PG2008 Annual Convention
It’s my 1st time attending a Toastmasters Annual Convention. For me, the experience is like taking a roller coasters – the cart has already came to the finishing point before you’ve enough fun. Like a roller coaster, there are ups and downs all blended together in the 3 short days.
The evening before the English session starts, I received a call from the videographer that he’s about to quit and drive back to KL. While the committee are running around to create/ solve the problem, I was having my hair cut at the saloon. That Samaritan must have been shocked to see a customer coming in with more calls one day then he’ll make a month. My face projects more worries than senior top management in a bankrupting corporation. But after getting myself groomed up, I drove down to Gurney to get the problem solved.
Being a photographer for such a convention is really an honor. This shows that I’ve gained enough trust to cover the whole event all by myself. Unfortunately, it’s a voluntary job, and to make things worse…there are cameras all over taking away the eye contact from the official photographer (a.k.a. yours sincerely). After all the work I’ve done, I was not being recognized on stage.
And you think that’s it? After working all day, I go back to the room with a room mate who talks so much I can’t have a good evening rest. He is so immaculately hygienic that he took a whole hour staying in the shower while I wait outside without a key.
But, the convention is not all that bad. I’ve managed to meet up with Lincoln (MMU classmate) who happens to sign up with Gurney TMC. I sat together with him for lunch just to catch up with old times. What I didn’t know is that he is actually home to celebrate is 25th birthday. See-la, what kinda person am I forgetting a forgetting a close friend’s birthday.
I’ve been getting guidance from Christopher (Dell) in photography. Besides, I’ve also met up with one of the judges from the Division S contest, congratulating me for my inspirational speech. She even hinted that my name was placed 1st on her list. District officers and convention delegates have also been friendly and helpful to me.
After all the work I’ve done, the International President 2007-2008, Chris Ford approached me and gave me key chain that writes “a gift from your international president”. At that very moment when he holds my hand, my life changes 101 times. I learnt that, when you’re doing something noble, it might not appear that way to everyone. But for those few who appreciate your effort, be thankful to them.
Labels: Toastmasters
