Over the winter break, I put together a video as part of the National Honors Society Christmas activity to thank the custodians. When the executive team gathered together to brainstorm Christmas ideas targetted at the theme of giving back and expressing gratitude, we talked about doing something for the custodians as they work tirelessly during and outside of student’s school hours to ensure the cleanliness of our community. While some of us wanted to make a big Christmas handmade card, I proposed doing something more practical and unprecendented such as actually doing some of the work for the custodians. As this initial idea begin to take shape, the executive team distributed responsibility to make this happen. I was in charge of contacting the necessary personnels such as the custodians manager Jeff and the custodians head Huang-Jie to discuss the feasibility of such event and map out the how the whole thing would work out. This planning and preparation stage keeps giving me major flashbacks to stuco as I am also in charge of all affairs related to communication since I’m the public relations officer. Good times, haha! The communication process went pretty smooth, and everything shortly started falling into place. After making sure that all details have been settled, we officially announced to the members about this event, confirmed the number of attendees, and held more meetings after that to make sure they are all clear on how the day of the event will look like. Even though I was unable to physically attend the activity due to scheduling conflicts with a basketball game happening simultaneously, I’m happy to have taken part of the entire planning and execution process to make this idea a reality. Through this event, we hope that we have built a better bridge between the students and the faculty members and spread gratitude.

Coming to study in an elite international school is a privilege, and to be able to recognize your privilege, work upon them, accept your insufficiency and make room for improvement is a reflective mindset we should all develop to become balanced individuals. I feel like people too often times exaggerate gratitude and forget the true nature of thankfulness and appreciation. Sending big fancy cards and huge glamourous flowers on specific occasions but neglects the importance of simple daily acts in conveying gratitude. Simple acts such as reducing food waste, cleaning up your own trash, saying hi to the custodians on the hallways, and thanking them whenever appropriate is the most practical, direct and genuine way to show your appreciation. As 2021 marches off to a start, let’s all work towards becoming a better self in the new year!