Well, it's almost time for CSS's AGM(next week, July the 3rd). This means it is time to 'shoo' out the old committee and say 'hello' to the new ones. This also means that Gregory, the Kerusi, will be leaving CSS(and UCSI) for Kuala Terengganu. Before he leaves, cssucsi.blogspot.com sat down(in front of the computer) with him to discuss his tenure as President. Below is Part 1 of the fairly long chat...
1. Tell us about the beginning, how did you join CSS and how were you made the 1st President of CSS.
Well it was unexpected. I thought a CSS did not exist and i actually told Ivan there was none when he asked me. Then one day Ivan came up to me pula and said there was one and yup we were both excited.We went to one of the members house one night and realized it was a first gathering hahahaha. Both of us thought the group existed ages a go.. Ms June was leading the group and told us that contact has been made with Lifeline Ministry of SFX so we are hooked to themlah. Dunno how i got the first task to organize the following weeks' gatherings' activity and it was about Angels.
So as usual, I went back and got into business but unfortunately something came up and i did not attend that gathering but I passed my work and it was carried out together with a short movie screening and sharing too by the rest. After that about 6 gatherings or so were held and i attended only 1.Then came the exam and holiday season and no gatherings were held. To be honest i did not bother also because i myself was busy with medicine.
Then came a night where when i was walking back from UCSI to the condo i got a call from an unknown number. Uhmm who could it be?? I asked myself. Bah should be one of my classmates. Rupa rupanya it was Ms June. Ah maybe an invitation to join the next gathering. Tengok tengok 'Hey Greg can you take over this group!' she asked me. !!!! I declined and gave reasons for it and asked her too WHY ME??. (She only met me twice during those gatherings - so how can one know me??).
She said i was the first to pop up in her mind when thinking this. (?!?!??!) Ms June was sick and could not run the show. I told her i will think first.Hahaha - As i was thinking whether i can take over or not I was already planning how to set up CSS university level and join CMO. While contemplating on this issue i realized myself in ASAYO office asking how to set up a CSS when i was passing by Masjid Jamek one day, while on the way back to my kampung. Then I gathered some counterparts and then had a short meeting with Ms Jennifer from CMO in UCSI. The ball hence started rolling.
Forms to set up a society in UCSI were filled and complied too. Some research was done and we got to know that there are many Catholics around and we estimated bout 100. Ivan was a good fisherman and with his findings we decided to have an AGM. Well the turn out was poor and we realized our publicity was not strong enough so for the next 2 week we worked hard in publicity and the next AGM we saw 30 people turned out for it. Wohooo. And walla I became the first president. (I was still in contemplating mode haha).
Before all these events Fr. Valentine told Ivan and I that he wanted to see a CSS in UCSI. Hehe i did not feel wanting to take the initiative set up one also at that time. Guess his prayers were answered.Well God works in wonders and I was a Jonah here hahaha, finally stoped contemplating and said to myself "Woi!! You are the Pressie here and it is for a reason and a CSS is here also for a reason so get into business!!!". YOUR will be done. Without anymore hesitation i jumped into the building of the CSS here together with my new committee.
2. In the early part of CSS gathering, what were the obstacles that you faced as the President? Have these obstacles been resolved as you leave?
Well the first obstacles was getting everyone organized and 'into' CSS and that has been resolved and going well till now. Then it was finding a proper time to maximize the number of members and excos to attend each gathering. Won at times but till know it has not 100% resolved. UCSI timetables are not standardized and at every moment some one will either be having their exams, holidays or what so ever in uni. The number of attendance was fluctuating from as low as 4 to as high as 25 (normal gatherings excluding mass).
Next is people themselves who are difficult. Always give false hope and information hampering the EXCO's to do their job. Efficiency, responsibility, sincerity, sacrifice is quiet lacking as well as the will to explore and learn and to grow and mature in the faith. We are trying to change this through many ways but you know we only can bring the horse to the river but for it to drink is left up to the horse.
The other, is excuses, unreasonable ones....haish... . Well we cant force but we are still with our doors open and inside it there is much to gain which I feel bad as it is not reaching the members. The chances for a system itself not to work is about 30% the rest is human - 70%.
3. Tell us your best memory of CSS since it's birth almost one year ago.
The whole formation of setting up, carrying out and passing over CSS is an unforgettable memory itself.
Nothing specific in particular. Experiencing every moment to the fullest whether happy or sad are good memories.
~To be continued~
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