In 2020, my team and I have done an experiential learning project in collaboration with the Malaysia Independent Animal Rescue (MIAR). Together, we've supported in organizing a community project for MIAR and raised a total fund of RM1683.00. The objective of this project was to create animal cruelty and neglect awareness as well as raise funds to help support the non-governmental organization in order to sustain the shelter for the fur kids. I was assigned as the secretary of the project with the responsibility to prepare the meeting minutes and weekly report for the campaign.
To recall, in the first week we took our first big step to approach the crowd at Petaling Street and it is challenging for us as we are not familiar with the area. With this experience, I learn to not give up and be patient to see the results. As things were challenging in the beginning, I took my time to improve with every attempt I made. Gradually, I managed to gain a lot of confidence to approach people and improved on explaining the details. Next, I realize the significance of having supportive people around us. My group mates are very supportive and encouraging to each other. For example, as I am slightly more introverted, I built my courage to approach people with the help of my group mates. With their support, I gained confidence and became more motivated to break through my limits.
I also further reflected on how I reacted when others approached for donations. I realized that I could have rejected them with better manners rather than take no notice or ignore them. At SS15, I always avoid UNICEF as their donation requires a credit card and monthly donation since I am not capable of doing so. After doing some reflection I think that I should at least listen to their explanations before rejecting or avoiding them. I’ve perceived their feelings after experiencing the feeling of being rejected. In short, there is still a lot of space for improvement that I need to accomplish by myself. I hope I am able to slowly improve myself through my reflections on this project.
To end this, I am grateful throughout the project and I am satisfied with the outcomes. In this project, I made a lot of reflections with all the experience I gained and it has brought an improvement in me. I learn the importance and the effect of doing reflections for our actions, also, it makes things more meaningful. Noticeably, there is a growth in me little by little and it gives me motivation. Optimistically, everyone could place more effort in making ourselves a better person and building a better community.
Also, as a person said: “Life is predestined. Man can try to change his destiny, but for a dog, its fate can only be changed by man.” As some people disagree on helping out animals instead of our own kinds, I would like to use this quote as a response. In other words, we as humans are granted to have control of it and we shall make use of it for the good. I also hope that in the future there will be more such projects for students to take part in because as we step into the working community there would be no chance for us to do such good deeds.
This is a video of our fund raising journey, from group discussions, material preparations, job delegation to raising fund together at numerous places for weeks together.
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