Reflections, A month in August 🌻

This was my very first Human Library session at River Valley Irregulars. I couldn’t have been more excited since we also got the opportunity to facilitate the groups that we were assigned to.

I got to witness the process of the event, from the start to finish. From the part where we set up the furniture, logistics such as the lanyards, arranging the tables, to setting up all the food. It is rewarding completing an event. It is a reminder that all your hard work has paid off, and at the end you would have gained something.

To start off, this session was different to our previous online facilitation, it was in person. This atmosphere contrasts to the one we had online. I have emceed and performed only for school events, something like this to me is relatively new.

We split off into breakrooms to start the discussion. At the start, things were rocky. Together with Joshua, we did our best to introduce the guests to each other. The mood of the room was awkward however, I was worried we couldn’t get the ball rolling.

I was caught off guard here. The training I received at the start of the ambassador journey has helped tremendously, however there may be situations that happen during actual sessions that don’t fall within what RVI has taught us. Nevertheless I took this as an opportunity to learn.

I wanted to apply what I’ve learnt from the previous facilitation session to the current one. A few things which I had in mind were to take a step back and let the conversation flow rather than trying to lead, let everyone have a chance to speak, and let them guide the conversation, and lastly hop on board, if the conversation steers a certain direction, do your best to tap on the energy of the conversation. To put it simply, join the discussion as a regular person.

Our speaker within the small group was someone who works in the microchip industry. Initially I thought it was going to be a conversation about his career. But one interesting thing I realized was that the conversation became more about him as a person and his own life.

The session was mixed with direction, curiosity, personal sharing and more. I believe that session was a success. Throughout that hour, I learnt to trust that everything will go according to plan.

Nothing can be perfect, but the most important thing is that you should always do your best in whatever situation you are in. I feel that I am an overthinker sometimes. I would like to take this opportunity to write to myself that being thoughtful is okay. Learn to redirect the energy into something positive that can benefit the room. And in this case, I think the human library session achieved just that.

After the session was over, we thanked the guest speaker. We were so thankful to know that he had a great time talking with us. I do wish him the best for his future endeavors, and in whatever he does.

I also would like to thank Joshua for carrying out the facilitation with me.

That marks the end of another facilitation session with River Valley Irregulars. I’m so grateful for this opportunity and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for all of us ambassadors!