So I and Vu my friend organized a course for university students named "Flying without wings", to provide the mindset, attitudes, skills and tools needed for youngsters to thrive in their youth. There is a saying that: "Youth is wasted on the young", when we are young, we don't know what to do, how to improve ourselves, where to go, who to ask, which route to take. Consequently, much of our precious time of youth often passes by wastefully.
Vu has been conducting his course How to have a wonderful college time to his club members and received good feedback on that. When I joined, I was eager to share more of my work experience and life story about how I found my passion and improve myself to be a autodidact, and live the life I wanted. I also thought that it would be a great chance for me to practice my teaching skill. But frankly speaking I didn't know what to expect. I thought that we would only teach his new club members. But it turned out that Vu would like to increase the scale.
So we did the announcement and promotion for the course. Mainly on my Facebook. Since Vu was already mainly in charge of the content, I thought that I would need to take care of other things as much as possible. So I did the operation, sending and replying emails, talking and explaining or answering the questions and queries from people who were interested. After the recruitment period we had enough students for 2 classes.
It was amazing on some aspects. Most of the students in the course are my Facebook followers. At the first place, my Facebook has been mainly for entertainment and writing. I haven't done any serious activity regarding business there. No records in teaching or education or soft skill training whatsoever. But many people sent me messages, asking for the course. They were really interested in what I offered. And nearly a hundred of them registered for the course. And nearly half of the people registered actually joined the class. You know it's not easy to persuade people to buy your products, even if the product is good for them, and with a very reasonable price.
Following that event, I came to realize that people do trust me. At least from Facebook readers. Trust is not gained overnight. My good work get paid. I have been consciously writing on my social network sites about the topics that I believe would benefit my readers. I have left out most of the trivial things that other KOL do frequently like restlessly promote their personal images, bragging, sharing unnecessary things, complaining or scolding anti fan. I believe that people appreciate that effort of mine to an extent. That's the thing, but the fact is I'm trading my reputation. If we don't do well in this course, or if any problem happens, then my reputation will be affected. Once affected then it's very hard to get back.
So 2 classes seem to be not a big number, but it's good enough. We struggled a bit during our recruitment but then everything turned out to be alright.
Another thing I would like to note here is that I really like the students. Many of them are bright lovely potential youngsters. Looking at them, I felt a immediate good impression. Hearing their stories, I felt much sympathy. I reckon they have so many potentials inside of them, but they are pulled down by bad habits, by social pressure, by obsolete education system and wrong belief. With proper guidelines and instruction, they will develop quickly and thrive in life. I feel their sufferings, their pains, their concerns, fears, and also hope and wishes to live a fuller life. I can feel that we have the same color, promising to create a good environment, or even positive community from the class.
After 2 classes, there have been a lot of sweats, tears, stories, and love notes. I really enjoyed the part where we did the free hugs. It's a warm and nice feeling. Feeling of connection, of compassion, of being a part of something bigger than us, feeling of helpfulness and service.
Yet, again I need improve my skills and knowledge in coaching so I can help people more effectively.
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