My Time With V.I.S.A.: Executive for Events, January 2008-December 2008, Part I
At the beginning of 2008, I took over as Executive for Events following Devender Kainth’s departure from V.I.S.A. This was a new challenge for me because I would be working on events for V.I.S.A. without an Associate. But our Coordinator Mallika Padmanabhan, and Assistant Coordinator Anuja Thakar displayed great faith and support for me, as did the rest of the team.
Following the end of the 2007-2008 academic year, I was selected for Executive for Events under Mallika for the 2008-2009 year as well. For 2008-2009 I worked with my Associate for Events, Naitik Parekh. Naitik was very helpful, knowledgeable and eager to learn. He was very involved with V.I.S.A. prior as a volunteer as well.
The first set of achievements of my time as Executive for Events, relates to the Carrousel of the Nations (winter 2008) and the International Students Orientations (winter 2008 & fall 2008). For the 2008 Carrousel of the Nations, V.I.S.A. was asked to promote the event leading up to it. As such, Mallika and the Events team created several banners, provided volunteers for the event management, and created a display booth for V.I.S.A. which we called “The Diversity Hut”. The Diversity Hut displayed quotes on diversity by famous authors, politicians, and humanitarians.
The Carrousel was well attended, and V.I.S.A.’s volunteers did an excellent job in managing the event the whole day. The event took place on January 23rd, at the CAW Centre at the University.
One of the banners for the event
Diversity Hut being built
The completed Diversity Hut
Crowds at the Carrousel, 2008
The International Students Orientation (I.S.O.) is always an important event in the V.I.S.A. calendar. Traditionally, the Coordinator of the I.S.O. has been a member of the V.I.S.A. Executive team selected by the International Student Centre. This year was no different, as Mallika was the I.S.O. Coordinator in addition to V.I.S.A. Coordinator.
The winter I.S.O. typically lasts for a few hours on the first or second Friday of the winter semester. The winter I.S.O. usually has between 50-70 new students attending, and around 10-20 volunteers assisting. The fall I.S.O. lasts two days during Windsor Welcome Week. The days usually fall on the weekend, or coincide with Labour day. Between 150-300 students attend the fall I.S.O., and at least 40-50 volunteers are required for assistance with the event. Planning for the I.S.O.’s take place months in advance.
I was glad to be a part of the volunteers who helped out with the winter 2008 as well as fall 2008 I.S.O.’s. It was as always a great experience. Meeting new students was always a fascinating for me, and I would meet students from all over the world at the I.S.O.’s. I was also glad I could be of assistance to Mallika with the planning and execution of the I.S.O.’s as well.
Volunteers at the Winter '08 I.S.O.
Volunteers at the fall '08 I.S.O.
For my work at the fall 2008 I.S.O., I received a plaque for the “International Student Orientation Award” on September 12, 2008. The award is given annually at the Windsor Welcome Week banquet organized by the Educational Development Centre (E.D.C.). The award winner is chosen by the I.S.O. Coordinator for his or her outstanding contributions to the success of the fall I.S.O. of that year.
In addition, I also received the “V.I.S.A. Executive of the Year” award for 2007-2008 at the annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet on April 4, 2008. The banquet is organized for volunteers for V.I.S.A. and Students Orienting Students (S.O.S.). The V.I.S.A. Executive of the Year award is selected by the V.I.S.A. Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator and presented to the Executive who has performed the best, consistently for the group through the year.
With the I.S.O. Award
Receiving the Executive of the Year Award
Part II; Click here http://pumudu.wordpress.com/2010/12/24/pub-nights/
