[AIESEC] Local Leadership Development Seminar

Hey readers.

It's a new month and time for a new post. This time it's about another conference. It is called the Local Leadership Development Seminar. This conference is held for the new members who have recently join AIESEC and for them to learn more about AIESEC and to bond with their fellow newbies as well as the senior members and EBs for 3 days and 2 nights. Recently, my fellow AIESECers just returned from Gohtong Jaya, where the first LLDS of term 2012/2013 was held and based on the pictures and sharing during the AIESEC Gathering on Tuesday, they sure had lots of fun and gain lots of knowledge. That of course, reminded me of my first and only LLDS to date.

This LLDS was held from the 25th - 27th May 2012 at Barre I.J. Centre in Cameron Highlands. We left Taylor's around 12pm and on our way to Cameron Highlands, we stop at an R&R centre. At that time, the bus broke down and we had to wait for an extra bus to send us to the location.

The bus broke down

While waiting for a new bus to send us to the venue, that R&R centre was where the bonding started. We got to know each other better during that time and it was a blessing in disguise. Played lots of games to ease the boredom as well as getting to know the new members and teach them some AIESEC culture.

Bonding with AIESECers, new and old

About an hour or two later, the bus finally arrive and off we go to Cameron Highlands. The bonding continue in the bus as well as pictures being taken for memories.

Posing on the bus with Kay

 About 5pm plus, we finally arrive at our destination: Barre I.J. Centre, Cameron Highlands.

The place where we stayed for 3 days and 2 nights

The moment we arrive in Cameron Highlands, I got out of the bus and scream out loud somewhere along the lines of "I FINALLY MADE IT TO MY FIRST LLDS!!!". I was that excited and relieved that after being in AIESEC for more than 2 years, I finally made it and was looking forward to the next 3 days in LLDS.

We were greeted by the awesome OC Team and they provide us with the keys to the dorms. After settling down, we proceed to the plenary hall where the EBs and facis were there to greet all the delegates. What more to kickstart LLDS with a number of square dances led by yours truly. After that, it was followed by the introduction of the OCs, Facis and the chair of LLDS, Imran a.k.a. My Name Is Imran, and EB Team - Current and Elect.

OC Team (L-R): Kristy, Masuma, Keli and the OCP, Ramadhan

The Facis (L-R): The Chair, Imran and the facis, Ravi and Carmen

The current EBs (L-R): Raymond, Wei Lim, Amy, Wan Sin, Alex and Carmen

The EB elects (L-R) Hoe Yen, Zee, Lee Min, Elleen, Elwin and Carmen

Carmen introducing herself as one of the facis

We had an ice breaking session to know the delegates, facis and OCs better. Once we had completed the ice breaking session, it was time for dinner.

Ice breaking session with Zhen Hao

Doing the 'dinner chant'

Picture time after dinner

Throughout the 3 days, the junior and senior delegates learn topics related to leadership, AIESEC, soft skills and world issues. The EBs current and elect had feedback sessions and department planning in their own respective departments.

I was involved in the LC simulation, which provides a delegate a chance to operate their own local committee and understand how each department works in AIESEC.

Working hard to prepare LC Simulation with Gabriel and Ravi

In charge of the Finance and Administration booth.

After that, the delegates had to come out with their own projects in which they go out to approach random strangers to raise awareness about the project they have created. It was fun to see the ideas they have came out with and the approach they use to create an impact to the community. Some groups did about HIV/AIDS while another did about environmental awareness. All in all, it was great to see these delegates make an impact to society despite being in AIESEC from a few weeks to a few months.

With Team Shabuya

A conference is not complete without roll calls and square dance. =D

Square Dance Time! - Lips Like Sugar

Poto teaching us a roll call

In LLDS and like all other conferences, we had sugar cubes, which are messages meant to inspire and motivate people to do well in AIESEC and in life.

Sugar cube envelopes of the facis, EB, EB elect and OCs.

We had something call the guardian angel where each person is assigned a guardian angel which they provide gifts and other forms of blessings to provide them with motivation and inspiration.

Gifts from my guardian angel. =D <3

After 3 days and 2 nights of fun and learning, it was time to head home. Everyone had an awesome time at LLDS and they use it as a springboard to progress in their AIESEC journey be it the new members or the current ones.

Group photo <3

Taylor's even did a write up on LLDS in their internal magazine. How cool is that?

A write up on LLDS in the second issue of Taylor's Student Experience Magazine

I certainly enjoyed my LLDS. How about you? This is one of the many opportunities that can be obtained in AIESEC, conferences where you get inspired by others and others are inspired by you.

That's it from me. Till then, have a nice day. =)

[Photo credits to Joey, Wan Yu, Kay, Neil, GG and Winnie]