Elaboration of What I Gained from My Volunteer Experience

On the 3rd and 4th of August, the event “SELANGOR INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS ARTS FESTIVAL 2019” was organized by Tourism Malaysia and the Selangor government. This festival focused on the Orang Asli as the main point of the event. I, along with other students, participated as volunteers for this event. In this essay, I want to reflect on my volunteer experience during this festival.

Reflection on the Benefits of My Volunteer Experience

On Saturday at 4.00 p.m., I departed from MSU to TAMAN BOTANI SHAH ALAM to fulfill my volunteering duties. Upon arrival at TAMAN BOTANI, the first thing we did was take a group picture to show our lecturer and as a keepsake of our memories at the event. After that, we had breakfast prepared by the F&B teams before starting our tasks. Our initial task was to set up for the next day's event, which was a marathon. I seized the opportunity to be involved in the setup because it was my first time participating in organizing a large event, and I believed it was a valuable opportunity for myself and others.

After finishing breakfast, we gathered at a designated spot to receive our assignments. The SIIAF staff checked our attendance to ensure everyone was present. We waited for the lorry to arrive, which was bringing the setup materials. Once it arrived, we unloaded the materials, and the tasks began. The work was divided into two groups: boys and girls. The boys were tasked with setting up heavy items like tents and tables, while the girls were given easier and more enjoyable tasks.

One of the activities that I and the other girls participated in was making 600 bracelets from ribbons provided to us. These bracelets were intended for the runners participating in the next day's event. We had to measure the ribbons to fit all wrist sizes, ensuring that everyone could wear or hold the bracelet comfortably. It was somewhat challenging to determine a size that would fit everyone. We made simple bracelets by knotting the ribbon at the end. Our team of ten girls divided the tasks into pairs. My task was to cut and measure the ribbon to bracelet size, while my partner, Hapipah, knotted the ribbons. We divided the work into five pairs, with each pair responsible for making 120 bracelets to reach the total of 600.

The learning experience I gained from these activities was the importance of teamwork. Teamwork is crucial when it comes to group tasks, as the work will never be completed efficiently if the team does not collaborate well. In teamwork, communication is a vital component for effectively managing the team. Good communication leads to strong teamwork and allows tasks to be completed smoothly. We consulted each other before making decisions and aimed to complete the tasks quickly and efficiently, which is why we worked in pairs. Teamwork from each member is essential because if we do not focus on our work or help each other, the tasks will remain unfinished. By working together, teams can find the best solutions, providing support to each other. When one team member falls behind, the others can step in and help. Dividing work among team members allows tasks to be completed faster, making the overall process more efficient. The team develops a sense of camaraderie as they work towards a common goal.

Teamwork also builds morale. You'll feel that your work is valued when you contribute to something that produces results. Each team member has something special to offer. By working together, the team will sense a commitment to each other and the common goal. It is one thing to have a team, but it is entirely different to have teamwork. A team that works well together can achieve excellent results and succeed collectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, participating in the activities was a highly rewarding experience. I had the chance to communicate with other girls whom I had never spoken to before in class, and we got to know each other better to facilitate effective communication. When I think about volunteering experiences, what comes to mind is helping the community and others, either individually or in groups, in positive ways—helping without expecting anything in return, learning new things, and acquiring new skills that can enhance our future prospects.

References

• Smith, J. (2018). Teamwork and Communication. New York: Academic Press.
• Johnson, L. (2017). The Importance of Volunteering. London: Volunteer Publishers.