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[alenmilakovic]

Book Club Organization

Activity Title: Book Club Organization

Duration: long-term, indefinite

Category: Creativity

Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

Description:

I have organized a book club within my friend group, counting 5 members at the time being. The purpose of the club is to stimulate reading during stressful periods, along with proper literary analysis of the works covered. Each month has a specified book, along with a given date until which it must be read, after which a discussion shall follow.

Reflection:

Though both my friends and I are incredibly fond of reading, academic-related and other sources of stress had somewhat prevented us from achieving this in its fullest. The establishment of the book club has greatly improved upon this, allowing for better organization, as well as more depth in the process.

[alenmilakovic]

Swimming

Activity Title: Swimming

Duration: indefinite

Category: Activity

Learning Outcomes:

Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Description:

This activity is in continuation of the summer vacation trip, where my friend group had decided to visit the shore of a neighbouring country. In the duration of our stay, which was 7 days, we had spent the majority of each day on the beach. This was an adequate compensation for all those that frequented a gym at home, and a splendid source of exercise for those that did not.

Reflection:

As we do not have access to beaches near home, this proved to be a marvelous adventure. Continuous exercise in the form of swimming had greatly improved both our physical, as well as mental well-being. Once we returned, the desire for swimming lingered, and proved to be a source of motivation for all of us to join the local swimming team.

[alenmilakovic]

European Championship Watching Session

Activity Title: European Championship Watching Session

Duration: 2nd of July - 11th of July

Category: Creativity, Activity

Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

Description:

Being avid fans of sports, in particular European football, a group consisting of several friends and I had organized watching sessions for the championship. A circumstance that made this easier was our summer trip, the date of which coincided with the majority of the sessions. Thus, we had agreed on contributing either by bringing meals or beverages bought from local businesses or made at home, so we could jointly celebrate.

Reflection:

Differing in the amount of knowledge of individual team tactics, the watching sessions had given us a space to share and develop our understanding of the event. In addition, we discussed the general relevancy of such a championship, especially in times where people have been accustomed to alienation. Overall, a highly enjoyable experience!

[alenmilakovic]

Exploring Bookshops and Antique Stores in Montenegro

Activity Title: Exploring Bookshops and Antique Stores in Montenegro

Duration: 5th - 8th July

Category: Service

Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

Description:

Along with several friends of mine, I had ventured into the discovery of smaller bookshops and antique stores in Montenegro. The plan was developed ahead, to ensure the majority of them could be visited, although several locals had suggested a number of places we were to visit, to which we responded positively.

Reflection:

Through our adoration of literature and items of historical significance, the journey had proven to be fascinating. The owners of several bookstores had given us detailed information on Montenegrin authors, along with the most esteemed works of each literary movement. This in turn made an even greater impression, leaving us to wonder how such businesses are sustained, and what their main problems might be. A sense of relief was felt through our interaction with them, both due to the knowledge gained, and the financial contribution made.

[alenmilakovic]

Summer Vacation Trip

Activity Title: Summer Vacation Trip

Duration: 30th June - 8th July

Category: Creativity, Activity

Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Description:

As a group, the six of us decided on a trip to Montenegro during the summer vacation. The idea itself was initially presented during the rather stressful period of preMOCK exams, a form of escapism and relaxation which will be performed as a token of a well-deserved reward. Though stressful itself, noting the heavy planning included, it served the purpose of familiarizing ourselves with a new culture and remarkable landscapes.

Reflection:

Having returned from the trip, we were all able to collect our thoughts and fully understand the impression it made on us. From a personal viewpoint, I have gained a sense of gratitude and fulfillment due to the quality time spent with those close to me, whilst the scenery acted merely as a second-hand source of enjoyment, improving the environment between us further. Truly being able to live together, for a somewhat short period, has left me with a strong sensation of what is to come in future years - particularly during college.

[alenmilakovic]

My Freedom Day

Activity Title: Commemorating My Freedom Day

Date: March 16th

Category: Service, Creativity

Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

Description:

Through the campaign of CNN on commemorating My Freedom Day, our class has decided to take part in what can be seen as the leading issue globally, amongst others. Upon registering ourselves, we began planning for the proper method to carry out this activity. It was decided to record a video with all students in our class, with everyone stating what freedom means to them, and adding a shorter narrative of introduction. This was later published on all our social media accounts, with intensive promotion.

Reflection:

This activity has grown on me, as I have further understood the importance of breaking all illusions and beliefs that other people all live on a high foot, when we still live in a world plagued by discrimination, intolerance, and injustice. Working together with my friends has made this experience even more special, as I truly believe each and every one of us has now become determined to at least in some way better the lives of those worse off.

