Facilitator Corner: Adelia Helena Sindunata
FIUTS Facilitators are student leaders from all over the world who welcome new international students, help organize events, and lead activities for hundreds of students each quarter. Read on to find out more about the FIUTS facilitator experience from Adelia.
Name: Adelia Helena Sindunata
Country: Indonesia
Major: Communication
Class: Recent graduate (2019)
FIUTS Facilitator Since: October 2018
introduction
My name is Adelia, and I was born and raised in a small city in Indonesia called Malang. I came to Seattle in 2015 to start my undergraduate degree and finished it in June 2019. Currently, I am on my OPT, but I still come to FIUTS to facilitate some events.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A FIUTS FACILITATOR?
To me, being a FIUTS facilitator means becoming a representative of the diverse community in UW with the duty of facilitating cultural exchange between students. When you come to FIUTS events and meet the facilitators, they are not only your leaders for that day, but also your friend that will welcome you.
As a facilitator myself, I do learn lots of interesting things about people from different cultures through interaction with them. In addition, I finally found my place and community here in UW after I became a facilitator.
FAVORITE FIUTS ANECDOTE AS A FACILITATOR
My favorite one was when I became the cabin leader for FIUTS Camp 2019. We were divided into teams for the team games - mine was Green team - and although we lost the game, I still find the competition really fun! It makes me learn more about strategy-making. In addition, we did a skit about the nations we represented, and I made a comedy skit with the other Southeast Asian students. It was a great comedy, even I can’t hold my laugh myself. The bonus point: I am still friends with the people from my teams :)
HOW HAVE YOU GROWN AS A LEADER THROUGH BEING A FACILITATOR?
Yes, I have grown A LOT. I became more confident, I have improved my decision making skills, and I gained tons of social skills. I used to be a person that does not know how to lead a team or even start a conversation with new people. But now, I am not afraid to step up and be a leader!
TIPS/COMMENTS FOR PEER FACILITATORS
When you sign up for facilitator shifts, don’t just stick to one type of events that you’re most comfortable with. Try as many events as possible because you will learn more once you step out of your comfort zone. I highly recommend facilitating events like camps and global getaways because you might meet a new best friend!
Attend as many facilitator social events and Roundtable discussions because these are great opportunities for networking and get to know your peers. I would say these two are a fun way to be productive.
