Day 0: Monkeys

Location: Hostel 3, KSNP
Mood: Ready to go
Music: None - everybody's asleep

Today was a long long long day, and it involved a lot of discussion. Day 0 of SEALNet projects are always so busy, but they're never that memorable (in my experience). Its just a lot of stuff to get through. After an early start (7:30am), Malaysian breakfast (which Wei Jian rated a C+) and a tour through the mangroves (which was long, hot and sweaty), we settled down and gave the team an orientation to SEALNet (one of our professional mentors, Kevin, is actually one of the founders) and an introduction to Project Malaysia 2009. We explained the role of the professional mentors and the project leaders in the whole SEALNet process.

Essentially, the project is kickstarted and organized by two (or in this case, three, because three is just better) project leaders. At least one of them has to have completed a SEALNet project, and (usually) at least one belongs to the host country. They fundraise, read applications, pick the team of college and high school students, communicate with the local partner, and organize logistics. However, once you get on ground, the project stops belonging to the project leaders and becomes everyone's responsibility. The team members step up as leaders and shape the project.

So we as a group also discussed our stake, impact and outcomes. We talked about what we wanted/hoped for the project, the impact we hoped to have on the mentees and on the community, and the immediate quantitative outcomes we hoped the project would have. The final stake our team decided on was: Branch out and lead through passion, action and inspiration. We also came up with a chant of sorts, for when the energy level got too low.

And then we split into 3 groups: a group to coordinate the leadership workshops, one to coordinate the environmental activities we'll be doing with the mentees (and communicate with MNS), and one in charge of helping the mentees out with their individual projects and the planning for the final day event.

A monkey busted into our room (the mesh at the window had a hole in it) and stole all my stuff. Specifically, my toiletries. Specifically, my contacts (wtf?), toothpaste, a bottle of soap. my motrin, our detergent and a few other small things. Those monkeys are going to be clean, drugged up and beautified when we find them. Everything was chewed on when we found it - and the team had to conduct a search party outside for my contacts. It was ridiculous. RIDICULOUS. This was not a problem we anticipated. Also, I needed a new toothbrush.

Kevin, Kathryn and I are meeting the local MP (Member of Parliament) tomorrow - we're hoping to have him attend the final day event as the opening speaker. I got picked because I'm the only one out of the three co-leaders with legit clothes on me. It should be interesting.

We had our first set of spotlight ons tonight. For you non-SEALNet readers, Spotlight on is a SEALNet tradition in which a team member takes the hot seat, and everyone asks them questions. It was pretty ridiculous. There are some questions that are also "traditions," and are passed down - for example, everyone is asked who their favourite PLs are. I don't really like that question!! Also, the boys (particularly Wei Jian) asked some pretty risque questions. I'll stop there.