.