I have participated in several ICCFS Tournaments, but this year was my first time attending as part of the Area Student Leadership Team (ASLT). One of the responsibilities of the ASLT is to emcee the ICC Showcase at the tournament. I had the opportunity this year to be the showcase point person, which meant that it was my responsibility to find times to practice, check in with the other ASLT, and make final decisions about splitting up the lines in the showcase script.
Now two things that I’m not the best at are decision-making and scheduling, so this assignment put me out of my comfort zone. I definitely felt overwhelmed with responsibility, and felt that if something didn’t go smoothly, it would be my fault. I worried that I was being too pushy when I asked my team members when they were available and struggled to find a time when we were all available to practice. Was I hurting anyone’s feelings? Or was I not decisive enough? After a few days, I thought I definitely wasn’t handling this well.
Then, one member of my ASLT sent me a text saying: “You’re doing a great job!” I was a little surprised, but thanked her. After that, I started changing my perspective on the showcase preparations. Yes, I was the point person, but that didn’t mean that I needed to be in control and have it all together. We were a team, and we were going to do this... together.
Our showcase came together really well in the end, but what mattered to me the most was having my friends with me. Throughout the tournament, my ASLT encouraged and inspired me to keep persevering, and reminded me that when I try something I’m not completely comfortable with, I’m not alone, and will always go much farther with a team by my side.
We really are better together!