"If you're offered a seat on a rocket ship, don't ask what seat! Just get on." - Sheryl Sandberg

Hello, Hivers! How are you? I trust everyone is doing well. Now, let me share a recent chapter of my journey.

In the pursuit of growth and leadership, sometimes the most transformative opportunities come when least expected. The journey to becoming a leader involves a continuous embrace of challenges and a commitment to continuous learning. It was with this mindset that I found myself grappling with the decision to join the 8th Tabogon Youth Leadership Training (TYLC).

Amidst the backdrop of concluding my third year's first semester at school, I hesitated at the prospect of spending four days immersed in a leadership training program.

The weeks leading up to this decision had been intense, marked by academic pursuits and the organization of the MerrySKapade Activity – an initiative I spearheaded as the SK Chairperson. My initial inclination was to embrace a well-deserved rest, but destiny had other plans.

As the invitation loomed, my co-officials had reservations, with most opting to decline. Wrestling with my own uncertainties, I sought guidance from a higher source. Seeking signs, I questioned whether this opportunity aligned with my path. It was then that an unexpected nudge came from my mother, who, unbeknownst to her, delivered the clarity I sought. "Grab that opportunity now because it's for free," she advised. In that moment, my perspective shifted, and I found myself packing for the TYLC, ready to embark on a journey of leadership, growth, and unforeseen lessons.

Join me as I unravel the chapters of the 8th Tabogon Youth Leadership Training, sharing the challenges, learnings, and the moments that sculpted a transformative experience.

Day One: Getting to Know Each Other

With a hundred participants, both familiar faces and new acquaintances, the 8th Tabogon Youth Leadership Training (TYLC) kicked off with warmth and motivation. Greeted by our Municipal Mayor and inspired by a message from the Municipal Administrator, we engaged in activities designed to foster connections among participants and facilitators. Divided into five groups named Kingdoms, I found myself leading the unexpected Kingdom Sussex. The surprise came when, without hesitation, my fellow participants chose me as their leader, marking the beginning of a journey filled with laughter and genuine connections.

Day Two: Lectures and Learnings

The second day delved into three essential lectures – crafting solutions for community issues, understanding the Safe Act Policy, and identifying the characteristics of a good leader.

Confidence surged as I represented my kingdom, sharing insights and engaging with a focused audience. Overcoming nerves, I discovered newfound confidence in public speaking, buoyed by the support of my team.

The day concluded with preparations for the Socials Night, showcasing our Kingdom's unique yell.

Day Three: Team Building and More!

Hooray, it's the third day, and the excitement is building up as we delve into our team-building activities. I'm thrilled because I always strive to give my best, and this time, I'm aiming for nothing less than the title of the best kingdom. Let's kick off the adventure at the first stop, Station 1.

Our first challenge was aptly named "Trust Walk."

 

The task was clear – navigate through obstacles. In our Kingdom, we had to appoint one representative to guide the rest. Picture this: everyone in the group blindfolded, except for the chosen guide. The goal? Trust that person to lead you through the obstacles, reach the finish line without mishaps, and avoid distractions along the way. To my surprise, they chose me for the second time!

 
We strategized, and thankfully, we completed the challenge swiftly. Imagine, with 22 members, it was quite a feat! Reflecting on this game, it emphasized the importance of trust – trusting someone as you trust yourself. It also highlighted the significance of focusing on your goals and not being swayed by distractions along the journey.

Next up, we faced the challenges of the second station: Spider Web.

This activity injected a dose of fun into our team-building adventure. Picture this – we had to navigate to the other side by passing through a spider web. The catch? We couldn't touch the web; it was like maneuvering through a maze. What made it even more thrilling was the fact that the web should remain untouched after each pass.

Our Kingdom's performance truly amazed me. They were receptive to my ideas and suggestions, and as we strategized, they chose my approach for the second round. I consistently emphasized our openness to alternative ideas, but they opted for my suggestion, reinforcing its effectiveness.

It's worth noting that many team members were taller, stronger, heavier, and older than me, yet they willingly followed my instructions. I appreciated their respect and willingness to collaborate, which added a layer of camaraderie to the experience.

Reflecting on this game, it underscored the importance of effective communication, open-mindedness to ideas, and the value of respect within a team.

Moving on to our third station: Helium Rod.

This activity turned out to be the easiest among the stations, and we breezed through it in just 3 minutes. Admittedly, it was a new experience for me, but our Kingdom found it relatively easy to solve. The task involved a helium rod, and with the collective ideas of our team members, we swiftly devised effective solutions.
 

Station 4: Ballpoint Pen

Transitioning to the fourth station, aptly named the "Ballpoint Pen," posed an unexpected challenge in contrast to the seemingly straightforward Station 3. The objective was to form a circle, grasp a pen using the tips of our pointing fingers with crossed hands, and then switch or face forward without letting the pen fall to the ground.

Personally, managing this task became a test of my patience. Being the smallest member of our team, I grappled with maintaining balance. My hands tended to shake, and I sought advice from my teammates on techniques to navigate this delicate situation. Despite my serious demeanor, preventing the pen from sliding due to my cold and shaky hands proved challenging. Eventually, after multiple attempts and some lighthearted laughter, we successfully completed the task, with beads of sweat running down my forehead to my cheeks.
 

Final Station: Toxic waste

The last game, titled "Toxic Waste," marked the apex of our team-building adventure. As the leading team among others, we were determined to conquer this final challenge. The instructions were to place a cup inside a basin in another area without using our hands; instead, we would only use the yarn tied to our hips.

In contrast to our previous emphasis on speed, this time we found ourselves less concentrated, likely due to the anticipation of potential victory.

Unfortunately, we encountered three consecutive failures, prompting the reactivation of my serious and strict mode. After regaining focus and with a renewed sense of determination, we successfully completed the task on the fourth attempt. Victory was finally ours!
 
Day Four: Immersion and Culmination Day

Despite unforeseen circumstances causing a late arrival, witnessing the genuine happiness of the kids during the feeding program immersion was heartwarming.Reflecting on my own childhood dreams, the experience felt like the fulfillment of a promise I made to myself years ago – to be someone who brings joy to children.
 

Returning to the venue, awards day brought unexpected emotions as our Kingdom Sussex clinched two special awards: Most Organized and Outstanding Group. Additionally, I received the Outstanding Leader Award. The overwhelming gratitude and recognition affirmed the transformative power of leadership and teamwork.

Reflecting on the Experience

The TYLC became a tapestry of lessons, laughter, and unexpected triumphs. Guiding Kingdom Sussex through challenges allowed me to discover facets of myself I hadn't explored.

The team-building activities revealed the strength of unity, highlighting the importance of trust, collaboration, and determination.

Immersion day brought a flood of emotions as childhood dreams became reality, and the unexpected awards underscored the impact of genuine leadership.

The 8th Tabogon Youth Leadership Training was more than a series of activities; it was a profound journey of self-discovery and community engagement.

As I look back, I see not just a leader guiding a kingdom but a participant growing alongside a vibrant community. The TYLC was a testament to the transformative power of embracing opportunities, navigating challenges, and recognizing the potential within oneself and others.

As I carry these experiences forward, I am reminded that leadership is not just about directing; it's about inspiring, learning, and building a community that thrives on unity, resilience, and shared dreams.

That would be all guys, thank you for reading my TYLC story. Stay safe, healthy and hydrated Hivers!💧😘

Photo Credits: Reymart Rublica (Tabogon Youth Member Photographer)