Journal 3.1: Canvassing begins..

This day was committed to deciding upon the items we'll buy, the items we'll cook ourselves, quanity and cost. We thought of all possible and impossible dishes! I was sure the menu will not be fixed today (new ideas for the items will come up, amendments will be made). Expected number of people including parents and participants were 800. However, we didn't want food wastage and loss, so we made the food plan for 600 people. For the quantity of raw material for the 'going-to-be made food and the ready food that's going to be brought, we enquired with the food coordinator at school and our parents too!

Three of us made a list of the materials required from school and submitted it to the food-department. The estimated prices were made note of.

Dishes like smileys, struck our mind, but later we thought of a replacement as it was expensive!

To buy the raw materials we divided the work, looking at who'll be able to go where and get what, at a good cost and quality.

Taking up individual responsibilties like accounts or transport, was next. I thought I'll be better at managing the transporting, making and servicing area.

The menu was set: two side dishes (cupcake- for the youth and gulab jamun- for the older ones), three drinks (lemonade-to refresh everyone this summer, coke-mostly for the hostelites and teens, oreo milshake-for those who prefer a milk based quencher), vadapavs and sandwiches (for everyone in general, so this was highest in quantity) and last but not the least, comes pani puri and mad angle chaat (this was a new dish introduced, for which the recipe was given by me) for those wanting something tangy & spicy. I also prepared and got some to school for all to taste. They loved it suprisingly! We were looking at variety. Our co-operation seemed good going and we were firmly confident about the project.

Duration: 5 hours

Journal 3.0: What can help us raise funds?

There is a natural air purification (plants purify the air 24/7!) project coming up. It has been initiated by us. The thought of growing plants around our campus striked because of pollution mounting by leaps and bounds in today's world.

Afterward, we wondered of how this project is going to be funded. Momentarily, the idea of a food stall to be kept for this fund-raising purpose, on the day of the track fest (5^th march) struck my mind.

My friend and I, reached our CAS coordinator, Mr.Rolf Swaminathan in his cabin to share the idea and request for permission. He told us that we were good to go if we prepare a fine CAS proposal for the project, get it printed and later signed by the selected authorities. One whole hour was dedicated to grab the appropriate words and format for the aforementioned.

Next we had to go around asking whomsoever were interested to give their names for the project. It took a less than 2 minutes for about 15 people to do so! The spirit of working together was seen flaming.

Giving the neatly filed proposal and getting signatures was the next task and this happened pretty fast. It was accepted by everyone and so we sat down to begin discussion on what food we'll be selling.

Duration: 3 hours

Reflection 2: What it all felt like..

Pre-reflection:

            A debate conference was something I always desired to take part in. So the minute I heard of such a thing happening, I gave my name. I thought I'd become a better individual. Moreover, in a beautiful place like Kodaikanal who wouldn't want to grab the opportunity to experience the thrill of interacting with a whole new lot of people learning diplomacy, responsibility and what not!?

Post-reflection:

                At the time of the journey to Kodaikanal, I was nervous and excited and basically mixed-emotioned! Nervous because, when I opened my research binder, there was a pretty bulk amount of information and so thinking about what i'll speak and how i'll speak got me bewildered! Excited because, they were more positives: the intoxicating weather, the new faces, the food, the DJ party, the photo session etc..

               On the first day at the Kodaikanal International Business school, I socialized and danced with everyone, with full swing! All of us were way too joyous and spiritful! The DJ night was undoubtedly the best part of this day, since I love dancing and have loved it ever since.

              As the day progressed I felt the tension run through my blood, since I wasn't that confident enough to face the next day (The cold added to the tension). Still I tried not show it out and just live in the moment, where everyone is looking at the scenic view or simply interacting with fellow delegates.

                 The next day arrived and the worry was still brightly alive! It was only the beautiful area where we stayed in and my room mates that could make me feel less stressed. But I also cannot explain how enthralled I was to see what was there in store for us! The initial committee session went on smooth and the tension slowly subsided. All glad, I made 5 new friends! I didn't talk much, but I thought   I was a better observer (and listener) than a speaker. However, I managed to make myself recognized by my chair! While I was delivering my opening speech I felt goosebumps dotting my skin as I was running out of time. Honestly, I was a little upset because I had edited my speech about almost 3-4 times and couldn't share the concluding para to the audience.

                  When I spoke finally during the session, someone raised a question at me and asked me for statistical data! Blank, I began shivering. No statistical was found. Luckily enough, my chair said that I could show the data later. I sighed with relief and spoke to the delegate privately.

                   Later it got a little tedious so it added to my sleepy feeling as the previous night was a late one (preparation and gossip with the three of my room mates).

Nevertheless, when the DJ night made it's way, I made my way there too! I danced to my heart's content whilst we didn't feel awkward to enter with our traditionals.

                 The next day was pretty decent. I was a bit yawny still, but when I met everyone at the venue, my spirit came back on track! I was interested to make the resolutions with the other delegates and surprisingly our resolutions passed! There was a boost of a 'feeling good about yourself' time that came to me when I received sweet compliments in the informal session.

                 It was time for the closing ceremony and it was then that they announced the award winners. A little disappointed I was as I didn't get any, but then I told myself that just winning isn't what you came here for; the very essence of the entire trip was to experience every action-packed small, big and bizarre moment and definitely make the most of it!

               And the best delegation of the IIMUN conference goes to none other than 'The Indian Public School'!. With a huge jaw drop, I almost jumped from my seat and 'woaaahhooo' I shouted in great bliss! We zoomed to the dias and all our faces glowed like light bulbs as we held the trophy high in the air.

                 We celebrated with sheer zest through walking by the lake, shopping, eating and simply enjoying the atmosphere. My bond with the teachers who came along and my seniors of course has immensely sharpened and it is them and the trip all by itself, that taught me how and why to be more self-esteemed, chill and bold.

Now I know that a few attributes of me have changed for the good and so I'm glad that I didn't miss a chance like this.

                It was a wholly supercalifragilisticexpialidocious three days!