I was a member of the core team for Garba Fest, one of the most vibrant cultural celebrations in our school. My role involved planning and executing the décor, managing resources, and ensuring that everything was ready for two days of festivities—one for Grades 7, 8, and 9, and another for Grades 10, 11, and 12 along with staff. I worked closely with my core team and the décor team to transform the school space into a lively setting that captured the spirit of Garba.

LO2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
The biggest challenge I faced was time management. Balancing academics with planning décor and resource arrangements was not easy. Additionally, ensuring that the decorations matched the festive atmosphere without overspending required creativity and flexibility. Through this process, I developed new skills in multitasking and problem-solving under pressure.

LO3: Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience
Being part of the core team meant that planning was at the heart of my responsibilities. We had to decide on the décor theme, assign tasks, manage resources, and coordinate with the décor team to execute everything on schedule. I realized how important detailed planning is for a large-scale event, as even small oversights could affect the overall experience. This helped me strengthen my organizational and leadership skills.

LO4: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences
Organizing Garba Fest required steady commitment over several days. From designing the décor theme to managing resources and coordinating with the décor team, there were moments when things became overwhelming, especially while balancing schoolwork alongside event preparation. However, I stayed dedicated and made sure to fulfill my responsibilities as part of the core team. Setting up the décor, troubleshooting last-minute issues, and ensuring everything ran smoothly during both event days tested my perseverance.

LO5: Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
Garba Fest was successful because of teamwork. The core team worked closely with the décor team, sharing ideas and dividing responsibilities. By listening to different perspectives, supporting one another, and stepping in when someone needed help, we ensured that the event was executed smoothly. This experience taught me that collaboration is not just about dividing work, but also about motivating and trusting each other.

LO7: Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions
Organizing a cultural festival required me to be mindful of both resources and cultural respect. We had to make choices about how to decorate in a way that was festive yet respectful to the cultural roots of Garba. Additionally, I was conscious about using resources responsibly—avoiding unnecessary waste and reusing materials where possible. This reflection made me realize how even small organizational decisions can carry ethical weight, whether in terms of sustainability or inclusivity.