Pumpkin Carving, Playlists, and Making Connections 🎃🎶
One of the highlights of the fall season at school was the Pumpkin Carving Event, where I had the chance to get creative, connect with new people, and learn a little something about myself in the process. From managing music to carving pumpkins, it was an afternoon full of laughter, challenges, and memorable moments.
Setting the Scene: Communication through Music 🎧
My role during the event wasn’t just about carving pumpkins—I was also in charge of creating the vibe through music. I spent time putting together a playlist I thought would get everyone hyped for fall fun. But as it turns out, not everyone agreed with my music choices!
A few people (jokingly, I hope!) told me my playlist wasn’t their favourite. Instead of taking it personally, I saw it as an opportunity to communicate and connect with others. I asked for suggestions, added their song picks, and quickly learned how music can be a conversation starter. Even if my playlist wasn’t a hit with everyone, it was fun to see people laugh about it and engage in the event more.
Carving Pumpkins and Breaking the Ice 🎃
The actual pumpkin carving was a chance to meet and connect with some of the new international students at school. I made it a point to introduce myself, ask about their carving ideas, and get to know their stories.
This experience really reminded me of the power of communication in building relationships. By being approachable and starting conversations, I was able to help them feel included and part of the school community. It didn’t matter if their pumpkins were perfectly carved or hilariously lopsided (mine wasn’t a masterpiece either!)—what mattered was the fun we had working together and sharing the experience.
Reflecting on the Fun 📚
Looking back, the Pumpkin Carving Event taught me a lot about how small interactions can make a big impact. From managing the music to chatting with students from different backgrounds, I learned how communication isn’t just about words—it’s about being open, approachable, and willing to adapt to others.
A couple of key takeaways for me were:
- Be flexible: Not everyone will like your playlist, but being open to suggestions creates a more inclusive atmosphere.
- Take initiative: Starting conversations, especially with new students, helps build connections and make people feel welcome.
- Have fun with imperfection: Whether it’s a playlist flop or a pumpkin carving fail, embracing the humor in situations keeps things light and enjoyable.
More Than Just Pumpkins
This event wasn’t just about carving pumpkins; it was about connecting with people and creating a welcoming space. I’m glad I got to be part of it and can’t wait for more opportunities to learn, laugh, and grow through fun school events.
The Spooky Scavenger Hunt 👻🎃
Let me tell you about one of the most exciting school projects I’ve been a part of recently—the Scavenger Hunt! Not only was it a blast to plan and pull off, but it also turned out to be a major lesson in teamwork and communication. From wild brainstorming sessions to last-minute clue adjustments on event day, this scavenger hunt was all about staying connected and working together. Let’s dive in
Planning the Madness: Where Ideas Took Flight🚀
Our brainstorming sessions were essentially a blur of ideas! We discussed themes, hints, and routes in order to create an enjoyable and interesting scavenger hunt.
This stage highlighted the curricular competency of creative thinking: we generated creative solutions by bouncing ideas off one another and refining them through discussion. Everyone contributed something unique, and the collaborative environment ensured every voice was heard. By respecting and building on others’ suggestions, we transformed individual ideas into a cohesive plan. This process showed me how collaboration strengthens creativity and problem-solving.
Event Day Adventures: Communicating on the Go 🎉
Then came event day—the real test of our curricular competency in communication! My job was making sure everyone knew the plan: where clues were, how teams were doing, and if any last-minute adjustments were needed. There were moments when things didn’t go exactly as planned (it’s all part of the fun, right?), so I had to think quickly, communicate clearly, and keep the vibe upbeat.
My primary responsibility was managing the café and gym areas, where participation was optional. I had to effectively communicate to draw students in and make the scavenger hunt exciting. I didn’t wait for students to approach; instead, I proactively introduced myself, explained the event, and encouraged them to join. Guiding participants involved giving clear instructions and adapting quickly when unexpected issues arose, such as adjusting clues on the fly or answering questions.
In these moments, I realized how essential it is to tailor communication to the audience—keeping directions simple, being approachable, and maintaining a positive attitude all helped ensure participants felt welcome and motivated.
Post-Hunt: Looking Back, Laughing, and Learning 📚
After the hunt was done, I took the time to reflect on how things went and gathered feedback from participants. There were definitely some funny moments that seemed even funnier once we were done! I shared some of the feedback with the team and suggested a few ideas for making future events even better. It felt good to know that we were all learning from the experience and could improve next time.
The Real Takeaway: Communication for the Win! 🏆
This scavenger hunt was such a great reminder of how powerful communication is. Here’s what I learned along the way:
- Sharing ideas freely: Don’t be shy—pitch those wild ideas! You never know which one will spark something awesome.
- Listening to others: Listening isn’t just about hearing; it’s about really understanding and building on what others say.
- Clear instructions: Keeping things simple and clear makes everything go smoother, especially on a busy day!
- Constructive feedback: Talking honestly about what worked (and what didn’t) helps everyone get better and have more fun next time.
Looking back, this scavenger hunt taught me that communication is so much more than just talking. It’s the whole experience—sharing, listening, laughing, and making things happen together! Can’t wait to carry these lessons into my next project. Here’s to more adventures and great teamwork ahead!
Also shoutout to Ms. MacPherson for letting me borrow her leadership shirt!
