The main problem for me studying abroad is language proficiency. I am ok when I’m studying in the university as teachers are patient and you have peers helping you out. So although I have volunteered, I have never joined society as a worker. I am glad to have met Helen with my peer partner Noelle, who also helped me a lot and has worked alongside of me most of time. Helen is really sweet as she has made me more confident in our work, as she told me this is actually a really excellent stage for me to not only practice my English but also a chance to know how art becomes more accessible for public through the Vancouver Art Book Fair. The last tasks Noelle and I got are separate ones, assigned through email. “We are looking to push out a fundraising initiative with our members through a membership renewal campaign. This would mean working with some of our Board members to draft out a membership renewal letter, coordinate to see who need renewals and send out the letters in time for our preview on October 13.”, emailed by Emma who is part of VABF’s staff. I am embarrassed to read the email and to think about the task, as honestly, There were words that I was not familiar with, for example, I know campaign is an activity but how can it be related with “membership renewal” or what “Board members” is referring to. So I asked Noelle for some clarity as I felt Helen might be too busy to answer my “simple” questions. Even though after that, I’m still confused, it might be because it is hard to accept new words used in another culture. I then decided to wait for more information through other emails. Patience here became a good way to resolve my problems. Finally, we got another email with specific tasks. I was assigned with the task of “Membership Secretary” which was to add information of new memberships from the signup sheet to the membership list. I was attentive so that I wouldn’t miss any information. Even so, it was not smooth sailing. There was information recurring, and I was unaware if it was happening by error, and there were also problems for me to open documents because of security reasons. As there was due date for this task, I contacted my partner who oversaw it immediately, solving the problem. I emailed them a lot and hoped to complete the first task in a perfect way. There’re always solutions if you are patient and passionate about the work, I felt this way!
