For a Good Cause

It went well yesterday, at the Citibank-YMCA Youth for Causes selection process.

The judges were grouped into 3s, and sat through rounds of presentation by the candidates. I was teamed with an associate professor of SMU and a VP of risk management, to which I felt quite intimidated. But I guess my marketing BS came in handy ultimately.

We looked through the groups of under 16s, and it was really enriching to hear business proposals from these little budding social entrepreneurs. It was so inspirational to hear how they have an idea, and how much they believe in their idea, and that their idea is the best and will work.

That made me really think about how cynical we adults have become, how jaded we sometimes are, that we tend to say no first, even before giving the idea a chance to present itself. Even though there were really some proposals that we know from experience that won't work, it wasn't easy to make sure that we deliver the message across positively, that we won't crush their fragile confidence.

As the little kids sat before me, full of earnestness and eagerness, I thought it was so beautiful, to be able to feel their pure innocence and simplicity. I'm not a teacher, I don't come into contact very often with kids. So I really appreciate this opportunity, the guy who pulled me into this volunteer programme, to experience this youthful energy which I otherwise won't come across at work.

After the whole session was over, I was exhausted from the rounds of presentation, yet very much emotionally recharged and inspired. I sure won't mind doing this again, on a regular basis!

That aside, when I reached home, The Boy pulled out these boxes for me. YES! They have ALL arrived, both the loot from Forever 21 and Nordstrom.


Lilsnooze is right, the online shopping itself is exciting. But the parcels arriving is even more so!