2024.01.19

At the start of this CAS process, I set up some goals to try and achieve. This is my reflection on how it went and whether I actually achieved them.

Goals

As CAS stands for 3 main parts (creativity, activity, and service), I separated all of the goals into 3 groups:

Creativity

As for my first goal, I was able to even exceed it, as I created nine different recipes instead of the planned eight. I managed to keep a good balance between sweet and main dish recipes while still making them simple, or, on the other hand, more challenging and interesting. Which allowed me to get out of my comfort zone of always making complicated desserts, which I can almost do in my sleep, and try new things, developing the skill of adaptivity (identifying my strengths and developing areas for growth).

Talking about designing and painting different nail art designs, I was able to achieve the set goal as well. While also showing all of the planning that went into it, with different plans and finished design photos. (demonstrating how to initiate and plan a CAS experience).

Activity

Concerning the goals that I set out for my physical achievements, there were 4 different groups:

Figure skating: I set a goal of landing a double salchow jump, which, surprisingly, I was able to achieve with a lot of dedicated work off-ice and on-ice and leg muscle training at the gym.

Running: My goal was to run 10km in 60 minutes, which I was again able to achieve and exceed, as shown in the photo.

Gymnastics: As I've already shown and wrote in my 'Daily Activity Update' post, I was able to achieve my goal of learning to do a wall split with my hands raised off the ground.

Tennis: while all of the other sports goals were achieved, unfortunately, I was not able to participate in at least one tournament and get into the top 10 players. I had to lower the training intensity due to shin pain, which kept me from participating in tennis tournaments (recognising and considering the ethics of choice and action).

Therefore, 3 of the 4 goals were achieved successfully, and even the last one was because of an injury, to prevent further harm to my body. Which allowed me to develop in every area intended (identifying my strengths and developing areas for growth), even though of the challenges that I had to face, with some losses and some wins (demonstrating that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process), weekly commitment and perseverance in achieving those goals (showing commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences).

My 10-kilometre run in less than an hour

Service

Moreover, as for service activities, with the help of an amazing team and the courses that I had to take, I was able to learn how to volunteer not only with cats but with dogs as well, which has brought me closer to becoming an experienced volunteer at both of the sections. This goal allows me to contribute to helping reduce the impact of a global shelter crisis, which occurred after the COVID-19 pandemic and left a huge number of animals abandoned (demonstrating engagement with issues of global significance).

What is more, volunteering at events such as Loftas Fest, "Užupio mugė", LiMA Day, and finally the European figure skating championships allowed me to improve my ability to work in a team while at the same time connecting with people and making friendships that will last a long time (demonstrating the skills and recognising the benefits of working collaboratively). Finally, it allowed me to learn from my mistakes and become an even better volunteer with more experience in this sector as well as everyday life situations (recognising and considering the ethics of choice and action).