Managing the Team by Nikki Dy

I never imagined this semester would go the way it did. I sat in that metal garden chair by the AB building a regular student and didn’t expect to leave a managing director for Ideas That Matter. I remember seeing last semester’s Jansport event and was practically green with envy at how much fun it looked to be part of the team responsible. It must have been meant to be because entering this semester, I found out we would not be under our professor last semester but under Sir Gil Velez, a popular name among the halls of Beato. He is the professor in charge of Ideas That Matter.

Looking back on everything that happened these past few months, I don’t think any of it would have been possible if it wasn’t for the amazing team. I have been blessed with responsible, creative, and wonderfully kind people. Together we have pulled off an incredible semester’s worth of events not only well known in CFAD but also in other colleges. I recall seeing the satisfied faces of Thomasians as they left the Beato Gallery last February 28 and could only think that all the hardships we went through was definitely worth it. In the back of my mind, I never thought I had the leadership skills to pull off something this big but with the help and guidance of my co MD Rio, I can see that I was wrong. You really can do anything if you put your mind to it!
We started just conceptualizing and deciding on what this sem’s theme was gonna be, bouncing around fashion, singing, etc. but we ended up choosing OPM. Something relevant to all and yet is being somewhat neglected in this day and age. We began writing letters, making studies for posters, teasers, invites, looking for sponsors, etc. All sorts of campaign materials and now, here we are. The events are done and all that’s left are the post event reports. All I can say is thank you. Thank you to everyone who supported us this sem, thank you to Sir Velez for believing in my abilities, thank you to my partner in crime Rio for always being there for me, thank you to the team for always pushing me forward and helping me stand when I fall, and thank you to Ideas That Matter for the best experience ever and for giving me the opportunity to meet amazing people and experience unforgettable things.