Our participation in the Global Odyssey event, a student-led initiative celebrating cultural diversity, was part of the Creativity and Service strand of CAS. My group and I set up a food stall offering coffee, nachos, spaghetti and brownies. Alongside other groups presenting music, games, and cultural displays, our goal was to provide a taste of global cultures while learning about the business management aspects of organizing such an event. We aimed to make the experience fun and collaborative while gaining practical insights. Furthermore, this event taught me various skills and ways to communicate with customers.

Learning Outcome 1 – Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
Being passionate about cooking, I was excited to manage the stall. I realized that although the stall required minimal investment, monitoring customers and managing to take their on and on orders. Additionally, not having suitable rewards or prizes for winners initially felt like a significant drawback.

Learning Outcome 2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills. The major challenge we came across was time management as the timings of students from economics and BM did not match and as my group members were in different batch for the subject, hence we had to work in pairs or smaller groups to complete the task. Also, going out to purchase items were a bit difficult due to clashing schedules. However at the end we were able to achieve all of the above when we decided to work during free slots in pairs so that delay of work is not done. Through this, I developed time -management and problem solving skills.

Learning Outcome 3: Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience
The planning process for the event required careful attention to detail, from selecting the cuisines to designing our stalls. Although I usually consider myself an organized person, the initiation phase proved to be more challenging due to the need for creative thinking and innovative ideas. I had to manage the source of coffee and work out the logistics for the same, moreover with planning also had to This experience taught me the value of thorough planning to ensure a seamless execution. I improved my ability to plan and initiate activities, understanding that a strong foundation is essential for success and effective resource management.

Learning Outcome 4: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences
Organizing and preparing for the Global Odyssey event required a great deal of commitment and perseverance, especially as I balance school work alongside this project. There were moments when juggling various responsibilities felt overwhelming, but seeing our efforts come together during the event made it all worthwhile. This experience highlighted the importance of resilience and determination, teaching me that these qualities are key to both personal and academic growth.

Learning Outcome 5: Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
Collaboration played a vital role in making the event a success, though it came with its own set of challenges. Coordinating diverse tasks and ideas within the team was not always easy, but effective communication and the willingness to compromise were crucial for smooth teamwork. Handling differences in opinions and working with challenging team members helped me develop patience and diplomacy, showing me the importance of adaptability in group settings. Collaborative skills are essential as they foster creativity, shared responsibility, and lead to better outcomes.

Learning Outcome 6: Engagement with issues to global significance

Our participation in the Global Odyssey event demonstrated engagement with issues of global significance by promoting cultural appreciation, business management, and social collaboration. By setting up a food stall alongside various cultural displays, we contributed to fostering inclusivity and cross-cultural understanding. Managing the stall also provided insights into entrepreneurship, teamwork, and customer service—skills essential in a globalized world. Additionally, if sustainable practices were considered, it connected to global concerns like climate change and responsible consumption. The event encouraged collaboration, communication, and social impact, reinforcing the importance of global engagement through creativity and service.