With less than three weeks until the conference, ELC and
Staff are being asked a lot of really important questions. We decided it would
be best to break it down for you so that everyone gets the info they need in
one easy place. Covering every thing from your packing list to falling in
conference love, you don’t want to miss these Do’s and Don’ts for ISLC 2013:
DO: Have a Positive
Attitude and Branch Out
This is a week that could change your life if you let it.
There is nothing that could make this bad unless you tried. As Wade would say
“put your butt on the line.” Be yourself and make friends. If you put in just a
little bit of effort, you’ll see that everyone is there for two reasons 1. To
learn how to make a difference and 2. Make new friends. For some people it may
be a little scary to put them selves out there, but ISLC is the safest place to
do it.
With all of that said…
DON’T: Bring Your Parents
We know that for some of you, this may be your first time
spending a week away from your rents. However, if you start feeling homesick
spend your time getting involved at the conference, not trying to get ahold of
your mom or dad. If the situation is reversed, and your parents are nervous
about the week and trying to get in touch with you non-stop tell them another
Operation Smile motto “No news in good news”. You are going to be SUPER busy during
the week, and may not have time to call home every night. It just means you’re
having the ultimate conference experience!
Do: Make A Lot of
Memories
Take pictures. Tons of pictures! At Iparty, at team games,
at final party. They are great way to remember your friends, especially the
friends you’ll make from foreign countries. Take them with any of the speakers
you might get to meet after their presentations. You won’t want to forget a
minute of the conference.
However…
DON’T: Be Attached to
Your Phone
Do not be taking these pictures during the presentation. And
especially do not be on your phone during the speakers. These people have
traveled far to come tell you important stories and inspire you on your
personal journey of making a difference. You DO NOT want to be that kid whose
phone goes off playing “Come and Get It” in a dead silent room, because that
would be rude, and a tad awkward.
Do: Get Close with
Your Team
Everyone on your team has a different background. There is
wealth of knowledge and inspiration that you could gain from just getting to
know the people that you’ll be spending
most of your time with that week anyways. You could make some best friends by
just taking the time to hear another teammates story. Also get to know your
ELC. They have been where you are and know any of the struggles you might be
having. After the conference, they could be a great resource for help with your
club or region. Put yourselves out there and you could make some connections
that lead to important relationships in your life or a long time after.
However…
DON’T: Fall in
Conference Love
Falling in conference love not only breaks the big 5, but
has been to known to break a few hearts. This week is not about finding Mr. or
Mrs. Perfect, its about learning how to make a difference. 4 days does not a
relationship make. We encourage you to fall in love with Operation Smile and with
ISLC, just don’t fall in love with each other.
We couldn’t be more excited to meet all of you just a short
time from now. We hope this list clarifies some of the big questions you may
have wanted to ask but were nervous too. If you ever have any other
questions, your ELC would LOVE to hear from you. Just 19 days to go! Are you
ready to Changeforever?
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