Facilitator Corner: Amanda Bai
FIUTS Facilitators are student leaders from all over the world who welcome new international visitors, help organize events, and lead activities for hundreds of students each quarter. Read on to find out more about the FIUTS facilitator experience from Amanda Bai.
Name: Amanda (Congshan) Bai
Country: China
Major: Environmental Science & Resource Management
Class: Sophomore
FIUTS Facilitator Since: Summer 2017
Brief Introduction
Hi there! My name is Congshan, and you can call me Amanda. I grew up in a small city called Kaifeng in China. I took a wildlife protection class during my first quarter, and I really loved it. I found myself really into the nature and our environment, so that’s why I chose to major in environmental science. I’m also really into food and traveling. I love to meet people from all over the world and hear about their cultures and stories.
What does it mean to be a FIUTS facilitator?
Being a FIUTS facilitator challenged me to get out of my comfort zone. I was a little bit shy. I was afraid to talk with strangers. However, through leading and facilitating the FIUTS events, I became more and more confident and comfortable at leading the conversations. Also, being connected with FIUTS kept showing me how diverse the world is and how beautiful the world is. It taught me always to show respect to everyone and to listen to their stories carefully.
Amanda (center) with other facilitators at FIUTS Camp 2017
Favorite FIUTS anecdote as a facilitator
The most beautiful moment facilitating a FIUTS event is when I see people with different backgrounds become close friends. Within FIUTS, people with different skin colors, speaking different languages and with different cultures are so open to learn about new cultures and become good friends with each other. That’s what a close community look like. Also, the moment that I would never forget was when people said they felt very welcomed because of us (facilitators). My heart was warmed. I was so glad that I could help people as a facilitator.
How have you grown as a leader through being a facilitator?
Being a facilitator helped me to get out of my comfort zone. It gave me the courage to lead from the front and be more open and enthusiastic.
Tips/comments for peer facilitators
Smile to people and let them feel welcomed. Always show respect to everyone. Be open and willing to learn about different cultures. Have fun and enjoy the events!