New Year, New Beginnings

In a few more days, we will usher the new year. A time of joy, a time of new beginnings. And also in the early months of the year, we will select the few and the talented to lead AIESEC in Malaysia for the next term.

I sometimes look back on that faithful day when I applied to join the MC. It would be a big leap from my position as VP Admin and IS. To me, the MCs were elite. The top AIESECers from different LCs throughout Malaysia, who worked without rest for the LCs of the country. These guys were the cream of the crop, people who knew the system and excelled in achieving. Could I excel and achieve like them?

I didn't know who would be applying, though I guessed that the LCPs would be doing so. Like the MC members of that time, the LCPs were a bunch of cool and fearless leaders. They were guiding their LCs, in charge of a whole local chapter and dictating the tempo and drive of their EB teams. They knew the challenges, and faced them head on. They were inspirational leaders and great strategizers. What about me? I was merely a VPA&IS, working in my own lil' department.

At national conferences, these group of individuals seemed to glide through the crowd, talking to people as though they were best friends and remembering almost every name in the hall. The crowd was automatically drawn to these charismatic leaders, listening to them with facination. What about me? I was a socially-inept loner who prefered just music and myself.

So why did I apply for this?

Perhaps it was the challenge. I wanted to see if I could be these people. These talented individuals. I wanted to know if I could perform under the circumstances like them.

Or maybe I wanted to learn. They had to start from somewhere, right? Perhaps if I followed their footsteps, I'd know how to become like them.

Who knows?

I faced failure that fateful day. I needed 66% of votes. I achived 60%. Although I was disappointed, I felt I had took myself to the distance. I gave the election my all. I could be proud of myself.

And then elections were re-opened. I looked at the form with mild interest. I had tried. And I didn't make the cut. Why bother filling in that form again?

It was a moment on MSN that made me realised that there were several opportunities in life where when they pass you, you never get them back. Like that girl you lost because you were too caught up with yourself. Or that one chance to apply for that scholarship. On my conversation with an alumni, I realised this was my one chance. I had tried grabbing it, but I barely missed. Now I had another chance to grab it.

I was lucky I had a second chance. But you are never sure if there will be a second chance the next time an opportunity passes you.

It's a new year. A new beginning for everything. And with the MC applications open, there is a chance here in front of you. All you need to do is to grab it. If you missed it, at least you can be proud of the fact you tried to grab the chance, but luck evaded you.

And if you do grab it? Be prepared to live the dream. I know I am.

Have a happy new year.