ACSension ​Orientation 2013

ACSension 2013 was truly an amazing adventure for the committee that planned it (Orientation Ad-Hoc or OTAH for short), and hopefully for all its participants as well! This is regarded as the biggest ad-hoc of one’s council term, and it truly demanded a lot from OTAH on both physical and mental levels. It was definitely daunting for us, as this event would shape the AC experiences of no less than 850 new JC1s, and it would be the first impression for them of ACJC.​

I first met the teachers regarding Orientation 2013 in September 2012, and since then it has been 5 months of planning and training for OTAH, eventually culminating in 4 days of Orientation for the JC1s. We went through many proposals, often staying up late to do them, and many meetings as well. The journey was not without setbacks and disappointments, but I’m glad to see that the members of the ad-hoc were resilient and adaptable, and we worked together to circumvent many problems that would have compromised the success of Orientation 2013.​

Although OTAH did much of the planning for Orientation, it would never have succeeded without the awesome OGLs! Working with them was a wonderful part of this experience. Through the crazy interviews (JC1s, apply to be an OGL at the end of the year to find out more!), the OGL training camp and finally the actual Orientation itself, I was very privileged to witness how the OGLs grew to be better people and with each other. Even now, after ACSension 2013 has ended, the OGLs are still close to one another, showing that the bonds formed while they trained and prepared for Orientation are not easily broken.

​After the months of planning, to see ACSension 2013 come true before my eyes on those 4 days was truly worth all the effort that had been put in. The games trials, dance rehearsals, cheering sessions – everything paid off, and the actual activities were executed really well! This is certainly not a project that OTAH can claim credit for alone. This was truly the school, as a whole, opening its arms to welcome a new generation of ACSians, and I believe the AC spirit and culture was done justice through it. Everyone had a part to play in this event, and our passion and energy really shone through. I am extremely proud of what we have achieved, and I hope that ACSension 2013 has been effective in introducing the ACJC culture to all new JC1s.​

To God be the Glory, The Best is Yet to Be!

​​Esther Cheah

Head of Orientation Ad-hoc 2013