Yours to hold and cherish

I wish I could have a one-liner for this entry which would be about that UBS Young Women's Leadership Connection thing, and if I could here's how it would sound- "I went, learnt and kicked ass". But sadly or not, this entry won't be a one-liner (as it obviously isn't already), it'd probably rake a few paras even.

So I went, a tad late,but not to worry, still in time for the mini reception before the dialogue. Was chit-chatting with a few girls when two of the Guests of honour ambled towards this small group of ours to mingle (read: make small talk AND assess us), cos know it or not, this whole dialogue thing was aimed at choosing a good 15 candidates (out of the 60) for a 3 mth- 1 yr long period of personal mentorship, probably by some minister or something. And I won't be discreet about this, OF COURSE I was vying for a spot in that mentorship program, not just cos the very idea of having a mentor is such a novelty, but really because I believed this could be a milestone of a stepping stone in helping me reach my leadership potential through the greater opportunities that one can associate with such networking groups. But I was perhaps one of the most dim-witted, un-interesting, shy and unconfident person of that evening, cos even with 2 reputable high-flyers in my midst, I was perhaps as interesting as the wallpaper in the room. OK, maybe a little more credit. As participative as those battery operated dolls whose scope of abilities extends little beyond, "ha ha ha, that's true, *nod, smile* ha ha ha". SHEESH.

Before I had any longer to rev up my wits and participate more, time was up, and we had to pile into the room for the dialogue. Mentally cursing my lack of social networking skills, I made my way into the room with a smile to mask that dissatisfaction.

But, the two speeches I heard that night were moving in their own right and brimmed with wisdom that made me realise so much. The two gest speakers, Ms. Grace, a State minister for Education (and something else) and Mrs Fang, the CEO of Great Eastern, if anything were truly inspirational. Mrs Fang. for one was one of the few speakers I've come across who had no qualms sharing really personal experiences that made her speech both fully enriching and sincere. I left that night, believing that although somethings won't go as you planned, you ought to hold your head up high, for the next opportunity that comes your way, and be the one person with unwavering faith for your self. It was a beautiful night, and although I may not get to the next round of this program, with this newly enforced self-belief and faith, I am certain that I will get far in life, Inshaallah. Bring it on!