Monday, March 9, 2009
"Lets Talk: Life After School" Workshop
Saturday I went for my guitar lesson as usual from 11-12.30pm. Sharman joined our class as a new but experienced guitar player. The rest(Amanda, YP, TJ, Jonathan, Peter, Shawn) attended lesson as normal. Sharman received a good welcoming from our guitar clan. He being an experienced guitar player, having played during his scholl day after chatting casually with him played some of his favoured songs, such as 童话 among others. Many of the clients was mesmerised by his ability to play so well. I tink he is a very good addition to the guitar group, and I hope we all are able to learn from him too.
In addition, Daniel introduced us to play a new song melody: My Heart Will Go On, by Celine Dion. I and Amanda were the first ones to try out playing the new song. Well, I got to say that it was quite encouraged for Amanda and me that, after a few attempts on playing the tabs, we played out and the actual tune of the song came out for us.
As guitar coordinator, I also shared my opinions to Daniel that,, having a majority of the class being new to the group, i suggested to him that we have the class like a "lecture", meaning he teach us the skills once, and we all learn at the same time, instead of teaching individually. Moreover, Amanda, me and TJ, being experienced, are also able to help the new clients if they encountered any particular problems. I personally tink it is a good suggetions as we all can learn at the same pace, and also able to help out with teaching too, which would then improve my guitar skills further.
As they continued to practice at their own pace, I also asked Daniel to help me correct the way I have been playing. For the past week, I have been practicing chords(Lemon Tree). So during the lesson, I showed him how I played, then from there he tried to correct my mistakes. Moreover, he also gave me some advice on improving my game, such as learning to play songs at a suitable pace to suit with the actual song. I felt I picked up much skills which with practice, I hope I am able to improve on my guitar skills.
Then, Janice, me and Daniel had a discussion on what song to play for TM's Special Awards performance this August. After some time of suggestions, we decided that eacxh member of guitar is to think and give a suggestion of a song that is suitable for Special Awards performance. The lesson thus concluded at 12.30pm, before we had our lunch(McDelivery lol) and prepared for the "Lets Talk: Life After School" Workshop, which was to begin at 2pm.
While having our lunch, we chatted and mingled among ourselves as usual. TJ, Khristine, and philip all told jokes for everyone to hear and liven up the atmosphere. Philip, well, his jokes will always make the atmosphere "cold"(冷笑话)(we were already under the air con). His jokes would always make everyone laugh la, especially make Amanda laugh haha fun heehee. Khristine and TJ also shared some of their jokes which were both funny and lame.
2pm, went for the "Lets Talk: Life After School" Workshop, which was also held in the conferece room. Waited for all the participants to join in. I saw a couple of familiar faces, such as huiping and kai ting among others. As for those new clients, I got the opportunity to meet more new friends in AWWA which is always good, yea.
The workshop started with some ice-breaking games: 2 truths and 1 lie. After which the clients were split into 2 groups.
As the title "Lets Talk: Life After School" suggest, the workshop is a dialogue session with the clients to share their thoughts on their life after completing their education, meaning about finding work after we graduated. My group shared their opinions of the ability to find jobs despite their disabilities. They also shared their several concerns regarding the workplace. For clients who are on wheelchair shared abt their concerns of the workplace being wheelchair-accessible. For many(me included), the fear of not being accepted in the working society was the main talking point in our group. Some clients who had working experience, also shared with us about their experience. He advised us that when we find jobs, we should tell the employees what we can do, instead of letting our disabilities take control of us.
After both groups shared about each client's thouhts and opinions and written them down on the board, each group was supposed to present what each group had. I represented my group to be the presenter. Well, i shared with the rest about the dreams and obstacles with regards to finding a job after school.
My Inspiration
Monday, March 09, 2009