2018 marks an important year for some of our rovers. Some may consider it a year of growth or fun but for some of us, it’s a time where we look back at our times in the crew. This year, Gwendolyn Tian graduates from our crew. Below you can read Gwen’s thoughts on how the crew helped her venture out of her comfort zone and the important lessons learned:
By: Gwendolyn Tian
Ah, graduation. The four syllables and a ceremony I didn’t think I’ll go through after I walked across the stage for university three years ago.
That’s also three years ago that I first got introduced to this supportive group of family away from home. They were always right behind me while I test the limits of my comfort zone. My initial motivation for joining the program was to challenge myself as well as to be more involved in and help build a community. During my stint in 180th, I started off with volunteering at our home group (23rd Elsie Roy) and had an opportunity to go to Taiwan with 27 other participants on iProj. Inspired by the global community and the impact we could make as Scouts internationally, I had an opportunity to take on leadership roles leading and developing Rovers in our group.
Leadership skills
The opportunity to lead a team, or two, in our crew provided me with the platform to emulate and discover my own leadership style. While heading the two distinct teams, I’ve learned that challenges are inevitable and they can be overcome easily by mustering a pinch of perseverance and a dash of grit. As an organization focused around people, everyone has a part to play in development of our Rovers.
Time management
Everyone talks about time management and the importance of it; going through university I have not actively practiced good time management skills and always put my extracurriculars ahead of (boring) school work. Never have I thought I would have found forward planning helpful and necessary until I decided it was a good idea to keep myself busy with one recreational sport, two jobs (one paid and the other not), and three distinct social circles. Learning to plan my schedule in advance has helped me manage my time despite carrying a lot on my plate.
Environmental awareness
One of the huge draw in joining 180th was the opportunity to challenge myself to get outdoors. Because of this platform, I’ve come to enjoy and appreciate the elements (yes including the rain!). Being in Scouts had taught me the whys and the hows to care for the earth and to appreciate the nature. In that appreciation of nature and the great outdoors, I have grown to become a lot more environmentally conscious and aware of my (and other large corporates) actions and how it impact the earth.
Environmental stewardship – “Leave it better than you found it”
I would like to take this platform to thank everyone who has helped and guided me along on this journey: my advisors who have challenged me to be uncomfortable with the status quo and my teammates, whom I am very lucky to call friends, who have reached out with a supportive hand when things get rough.