Hi Everyone,
This is my swan song. The semester has come to an end and so has my reign as President of ACCO. It has been an amazing year and I have learned a lot from the executives that have worked so hard this year to make ACCO’s second year a success. I won’t lie as there were many challenges and I would like to use this space to share some thoughts that may help next year’s executives:
1) I think my biggest challenge this year was that I had to completely rebuild the club as all our executives from the first year had graduated. With a lack of a support system, understandably my fear was that the people I recruited would become overwhelm with their duties (as it was the first time for many to take on an executive role) and then I would lose them. So, I became a bit relaxed in holding people accountable as I understand that other priorities came first (family, exams, etc.), BUT I think that was a mistake to an extent as there were preparations that were completed last-minute when they should have been completed way beforehand. So, for the new executives, make sure to understand that people do have other priorities but after taking that into consideration, clearly ask volunteers or club members what the extent of their commitment is and always hold them accountable to what they agree to.
2) Be organized; answer e-mails on time; and follow-up with community volunteers and leaders who want to help advance the organization. Although ACCO is a student club, one of our goals in our mandate is to promote Asian Canadian cultural and community events, and to do so, you must make connections with the community!
3) Establish long-term and short-term goals with all members at the beginning of the year and make sure all members’ voices are heard. Refer back to these goals periodically so that the group will stay on track.
4) Motivate and encourage one another. The team can only be strong as the teamwork that is involved. Everyone’s opinions count and ACCO is only successful as long as the people involved find value in it.
5) Have fun! This is what we certainly did this year 
Those are my last thoughts as President. As I pass on the torch to Crystal, I know that she will lead with authority and grace and with Kristina as Vice-President, the two of them will make a formidable team. Good luck to the girls and the new executives. If you need anything, I am always here to support and encourage you!
I have met such great people this year and made some beautiful friendships. Thank you everyone for making my Presidency such a wonderful experience.
- Angela
- ACCO Executives 2008-2009
