Every year, the Global Odyssey Event brings together students from Economics and Business Management, allowing them to experience entrepreneurship firsthand. This year, my friends and I took on the challenge of setting up our own food stall, Delara, where we sold delicious donuts and cheeseballs. Beyond just making sales, we committed to donating a portion of our earnings to charity, blending business with social responsibility. Right from brainstorming our stall concept to executing it on the event day, we faced numerous challenges that tested our creativity, resilience, and teamwork. Choosing the right food items, managing finances, and ensuring smooth operations gave us a real-world taste of business.

LO1. Identify your own strengths and develop areas for personal growth.

Through this experience, I realized my strengths in marketing and customer engagement. Encouraging people to visit our stall and making sales required confidence and persuasion, which I enjoyed. However, I also identified areas for growth, such as better time management in preparing and serving food efficiently. Additionally, I recognized that managing stress in high-pressure situations was something I needed to work on, as handling a large number of customers at once was overwhelming at times. Learning to balance multiple responsibilities while maintaining quality service was a key takeaway from this experience.

LO2. Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process.

Running a food stall was no easy task we had to manage inventory, handle a rush of customers, and ensure quality service. This experience helped me develop problem-solving skills as we adapted to unexpected challenges, such as running low on ingredients and adjusting prices based on demand. Additionally, I learned the importance of financial management, including tracking expenses and maintaining profitability, which was a crucial skill in running a business. Handling logistics, from food preparation to serving customers efficiently, pushed me to think on my feet and develop adaptability.

LO4. Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences.

From the early planning stages to the final sale, we remained fully dedicated to making Delara a success. The long hours of preparation, dealing with high customer demand, and ensuring a hygienic and appealing food presentation required determination and perseverance. Even when faced with challenges such as exhaustion and unexpected hurdles, we pushed through and stayed motivated to achieve our goals. This experience reinforced the importance of consistency and dedication, proving that real success comes from sustained effort and a positive attitude even in the face of obstacles.

LO5. Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively.

Working together as a team was the key to our success. Each member brought different skills—some focused on cooking, others on handling cash, and some on promotion. By dividing responsibilities and supporting each other, we created an efficient and fun working environment. We also learned to resolve conflicts effectively, ensuring that every team member’s opinions were valued and respected. Strong communication and mutual trust were crucial in making quick decisions and keeping our operations smooth. This experience demonstrated how teamwork fosters efficiency and success, preparing us for future collaborative endeavors.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of this experience was our decision to donate a portion of our profits to charity. It was a reminder that business is not just about profit-making but also about giving back to the community. This service component added a deeper meaning to our efforts, making the experience truly rewarding. By integrating social responsibility into our project, we learned that true success is measured not just in earnings but in the impact we create.

Conclusion

Participating in the Global Odyssey Event through Delara was more than just a business venture—it was an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference. From strengthening our entrepreneurial mindset to embracing teamwork and social responsibility, this experience left us with valuable life lessons. It reinforced that with passion, dedication, and collaboration, we can create meaningful impact—both in business and in the community. The skills and insights gained from this event will undoubtedly help us in future entrepreneurial and leadership roles, making this an unforgettable experience.