Name: Nazira Binte Muhammad Fauzi
Class: 07IP02
Exco Application: President

External Involvements
I am in Angklung CCA.

Explain why you are applying for the exco as well as that particular position. (100 words)
As part of the exco, I would have the ability to do more in terms of planning of activities and carrying them out. I will also be able to work on my leadership skills and interact more with members and create a fun environment for training. I understand that the role of the President is as important as the other posts offered. Aikido is very important to me as a stress-reliever and is one of my many passions. As President, I will be able to put forward my commitment to Aikido and bring the club to greater heights. I would also be able to display a greater sense of responsibility for Aikido if I ran for President.

Illustrate how you will like to run the Aikido Club in the perspective of your applied exco position. (500 words)
The President is primarily in charge of all club activities. There are many obstacles that the Aikido club is facing.

1. The first important one would be recruitment. I would first initiate publicizing of the club through word-of-mouth to the school population (e.g. through advertisements during morning announcements). Next, we can do demonstrations like the upcoming one in August during next year’s CCA carnival to attract people to join and have posters around the school too.
2. Second, attendance for practice sessions is also very important. I would continue the cards system as it is very efficient in tracking every member’s attendance. I would also start a buddy system where each member is assigned a buddy to remind each other about the Aikido trainings. This is to allow everyone to feel a sense of responsibility in turning up for training.
3. Currently, messages are being sent out through emails and SMSes. These are not 100% reliable modes of communication as some may have their phones turned off and not check their emails. I propose to create a blog for the Aikido club where all schedules for training sessions and important announcements would be regularly updated and constant reminders to check the blog would also be made to the club’s members. This makes viewing it easier as I am sure all the members are able to gain access to the internet easily. In addition to this, a relay system will also be mapped out such that each member sends down the message at least once. Thus, not everyone has to reply back their acknowledgement and the exco need not send messages to every member.
4. Aikido is not a competitive sport and thus, we do not get much funding from the school. Fund-raising will be an important step for us to make money. We can continue the waffle-making and cookie sales during Valentine’s Day or take part in the food booths organized during the end of year party. The money that we make can be used to budget any activities that we plan during our CIP trips. For these projects, I would like the exco to just oversee the proceedings, giving the members a chance for these leadership roles as being part of the committee.
5. Aikido Shinju-kai has given us permission to join classes at the HQ during holidays to make up for our lessons missed. So, in addition to that, maybe we can liaise with them to have one practice session at the HQ once a month if time permits it. We will able to learn more as there will be more people and seniors to train with and especially, when it gives us the chance to practice with someone we do not know, similar to the situation during grading.
6. Last but not least, I would strengthen the bond between members to be more than just training partners but also friends that are able to help each other both academically and Aikido skills. I would initiate bonding sessions and games during orientation. And also, a farewell party for the seniors who will be leaving the school soon.

Describe the qualities that you possess that make you worth of being elected for your applied position. (500 words)
A quality a leader needs is being responsible. I feel that I am responsible as I am able to cope and complete any tasks given to me. Resourcefulness being one of my redeeming qualities, I am able to work well under pressure. Being used to this during my previous terms in my secondary school’s student council where I was in the committee in charge of internal school celebrations (Teachers’ Day and National Day Celebration), I am able to adapt to a variety of environment and think on my feet. On top of this, I stand for the making of objective and fair decisions. A leader has to be able to look at any situations with an open mindset and thus, make fair decisions, something I feel I am capable of. Holding the position of Treasurer in my class, I feel that I am very organized and efficient in dealing with people, and can also work well dealing with money matters. As a team player, I understand that I must be able to interact and communicate well with my teammates and generate the best ideas possible (e.g. fundraising for the club if needed). This is especially important as the role of a President requires communication with various people including the members and the exco. A key quality all leaders and Aikidokas should have is perseverance. Not giving up is one of the many mottos I try to live up to. We constantly have obstacles in our life and having the spirit to never say die is imperative in overcoming these obstacles. The most important thing, I feel, is commitment. I would sincerely like to better demonstrate my commitment towards Aikido as President of the club. For one, I will really work towards recruiting new members. It would definitely be an honour to be given the chance to serve the Aikido club as President.

Labels: Aikido Exco Elections: Applications