The OrCom freshie me three years ago would have never thought that she would be serving OrComSoc as its VP for Events. While it was unexpected, applying for this position was one of the best decisions I made in college. I only had a few experiences in event organizing, so of course I had my worries. Thankfully, I also have the best supporters who cheered for me throughout this journey. Thank you for your faith — with extra pambobola on the side — in me, Jia, Mikayla and Justine.

Being the VP for Events was my first important role in the OrComSoc, and every project that cost me sleep but brought me a sense of pride has been memorable for me. I would have never been able to perform my duties if not for the guidance and support of my colleagues in the execom: Mama Gelle, thank you for being patient with me and letting me grow into my role as the head of the logistics committee. To the rest of the execom, the batch representatives, and my JVP Jasmine, all of you who have worked with me in every OrComSoc event — you made this experience extra special and for that, you have my heartfelt gratitude. Please keep being friends with me even after this, nanlilibre ako hehe (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧

And to the members of the logistics committee, I owe everyone of you for the short (stressful) yet fulfilling moments that we have shared. If by chance our paths cross outside the virtual world, I genuinely hope we can greet each other.

As I leave this position, I’ll bring with me all the learnings, struggles, but most importantly the memories I have shared with my OrComSoc family. I sincerely hope the next execom will be able to create their own special memories and share them with us.

It started during the first few months of the pandemic: I wanted to do something fruitful during such a difficult time and Mikay encouraged me to apply for a Junior Executive role. Two academic years later, OrComSoc has (and still is) shaping me to the kind of leader and OrCom student I am today.

From making event primers, enhancing the branding and publicity, to supporting the creatives team and producing pubmats (especially that monthly birthday poster!) — each day was a rollercoaster ride with the ExeCom committee.

There were times when I thought whether or not I am still worthy of such a position and if I still have those creative juices in me to make people feel amazed with the visual outputs we produce. It was through the constant support from the ExeCom leaders (especially Ely, Mikay, and Toph), and the passionate creatives committee who have inspired me to create each output with excellence and passion.

To the next set of student-leaders for the OrCom community, may you keep hold of your WHYs. During challenging times, moments of big changes, and overwhelming sets of deadlines: I hope you remember the reasons why you started (whether it’s a friend, a stage for growth, or a personal advocacy) and I hope these drive you to pour your heart out into the things you love to do. These small actions will eventually create a long-lasting positive impact. We believe in you!

When I was in my first year of college in UPM, I had the courage to apply as the batch representative of OrComSoc. I continued to be one the following school year, but as I stepped into my third year, I took the risk of applying as the VP for Membership. Of course, I had my doubts but I would not be able to continue to do my role if it were not for my fellow executive committee members who are always there for me to accomplish my objectives – and that would always be memorable to me. I will always be thankful for them.

Because without my fellow execom, OrComSoc would not be the safe space that it is today.

To the next execom, I trust that you would do a great job – a better job even – in providing what’s best for OrComSoc and for the OrCom student body. If I were only to give one piece of advice, it would be: if you want to provide help, then do not hesitate to ask for help too. For in the end, OrComSoc indeed runs on continuous unity, camaraderie, and leadership.

I was the outgoing 2nd year representative that time and I was encouraged by my friends to apply as a JVP because they told me that I was fit for it. I decided to give it a try and luckily, I got the spot. The following year I was not sure anymore if I should still continue to be a VP because of the other responsibilities I have in my plate. But, just thinking about the work I have started, I wanted to leave a legacy. OrComSoc allowed me to grow as a leader and as a person, thus, I want to give back and continue serving my fellow OrCom majors for the last time.

The spons work seems easy but it takes a lot of patience and hard work in order to succesfully do it. From sending a lot of emails and getting a lot of rejections, sometimes I get to doubt myself if I will be able to get one or will I disappoint my team. Nonetheless, never say die. Getting one rejection is another door opened to another potential partner. Just never get tired of sending proposals. The right partner/sponsor will come and accept it.

I’m just grateful that during my JVP stint, I was working hand in hand with one of closest friends in college, Gelle. And now, I am very honored to impart all the knowledge I know about Sponsorships to my JVP, Angeli. Thank you for always being there to help and step up whenever I’m not available. To my fellow execom, thank you for being a family to me. Thank you for always listening to me and all my kwentos. OrComSoc has been my home ever since my freshie year and now that I’m on my last year, I wouldn’t lose the chance to be in my home for one last time.

My journey to becoming the Executive Secretary started when I applied for the Junior Executive (JE) role. Through the encouragement of friends and classmates, I continued to pursue my current position. It was not smooth sailing though. From figuring out what to do with the committee to executing plans, I felt like an imposter when I was presenting my initiatives.

As we established The OrCom Blog to its new branding and platform, there was so much pressure to make it a success. If it weren’t for the gracious support of Jia (VP for Pub) and Rafe (our incredible tech), the blog wouldn’t have been what it is today. I am so grateful to my Docu-Blog committee members for always being engaged. The blog wouldn’t have kept running without them, especially to my team leaders who truly stepped up — Leanne, Tina, Tein, and Chantal.

When I felt I wasn’t doing enough or that my efforts wouldn’t pan out so well, the constant support of the OrComSoc fam reminded me that it wouldn’t hurt to try and that, at the very least, it would be a learning experience. To the next execom, take a deep breath. You will always have people you can rely on; you just need to reach out.