I feel like I have really developed because of CAS. The most important thing about it to me is, that while some activities come naturally, for example I have been playing basketball regularly before I started doing CAS, others push you to do new things and constantly challenge yourself. The biggest challenge I had to overcome, I think, was interacting with kids in the Children’s Hospital of Warsaw Medical University. Since I am a rather shy person, this was a new thing for me at first, but it allowed me to make myself more open and outgoing.
What I enjoyed most about CAS is the Activity part, as I am a generally active person. I not only had fun during my regular basketball trainings, but also during the individual workouts at home or over the holidays. Also, the learning outcome number 5, “demonstrating the skills and recognizing the benefits of working collaboratively”, was the one I found the easiest to achieve, because as a team sport’s player I recognise the importance of collaboration and working together as a team.
During these eighteen months of CAS, I developed many new skills, but also polished some others. Since I was constantly training basketball, I feel that my playing skills have improved over this time. But I also enhanced my drawing and stencil making skills. I learned a bit of Hebrew and how to do handmade bracelets. Yet, most importantly, I think, I achieved better social skills through Service. I learned to overcome my shyness and to speak up, and I believe that CAS pushed me to do it and helped me get a bit out of my comfort zone, so I could grow even more.
Common Activities of Sophie II 