Loving LATHE

              It was the first day of June when our EVENTMGT H31 class had our first immersion, organizing the convention of the Lasallian Association of Tourism and Hospitality Education (LATHE 2012) at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. 

                With the theme, “The Lasallian Hospitality Educator: Leading in teaching Innovation”

 the event was participated by a number of La Salle Schools offering courses in Tourism and Hospitality Management. 

  

            To establish the best practice in learning instruction and to improve the quality of instructional practices were some of the points of the convention, in order to uphold the marque as the pioneer school in tourism and hospitality industry. 

          Few weeks before the actual event, our class had gone through meetings and orientations about LATHE. We were given a chance to choose among the different committees and schedules we want. We were informed about our tasks and responsibilities to make the program smooth and successful. 

        My closest classmate/friend/study buddy/sissy,
Mhel Jhustine Tuguigui
, and I personally chose to be our Miss Castro’s assistant/runner on the second day of LATHE. We had the tasks of having the copies of timers/reminders (5, 10, 15, 20 minutes), printed; reminding the speakers about the time, how many minutes were left to deliver and share their knowledge; ask our classmates for updates; and prepare whatever Miss Castro needs. 

          Yet during the event proper, our assignments turned out to be everything. My fellow organizers considered me as the Ushers’ leader though I wasn’t really assigned in escorting job. I think it’s because of me prompting them to be confident, look professional, and always wear a smile. I had also the chance to get in touched with the Sponsors’ Committee in which pressure emerged. The committee head, yelled and frowned at us, which made me frazzled. But still, the show must go on so I took it as a challenge and go with the flow. I understand her for her attitude because she was under pressure doing several things to make LATHE possible. 

         My tasks involved a lot of walking. I accompanied some of the speakers on their way to the hotel, as I brought their freebies and gifts from the sponsors. I with the help of my beautiful friends, distributed the handouts from the speakers’ presentations, and the privilege forms from the sponsors. Some of the participants gave us certain tasks; they asked me to provide them all the handouts from the first day. It’s a bonus duty for my very hectic schedule and the extra problem of searching for copies. I had no choice but to get a copy from the Technical Committee and print it using my own money. (oh well! Look at the bright side; they will recognize me for doing them a favor! I really hope so.) 

           Another mission to be accomplished was to divide the chocolates and sweets that will be given to the teachers. We also segregated the certificates according to school and alphabetically. Furthermore, I was instructed to get the cakes from the sixth floor. 

          My tasks didn’t end there. As the convention was getting closer to its end, we all get the number of bags of giveaways and souvenirs from the storeroom to the venue. That was not an easy job because those were not just many, but the fact that the bags were heavy. 

          At the end of the day, I learned numerous things from my immersion experience. My wisdom of understanding the manner of my fellow members and organizers, amplified. 

           I learned to keep myself calm when something went wrong. I admire Miss Castro for having her temper controlled despite of the difficulties and complications during the occasion. She knows how to handle her moods in time of divergences. 

            It is also important to build a good relation to the people you work with because no one is an island. LATHE wouldn’t be successful without the help of your members. The result wouldn’t be satisfying if there’s a tension between you and your fellow. Hitches are inevitable so just deal with it. Unity is an essential factor in order to achieve excellence.
          Awareness also matters. I think we, especially those who were new in handling events, need more information on what to do during the event. They need to know what to prioritize; the proper way of dealing with the guests; and how to manage everything when working under compression. Having a positive attitude works throughout the nuisance we encounter in organizing an event. 

        And the last but not the least, is the significance of passion and devotion to your work. Everything will be okay if we all love our job. We will be on time, groomed well, attentive, prepared, organized, and ready for action, we will be responsible enough for committing undesirable activities. 

          Being part of the organizing committee feels so good and rewarding knowing that everything went well. We were all proud for our accomplishments. LATHE immersion experience is one of the bests!