The entirety of my CAS journey has led to this one moment. As the final chapter of my life in school comes to an end everything seems surreal. Since August of 2021, each of the experiences and memories that I carried outside of academics, from biking around the world, developing new hobbies to organising events for the betterment of others has been documented. Throughout this 18 month journey I have made, done and seen a lot, however it is at this point that the finish line is near. Being challenging at every turn, needing to overcome obstacles I have learned valuable lessons and skills that I will take with me into the future.
1. Identify your own strengths and develop areas for personal growth.
Throughout this CAS journey, I have identifies strengths especially in aspects of action and service, however also developed areas for personal growth especially in aspects of creativity. I have been pushed outside my comfort zone to indulge in things that I wouldn’t normally do such as online design and photography which have made me realise a growing passion which I like to do. I learned the value of trying a multitude of task in order to find what works and what doesn’t work for me.
2. Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process.
Each of the task which I did involved aspects of challenges, however some were small than others. Biking 80km in the Australian countryside was a challenge that involved a lot of physical effort in the hot climate. However, the challenges involved through each of the task proved to be useful in acquiring new skills that I can take with me into the future. The biking for example, showed me the importance of continuing in the face of challenge and breaking new boundaries. This was demonstrated in various other activities such as my CAS project where when problems arise, skills are needed to overcome them.
3.Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience.
During my CAS project and influence within my service group, the needed to plan and initiate an experience was vital. Throughout the many events help this year and the totality of people involved, the action of planning was needed in order have an organised event that ran smoothly. Initiating these plans involved the help of others and collaboration which was needed for overall CAS experiences.
4. Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences.
No matter how challenging or difficult certain experiences became, showing commitment and perseverance towards each step of this journey was needed in order to succeed. Perseverance and consistency is key to anything for personal developed. Doing certain creative, action or service activities by themselves don’t hold significant weight and throughout this CAS journey the idea of commitment till growth is achieved was needed for success.
5. Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
Whilst collaborative skills were needed through the service events which were held, collaboration branches far past what we may normally perceive. Despite me not realising this early on, actions such as playing badminton or basketball with friends also involve elements of collaboration. Skills to plan together and coordinate are needed and grew a lot for me over the DP course. Social skills are crucial in making sure everyone is included and understands roles to working collaboratively to build up something together.
Overall, My CAS journey has been one which I will never forget. Everything that I have learned will be steppingstones I take into the future whether it be a job or in everyday simple task. I will always try embody the three aspects of CAS in aiming to be an all rounded, worldwide individual.