Written By OrComSoc Executive Committee 20-21′

As the term comes to an end, let’s hear from our OrComSoc ExeComm on their thoughts and realizations as they pass on the baton to the next board and this experience have helped shaped them.

Ms. Pres John

Being a student leader comes with a lot of expectations, but nothing has prepared me for a term like this before. The challenges of leading during the pandemic don’t stop at Zoom lags during meetings. We also had to deal with demotivation to work, burnout from academic stress, and even feelings of defeat and loneliness. However, when I’m faced with defining moments where I need to make a decision, I take a step back and think, “What really matters right now?” And that made all the difference.

If I had to single out one thing that I learned from this term, it would be the importance of our values. With our usual traditions gone and our favorite on-campus activities out of the picture, what do we have left? Our values of unity, camaraderie, and leadership remain, and all we can do is make sure that everyone still feels those same values. I am so proud of our team, who worked tirelessly to organize projects and events that bring us all together. I am also proud of our awesome members, who continue to support us and the organization they call home.

To the next set of leaders, thank you for choosing to serve the OrCom student body. You have made a brave decision to take on this responsibility despite the uncertainty of it all. I’ll always be here to take stolen screenshots and smother you all with fluff 🥰 Padayon!

Radiant Rach

My VP term experience could be summed in one word: unexpected. It’s been filled with building connections with the different batches, learning from one another’s experiences, and providing and receiving support as we go through this virtual setup, but more importantly, it’s given me a chance to showcase who I am as a leader and how can I engage the members amid the pandemic and online classes. It is important to always lead with empathy and have a member-oriented mindset. Our members go through different challenges and things so it is important to understand their situation and provide support.

I have always enjoyed engaging with people and conceptualizing internal communication campaigns to bring people together and engage with one another so the VP role was fulfilling and enjoyable. Furthermore, I was able to further develop my interpersonal and creative skills through this role which is really helpful in the future when you are applying for an internship 😉

To the next executive board, I know that you will do great things and let OrComSoc thrive. It will be challenging but remember that this is an opportunity for you to grow, be a part of other people’s development, and learn essential skills especially when you go out to the corporate world. In the end, it will always be for the OrCom community.

Vero *so nice* nica

Wow. That’s it, right? If it weren’t for the pandemic, I would have made it my mission to hug each ExeComm member. It’s really so sad to leave these wonderful people, especially knowing how much I’ve grown with them. Together, we were able to navigate this pandemic life. Totally not easy but damn, everyone was capable of doing their role. Everyone was inviting. Everyone was there. And it’s really hard to be there, especially at times like this. These people made me believe in the power of leadership, in the power of organizations. Would forever take whatever I learned here and pass it onto my next affiliations. Thank you, OrComSoc! You have been an amazing ride 🙂

Jujers

Frankly, having taken part in the OrComSoc ExeComm feels so surreal. Surreal in a good way, because how I became so blessed to be given this position is still a mystery to me, and surreal in a not-so-good way, because the whole experience didn’t even feel real—kind of like a fever dream? I truly have mixed feelings about it—fulfillment from the events organized and relationships made, but disappointed from the opportunities missed.

Nevertheless, I (we all) learned something, and that’s what matters most. The one thing that I’ll take with me to my next endeavors as I part from OrComSoc would be courage. It is because of OrComSoc that I finally mustered up the courage to do something (even having a considerable amount of experience). My point is that it’s never too late to try something new, especially something that you feel like you’re not good at. That’s the point in trying, right? As someone who has yet to further develop her self-confidence, taking on a role that I had no preparation nor expectations for whatsoever is a huge milestone. With this, to whoever is facing uncertainty and ambiguity alike, may you find solace in the fact that there is nothing to lose in trying as you will be leaving with even something more.

Ebsikels

Being an OrComSoc ExeComm member has been nothing but a wonderful and enriching experience. I was able to establish closer bonds with my fellow OrCom majors and build on new skills that I have always wanted to acquire. But aside from that, this entire journey was also filled with obstacles that pushed myself beyond my limits and capabilities. And what helped me thrive through it all was the thought that in some little way, I’d be able to help our members and support them in their needs through the events and activities we organize for them. And so, more than anything else, I guess this experience allowed me to retrieve something that I have always been struggling to find – a purpose (driven life charot).

Without OrComSoc, I wouldn’t be able to see my full potential. This opportunity has equipped me with the necessary skills that helped me turn into a better communicator, leader, and a friend. Undoubtedly, the 2020 Jo-ev would be surprised, happy even, to see how I turned out to be – a seasoned kween with a wee bit more confidence and a firmer sense of direction in life.

So, to the next EB, the only thing I’d like to say is good luck, and make sure to enjoy the ride! You’d be surprised to see how one short year of serving for the OrCom community can change you. And I swear, it’s the kind of change you wouldn’t want to miss.

Ally :>

Three years in the OrComSoc Execomm has taught me many things—especially from different role perspectives. But my greatest takeaway will always be this: celebrate change. Don’t be afraid to disturb your peaceful plans and change things up if you feel that it’s right! Sometimes, the best changes only seem scary at first because of how different they are. In the previous years, there was an expectation to how the usual OrComSoc events should be. And while it was a good standard, it also became limiting. All that changed this year, and I am especially grateful to the VPs and JVPs for proudly making their own spin on our usual OrComSoc activities. Even through a pandemic which forced all school and org activity to occur digitally, the Execomm managed to power through and leave their own legacy for this year. In many ways, that innovation was really necessary to make sure the organization wouldn’t become obsolete. So that’s my greatest learning, not only from this year but from my entire Execomm journey.

To the next exe, I believe that you too will be able to make your own personal, special impact to OrComSoc. So don’t be afraid to disrupt norms and challenge what you already know! It’s your right as the current execom to see what would help the organization be its best. So make it your best and make it unique! And if that needs a lot of change or new ideas, all the better!

Jejejeus :”>

Submitting the requirements for the batch representative position, I was not so sure what to expect, or what I could bring to the table. However, after spending the whole year as an OrComSoc ExeComm member, I felt like all parts of me have grown and I could not be more thankful for the experience.

Mikay ~pa-cute~

OrComSoc was the first org I joined in college. I have been representing my batch for 2 consecutive years and it taught me to be more immediate and to not hesitate asking for guidance. I always prefer being independent, but being part of the ExeComm made me realize that this team is not just a team and so it taught me that having a support system brings relief. I had more chances to help my course mates because OrComSoc members are always approachable, especially the upperclassmen. And now that I am one of the upperclassmen it drove me more to take the initiative because I have felt the struggles of being a freshie, and OrComSoc ate’s and kuya’s reduced my uncertainties and worries.

Just like anyone else, this remote setup pushed me back because everyday is just so tiring, but I always remind myself that I committed to take the role of being a batch rep. I became more empathetic and sensitive enough, plus it gave me a wider perspective on what services are necessary to be made available to OrComSoc members and to OrCom students.

To the next ExeComm, it’s always important to hear out what your members need, and it is more important to know how and when to act on it. OrComSoc has always been so amazing in making OrCom students feel at home, whether it is face to face or online. I don’t just believe but I also know that you too will do amazing things, or even more! There is always room for improvement, and following your intuitions on what is best for the student body will lead to fulfilled hopes and goals. <333