“Put your heart, mind, intellect and soul even to your smallest acts. That is the secret to success.” This quote, spoken by Swami Sivananda is an excellent reflection about my experiences in helping out the TCASD organization for the Believe in You 2008 program. From what I've done for this program, I have come to the realization that even the smallest contributions that everyone has made for this show will definitely lead to an immense success. I have gained many valuable lessons from my experiences leading up to the program and they are ones that Iwill take with me forever.

Many of us have the misconception that putting together a program like this is as easy as dictating the children in what they are supposed to do. I myself thought that organizing such a show couldn't possibly be very hard. After deciding to help out with the program I learned I was sadly mistaken. I could not believe the amount of work, planning, and careful consideration that occurs months in advance in order to set up the show. It is a long process which involves much patience. I had no idea what I had gotten myself into. I simply believed it would be as easy as organizing a couple practices, but I learned soon enough that coordinating the schedule for many practices would be difficult, especially when the children were participating in multiple performances. I also came to the awareness that there are many additional tasks that need to be taken care of, such as the program order, costumes, and of course balancing the finances.


In teaching a group of young children there are so many skills you need to have. One Latin saying which held true during my experience is docendo discitur, which translates as “one learns by teaching.” By instructing a group of young children I gained many new and important skills necessary throughout one's life. So not only was it a learning process for them, but for myself as well. For one I learned you need to have a strong sense of dedication and commitment. It was very important for me to be able to stick to what I had planned in creating a dance and not giving up no matter how much work was involved. I also gained a new rationality of responsibility, proper attitudes and leadership. I quickly realized that since I am teaching young children I needed to be an excellent example for them, yet still be able to control and look after them so they were well cared for. Another skill which I was able to practice constantly through this process was being very organized. I had to take the initiative myself in calling to remind about practices, informing parents about costumes, and always ensuring I was one step ahead so that I never fell behind in my goals for what I wanted in their performance.

As the show drew near, I gained a definite new sense of appreciation for everything that was done to make this show successful. I gained a whole new perspective and gratitude towards the committee as well as teachers in general. It is an extremely adamant task to teach and put together a show composed mainly of young children, who are constantly active and often must be kept busy. So summa cum laude, “with the highest of praise” for everyone who helped in making this program what it is, specifically the committee members. Without their tireless devotion none of this show would have been possible. The lifelong skills, lessons, and values are more than I would have hoped to gain during this process and which I am very grateful for having the opportunity to experience.