The Global Odyssey was one of the most valuable CAS experiences of my experience up to date. This event, organized by the Business Management and Economics teachers at our school gave students an opportunity to practice theory in practice such as operating food stalls or helping in decoration. I decided to install a food booth, which would sell cookies and coffee, and it turned out a successful and meaningful activity. In addition to the thrill of sales and the customer interaction, the experience has been really rewarding because part of our profits was donated to an NGO of children with visual impairments. This also made me understand the twofold role of business as an economic activity as well as a source of societal good.

Since the start, I could define my areas of improvement and strengths (LO1). I knew I am a good strategizer and organizer, and I had to boost my confidence in presenting the products to the customers. Managing the stall provided me with an opportunity to practice this skill but safely, and was strengthened at the end of the day. I also learned to be flexible when faced with difficulties by being able to change swiftly when the demand rose (LO2). The need to cope with the rush, stay on top of sales and customer satisfaction gave way to patience and fast-decision-making skills new skills that I was not able to develop in the classroom environment.

Planning and initiative (LO3) was also involved in this experience. No stage was to be prepared without preparation, and foresight was to be involved in every phase since brainstorming of the menu to the sourcing of materials and setting up of the stall. Balancing my school life and this commitment was not easy but with perseverance (LO4), I was capable of balancing the two. The collaboration therein served to emphasize the importance of collaboration (LO5). I collaborated with my peers and shared responsibilities like cash handling, serving, and supplies. The collaboration not only helped to make the stall efficient, but also enhanced my interpersonal skills.

Significantly, the experience made me related to global concerns (LO6). My contribution by giving donations to an NGO on behalf of blind children, participated in the wider problem of inclusive education and lessening inequalities. This taught that not only large objectives such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals can be financed with small contributions. I also got to be more aware of the ethical consequences of business decisions (LO7). Their choice to give away some profits rather than retain the gains to serve their own needs proved that they were responsible and that they were honest, a step that draws the conclusion that businesses may be socially responsible.

This experience helped me to acquire various IB learner profile attributes. I have developed as a communicator by communicating with different customers and convincing them to buy. I got more loving as I was involved in supporting a cause outside myself. Balance was also a strength since I was able to handle both my academic and business life and I was principled as I used to make ethical financial decisions.

All in all, Global Odyssey helped me learn that entrepreneurship is not about profit but also purpose. The experience has enabled me to incorporate creativity, business and service into a single satisfying experience. More to the point, it helped me to become more confident in the fact that I am a responsible change maker who can make a difference not only economically, but socially through business.