Reflection on Experience
The Garba Fest was a school celebration of Indian cultural traditions, and I was able to contribute by being part of the decor team. As part of this team, I was able to plan and set up decorations, handle props, gather lighting and set up a photo booth area. This was a very practical, creative and physical experience based on time management and working with others, in order to set up as useful experience. I realized that by setting up decor I sprung it all together and created an atmosphere that captured the cultural essence of the festival; and to enhance participation and enhance the memories of those having fun.

Learning Outcome 1: Recognizing Own Strengths and Weaknesses
This experience allowed me to see that I tend to have many creative ideas and a great deal of excitement when it comes to designing and visualizing space for events. I was able to suggest practical ideas for decorations and could carry out those ideas. Yet, I also noticed a deficiency, as I sometimes struggled with time balancing my schoolwork and preparation for events and underestimated the physical labor involved with setting up an event. Noting this deficiency helped me prepare more effectively and provide myself with a better pace.

Learning Outcome 2: Showing That Challenges Were Taken, Learning New Skills
There were challenges I did not expect! It required volume and stamina when executing decorations, moving so many props around, and collaborating with others—they all required patience. I also developed teamwork skills – listening to other people’s suggestions on taking my idea, to adjust, and coming to a fair and equitable splitting of the workload. I also think I learned to problem-solve quickly with decor items that didn’t ‘work’ as I expected. I also learned presentation skills

Learning Outcome 4: Commitment and Perseverance in CAS Experiences
The event was months in the making and took many hours of planning, decorating, and preparation prior to the fest. I would stay behind after long school days to help out until the activity was done, even if I was fatigued and short on time, I wholeheartedly committed to my role on the decor team. I was consistent in helping and my commitment helped ensure that the venue looked bright and appealing for all.

Learning Outcome 5: Showing the Skills and Benefits of Collaboration
During this CAS experience, I learnt about the importance of collaborating with other people. Working with my teammates gave us the opportunity to share ideas, delegate tasks, and complete collaborative work. When we decided to work together to do these things, we needed to demonstrate clear communication and coordination while being responsible for deadlines and quality of work. I understood that collaboration makes difficult tasks a more fluid experience.

Learner Profile Attributes Developed

Communicator: I had discussions with my peers to help mold and shape ideas, and to ensure that everyone’s contributions were heard.

Reflective: I thought about how my contribution changed the overall vibe of the event, and how I could make my contributions more effective in the future.

Balanced: I was able to balance setting up physically with my academic commitments.
Final Reflection

My experience as a member of the decor team at Garba Fest was not only about decorating, but creating a space where people celebrated different aspects of culture and ideas through tradition and enjoyment simultaneously in the same space. This experience allowed me to explore my creativity, work as a team, as well as practice perseverance . This also reminded me that behind-the-scenes contributions can shape the way people experience and enjoy something. The skills and confidence that I gained from this experience will be beneficial in the many collaborative projects I will engage in now and in the future, both in school and beyond.