For my CAS project, I took the lead in organising a farewell event for our seniors of the batch of 2025. Mainly, throughout the event, I was incharge of activities and on-day arrangements. The event was twofold. Firstly, we were given the task to give them an invitation through a treasure hunt and then it was the farewell, almost a month later. Organising the treasure hunt was exciting but was indeed very difficult. This role placed me at the centre of planning, coordinating, and executing one of the most memorable activities of the farewell. Beyond just the treasure hunt, I also contributed to the decorations, assisted in logistical aspects like budgeting, and performed as part of the dance. This project was one of my favourite aspects of my CAS Journey.

LO2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills

One of the greatest challenges I faced during this project was managing the balance between what teachers expected, what the team members wanted, and what was practically possible. At times, I had to work towards finding a common ground amidst conflicting opinions while I ensured that the event maintained its originality and doesn’t become monotonous. This process required me to develop better problem-solving skills, as I often had to justify why certain choices were more effective while still being open to suggestions from others.

Additionally, working on decor and performing in the dance helped me step out of my comfort zone. While I have been participating in group activities often, this was the first time I had been open to dancing in front of a crowd after the lockdown. Being the leader, it made me cautious about various things and I had to understand that things don’t always pan out the way we want them to and thus, it helped me become more calm and mindful about event like these. Similarly, I developed adaptability which will also benefit me far beyond this project.

LO3 – Initiate and plan a CAS experience

As the person in charge of the farewell event, especially the treasure hunt, I had to initiate the entire plan, starting from brainstorming the concept to laying out each clue and checkpoint. I had to make sure that no classes clash at every checkpoint and everyone has a different pathway to the final destination. I also had to coordinate with teachers to get their approval while ensuring the event remained fun for students. Planning required me to visualise the event in detail, anticipate possible challenges, and create contingency plans so the flow would remain smooth even if something unexpected happened.

This planning experience gave me insight into the technicalities associated with organising events. I realised that creative ideas need structured execution, and even small elements like timing, spacing of clues, or accessibility could significantly impact the overall experience. Through this, I developed not only leadership skills but also a systematic approach to planning that I can apply to other academic and personal projects as well.

LO4 – Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experience

The farewell process was not always smooth. In fact, it was rough most of the time since there used to be many times when things felt overwhelming, things did not go as planned. There were constant setbacks that we faced and all of it cumulatively even made it difficult to communicate things clearly within the core committee and with teachers as well. Despite these setbacks, I remained committed to ensuring the event was successful. I invested extra hours outside school, making sure all resources were available and all necessary people were kept in the loop of every email and announcement at all times.

My commitment extended beyond the mere slots we were provided with. I willingly helped with decorations and stayed involved with the dance performance. Even when I was tired, I reminded myself of the bigger goal which was to make the farewell a memorable experience for everyone. The perseverance I showed taught me the importance of dedication, even when things don’t unfold exactly as planned.

LO5 – Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively

Collaboration was the most important thing about this project. This was because all the components and parameters of the event required all of us, the team of more than 50 students and teachers, to collaborate, discuss ideas, and plan things accordingly. Nothing would’ve been successful if not done together. From giving our initial ideation presentation to briefing our volunteers and also updating everyone during the preparations, all of it required team work. We shared ideas, divided tasks, and supported each other when challenges arose.

By working together, we were able to combine creativity and practicality, which resulted in a much richer experience. I also learned the value of compromise in teamwork. While I had my own vision, it was important to listen to others and incorporate their ideas to make the project inclusive. This not only improved the quality of the outcome but also built stronger bonds that are still dear to me. The farewell event became a collective achievement, and that shared success made the memory even more special.

LO7 – Recognise and consider the ethics of choices and actions

Throughout the project, I became aware of the ethical responsibility involved in planning such events. For example, while planning every aspect such as the activities, it had become my responsibility to ensure that the activities are for the entire grade and not just the people I know. I had to make sure that everything was for everybody be it dietary preferences, and even inclusivity during the event. I had to ensure that the clues were fair and accessible to all participants, not favouring certain groups or individuals.

I also had to be mindful of the budget constraints and respect the teachers’ decisions even when I disagreed with them. Another ethical aspect was the responsibility of creating a respectful and inclusive environment. In both decor and dance, we had to make sure that our choices reflected the spirit of celebration and avoided anything that could be offensive or exclusionary. It was also very important for me to understand how I should be welcoming of all ideas even when they don’t align with mine. Recognizing these considerations made me more thoughtful about the broader impact of my actions, beyond just the fun of the event.

In conclusion, this CAS project was a journey of growth, filled with creativity, challenges, and teamwork. From initiating and planning the event to seeing its success, I experienced multiple roles that taught me leadership, collaboration, and perseverance. More importantly, I realized that even in fun events, ethical choices and thoughtful planning matter deeply. Looking back, I feel proud of the contribution I made and grateful for the skills and memories I carry forward from this project.