November 27, 2024, was the day of Grade Nine Day, and let me tell you, it was a wild ride!
Getting Ready📋
Grade Nine Day wasn’t just about lunchtime hilarity—it was the result of weeks of preparation, brainstorming, and collaboration. Leading up to the event, I worked closely with Chloe and Alexia, the point people for the day. They had a lot on their plates, so I made sure to be someone they could count on since I was a part of the Q/A crew with them which didn’t need a lot of preparation.
During our planning meetings, I brought ideas to the table—suggesting activities and examples of what we could do to make the event exciting for everyone. At the same time, I was open to hearing others’ ideas, knowing that the best plans are the ones shaped by collaboration. Whether it was tweaking my suggestions or jumping on board with someone else’s vision, I wanted to ensure we had a team vibe that worked.
I also made it a priority to show up to every meeting, staying positive and ready to contribute. Even when we faced challenges (hello, last-minute adjustments), I kept the energy lighthearted and focused. By the time November 27 rolled around, I felt ready to take on anything Grade Nine Day could throw at us—or so I thought.
Day of the Event🎊👯♀️
November 27, 2024, will forever be etched in my memory as the day I turned lunchtime awkwardness into a mini-adventure. It was Grade Nine Day, and I was ready to shine—or so I thought. My assigned role was to man the Q/A station. Easy enough, right? Except…no one had any questions. Or answers. Or even interest.
There I was, standing at my lonely desk, trying to look busy, when inspiration (or desperation) struck. Instead of just waiting for the action to come to me, I decided to go where the people were! That’s when Matthew, who was on security duty, and I hatched our master plan: Operation Hype Up the Hallways.
For the rest of lunch, we roamed the school like we were on a Grade Nine Day world tour. We popped into classrooms, waved to students in the hallways, and invited anyone within earshot to come join the fun. Was it embarrassing? Absolutely. Walking into classrooms filled with people from every grade, trying to sound convincing to the grade 9’s while everyone else stared, was peak cringe. But honestly? It was hilarious, too. Matthew gave the whole thing a security-officer-meets-hype-man vibe, which made the awkwardness totally worth it.
How I Put Leadership Skills to the Test🤓
Grade Nine Day wasn’t just an event—it was a crash course in teamwork, quick thinking, and making things happen even when they don’t go as planned. Here’s how it all went down and how I connected it to the leadership themes we’ve been working on.
Teamwork: When Everyone’s Ideas Matter
From the start, I wanted to make sure Chloe and Alexia, the event leads, had all the support they needed. I showed up to every meeting, pitched activity ideas, and stayed open to everyone’s input. Whether it was refining plans or jumping in to help, I understood that being a good team player meant listening, contributing, and building off others’ ideas.
When lunchtime came, and my Q/A station turned out to be a total flop (seriously, not a single person stopped by!), I didn’t just stand there awkwardly. Instead, I teamed up with Matthew, who was on security duty, to hype up the hallways and classrooms. It was teamwork in action—figuring out how to fix a problem together.
Leadership: Stepping Up When Things Go Sideways
This event was a real test of leadership for me. When things didn’t go as planned, I didn’t freeze or give up. Instead, I took charge and thought on my feet. I decided we’d ditch the Q/A station and take the Grade Nine Day hype directly to the students. Walking into classrooms mid-lesson to convince people to join was super awkward—but we laughed it off and made it fun.
It felt great to step up, be visible, and confidently lead the charge, even if it meant doing something out of my comfort zone.
Communication: Talking the Talk
Good communication was key both before and during the event. At our meetings, I listened carefully to feedback, shared ideas, and made sure everyone felt heard. During the event, I had to adjust my approach to talking with students, balancing humor and energy to convince them to join in.
Teaming up with Matthew also meant communicating well—figuring out how we’d split the work and keep things running smoothly.
Problem Solving: Turning a Flop Into a Win
When the Q/A station didn’t work, I had to think fast. Instead of letting the day fizzle out, I came up with a new plan to get people involved. This meant hitting the hallways, visiting classrooms, and keeping the event lively despite the hiccup. It wasn’t what we originally planned, but it ended up being one of the most fun parts of the day.
What I Learned
Grade Nine Day taught me so much about leadership and teamwork. From the planning stages to the big day itself, I learned how to adapt, stay positive, and work with others to make the event a success. Even the most awkward moments turned into something memorable because I didn’t give up.
So here’s to Grade Nine Day—a mix of challenges laughs, and a whole lot of learning. Sometimes, all you need to turn things around is a little creativity, some good teamwork, and the willingness to embarrass yourself in front of a classroom full of people. 😄
