Highlights of the Event

On June 26th, the student leadership activity organized by the YWIES Shanghai Lingang Student Council concluded successfully. Guided by the “Journey to the West Spirit”, YWIES students took on the roles of the “pilgrimage team,” embarking on a quest for the true scriptures of growth.

All participants experienced a leadership training journey full of challenges and growth! They developed core leadership skills such as goal breakdown, resource allocation, and crisis resolution. By stepping out of their comfort zones through collaborative challenges and role-playing, they built confidence. From professional workshops to a hiking circuit around Dishui Lake, and a kayaking challenge, from personal breakthroughs to team cooperation, every “pilgrim” gained valuable growth experiences throughout the journey.

Leadership Workshop Training and Pre-trip Preparation

At the start of the event, Mr John Liu, a Director of Career and University Counseling and Student Development at YCYW, delivered an engaging team activity workshop. Through lively and interactive methods, Mr Liu helped students understand the core elements of leadership.

Following this, five student leaders each led their respective teams in pre-trip preparations. The five student leaders were:

Jenny LIU (School Prefect)

Jerry LI (School Deputy Prefect)

Lucia LU (Head of Committee,School Culture)

Tom HUANG (RH Events and Operation Prefect)

Iryna DORDZHYIEVA (Community & Culture Deputy Prefect)

Each leader provided detailed briefings on activity arrangements, task requirements, personnel assignments, precautions, supplies, and emergency support, ensuring every team member clearly understood the specifics of the event and their individual responsibilities.

“Dishui Lake” Circuit Check-in: Seeking the True Scriptures of Leadership

All “pilgrims” started from the North Island of Dishui Lake, hiking approximately 5.5 kilometers along the inner lake loop to the final destination, Zhailixiang Restaurant, taking about 2.5 hours.

According to the pre-trip task assignments, each team had members responsible for team coordination and progress monitoring, route scouting and emergency handling, as

well as logistics management, safety assurance, and communication.

The lake circuit hike tested not only physical endurance but also willpower! Despite the day’s temperature nearing 40°C, everyone supported each other and worked together to complete the challenge. When leaders noticed members falling behind, they would stop to check and assist, accompanying them to the finish. This was a journey of perseverance and personal transformation, where the stunning scenery around Dishui Lake blended with sweat to create unforgettable memories for the students.

Crossing Tongtian River: Kayaking Experience

The kayaking challenge at Yijing Surf Base brought the event to its climax! This water sport, requiring high levels of mutual coordination, involved pairs paddling together, testing the students’ communication and teamwork. Although novices at kayaking, under the coach’s guidance, they quickly mastered the techniques. From initial clumsiness to synchronized paddling, they gained a strong sense of achievement and growth.

Awards Ceremony and Experience Sharing Session

In the evening, a simple and warm awards ceremony marked the conclusion of the event. Each participant received a personalized certificate, with outstanding teams and individuals receiving special recognition. During the sharing session, students exchanged insights, motivated each other, and celebrated their collective growth.

Experience Sharing and Growth Reflection from Team Leader Lusia LU

“Together with fellow student Jerry LI, I was responsible for planning and coordinating the entire hiking event. Starting from a simple initial idea, we continuously refined the details and repeatedly reviewed the process. After countless revisions, we finalized a comprehensive event plan. During the preparation phase, to ensure the smooth progress and safety of the event, several of us playing the ‘Journey to the West Characters’ roles conducted on-site inspections in advance. We carefully examined every segment of the hiking route, planned reasonable check-in points and rest areas, anticipated potential problems, and developed corresponding solutions. From event design, information sessions, team grouping, to volunteer arrangements and contingency plans, we personally participated in nearly every detail. The entire planning process was built step by step by ourselves.

This event truly made me realize that as a leader, one needs not only good organizational and communication skills but also a strong sense of responsibility and empathy. Throughout the process, I preferred to accompany team members as a friend—listening to them, encouraging them, helping them overcome difficulties, and persevere until the end. At the same time, I realized that the smooth progress of a team relies not only on the leader but also on the efforts and cooperation of every member.

Through this experience of leading the team, I not only felt the trust and support established among us but also witnessed my own growth from an executor to an

organizer and guide. This was a valuable experience from which I gained immensely.”

Joyful BBQ Party | A Warm Closing

At the end of the day, everyone gathered around the barbecue grills, cooking delicious food with their own hands. Laughter and joy filled the air, washing away the day’s fatigue and bringing a perfect close to an unforgettable day.

Event Gains

This leadership activity not only enhanced students’ organizational, coordination, and communication skills but also honed their crisis response and team-building abilities through practical experience. We believe these valuable lessons will help them become outstanding leaders in the future!

Looking forward to an even more exciting student leadership event next time!