Thursday, 26th, was a relaxing day for me. Working on my old IBM Thinkpad, on my next training assignment, I received a call from Calvin, a co-ordinate of a client of mine. He asked meekly if I could help out to address a batch of his college's 50 to 60 students on Friday, which was the next day. He was apologetic for such short notice but nevertheless he took the initiative just to try his luck. Also, there was no budget for it - meaning it was a F.O.C assignment. I assured him that I would be most delighted to be able to help in any way I can if he could just give me a minute to check on my availability.
I quickly ran a check on my diary and bingo - the day was free and I responded positively to help out. I requested for some information on the profile of his batch of students and with the information I got, I decided almost immediately what to share with them. I decided to speak from my heart and share my life's journey at their age with them.
On Friday, 27th, I arrived at the college half an hour before the scheduled time which was 4.30p.m.
I was early and the lecture hall was empty except for Calvin and I. He reminded me that the scheduled time was 4.30 p.m. and thank me for being early. I assured him that I was aware of it and that it was my habit to always arrive early to take in the air and acclimatise myself to the environment that I am to speak in. I checked on the equipment that was already properly set up and test the that they were in working order. Test and adjusted the sound system as well. Plugged in my thumb-drive and tested my concluding material which was meant to reinforce what I was going to share with my young audience, my new friends to be.
At 4.30 sharp, we started the session with Calvin giving me a short introduction with a brief bio-data which he got from me. When it was given to him he remarked that it was the simplest bio-data which is devoid of the usual qualifications and achievements which other speakers that he introduced seemed to prefer.
For example, I was described as "big, Strong and Friendly with a strong desire to learn and share useful knowledge and experiences." Calvin thought that my bio-data was friendly and connecting. I thanked him and explained that I was a simple person on a simmple mission - to serve by share.
I started my connection with my young friends to be with the usual salutation and the response was, as usual, weak. I challenged them to do better, and the response this time was just a little better. Not satisfied, I remarked that they could do better than that, to which I got a thunderous response. I complimented them and proceeded to share my life with them. I explained why I was so eager to share with them and remarked that I would be happy if only one person amongst them was able to benefit from what I had to share.
Basically what I share with my young friends were things that I did and things that I regret not having done when I was a student like them. How I later on in life paid my own money to do what they are doing now. Also, how I was not able to appreciate what my parents were sacrificing to put me through my education and which later on in my life, I start to appreciate them, though much later in my life. These were some of the reasons why I was eager so share with them so that they can learn from my mistakes instead of learning from their own. To cut the story short, I shared with them what they should do by sharing with them what I did not do when I was their age and which I realised later that I should have done. Of ocurse, I also share with them some of the self-realisation concepts and techniques which they can practise to help them be more effective in their journeys in life.
As usual, all good things have an end, and the session concluded with the usual applauds that young energetic adults extend so generously.
It was raining as I walked towards my car and I was pleasantly moved when one of my new young friend offered to shelter me with his umbrella to my car. I thanked him and remarked that he was very kind and that you should keep this practise up.
The next surprise came when I was checking my emails in the evening after dinner.
There at the top of my in-box was an email with a name that I remember I heard that afternoon. It was Khong, my new young friend who was smiling and attentive all through my talk. He wrote in to thank me for sharing with all of them and apologise that he was only able to understand "50%" of what I talked about as a result of his weak command of the English language. He enquired if it was alright if he keeps "disturbing" me to seek my advice and help to improve his English and also learn how to set goals, which was one of the topic I emphasised as important during my talk. I was so touch by his desire to want to improve himself and I recalled what I mentioned during my talk that afternoon - "I would be happy if only one person amongst them was able to benefit from what I had to share."
I responded that I was my pleasure to be of service and he was at liberty to email me anytime he need to for any help or advice that he may require. Half an hour later I received a thank you message from him and his assurance that he now knows what to do and that he would focus on his study. He now greeted me as "my friend."
Am I pleased? I was thrilled! Thrilled because if what I shared can help just one young friend feel wanted and that there is someone out there who is willing to help unconditionally, I have been greatly rewarded!
Khong, it's a pleasure to be of service!
Cheers!