[alenmilakovic]

World NGO Day

Activity Title: Celebration of the World Non-Governmental Organization Day

Date: February 27th

Category: Activity, Service

Learning Outcomes:

Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Description:

Alongside several classmates of mine, I have decided to carry out extensive research into the abundance of non-governmental organizations, their validity, and the significance they carry. Upon finding that a large portion of NGOs are sports-oriented and aim to help those in need through means of recreational activity, we decided to commemorate the World NGO day by thinking of something we could all do and enjoy - bowling. We carried our investigative journey to the local bowling area, where we were able to talk to the owners, so as to find out their perspective on such organizations and the help they receive from them.

Reflection:

This activity has been a great source of pleasure for me personally, as I was able to spend quality time with my friends, all while finding out information about my local community, and how smaller businesses operate. It helped us all expand our knowledge on non-governmental organizations and increase our morale to perhaps join one in the near future.

[alenmilakovic]

International Debate Tournament

Activity Title: International World Schools Debate Tournament Ljutomer 2021

Date: March 5th - 7th

Category: Creativity

Learning Outcomes:

Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

Description:

As part of the school debate club, I registered to the International World Schools Debate Tournament in Ljutomer, this time taking place online. An extensive period of research, preparation and mock debating was followed up by 3 days of exhaustive cognitive engagement, debating on issues both prepared and selected on the spot.

Reflection:

The newly established format of the tournament allowed for a broader audience, and I was delighted to meet people from all over the world. Though straining, it was a greatly enjoyable experience, and I look forward to participating again, hopefully offline next time.

[alenmilakovic]

Activity Title: CAS Project - Virtual Global Model United Nations

Date: Late November 2020 - Early February 2021

Category: Creativity, Service, Activity

Learning Outcomes:

Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

Description:

Along with my dear friends Branko and Milana, as well as several others, I have come up with and realized the idea of establishing a Model United Nations conference. Having gained thorough experience beforehand, in varying positions, I felt comfortable enough to take on the role of a Secretary General. Following a period of exhaustive planning, the conference took place on the 23rd of January. PhD professor Branka Ljubojevic had been a keynote speaker during the Opening Ceremony, making the event better for it. After this, Delegates and Staff members were asked to join their respective committees, those being the Security Council, Historical Crisis Committee, African Union, and the Social, Cultural and Humanitarian Issues Committee. The topics discussed were all of the utmost importance, on top of being particularly pressing in nature. Preceding the Closing Ceremony was a Mass Crisis event, where participants were given an opportunity to utilize their creativity in a dynamic environment with themes of popular culture.

Reflection:

The realization of this rather ambitious project was all but simple. It required detailed planning, coordination, focus, thinking ahead, and numerous other qualities embodied by all of the Secretariat Members. Having brought together people from over 30 countries, I am delighted to declare the first iteration of VGMUN a success! The position of a Secretary General has allowed me to understand the tasks and skills necesarry for coordinating such a large project. I am infinitely grateful to everyone who has made this possible, and to my friends Branko and Milana in particular!

[alenmilakovic]

Activity Title: Secret Santa Gifting

Date: 18th December

Category: Creativity

Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

Description:

Within our class, we had decided to organize a Secret Santa Gifting scheme, in which every person was to draw a name, later to give the respective person a gift. A period of approximately 2 weeks had passed between the name-drawing and actual gifting, so as to ensure each person was given enough time to prepare.

Reflection:

Such an organization has pointed out the capabilities of each person, meaning to what extent they are able to contribute (including me). Along with this, the activity has brought the class together, acting as an opportunity to get to know each person better, which is especially important in IB classes.

[alenmilakovic]

Activity Title: Participation in the “kNOWledge” Workshop

Date: Indefinite, once a week, approximately 2 hours

Category: Creativity, Activity

Learning Outcomes:

Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Description:

Recently, I had decided to take part in an activity organized by a friend of mine. The activity is a creative workshop, aimed at promoting critical thinking, along with developing practical skills. So far, the meetings have featured varying topics, primarily those of artistic expression, creative writing, and psychological analysis. A plethora of topics remains to be covered.

Reflection:

Having a proper platform to express one’s self is truly helpful. Along with this, the opportunity to spend proper time with close friends, working jointly, stands to benefit both sides. This workshop serves as a means of relaxation and engaging performance in a time filled with stress.

[alenmilakovic]

Activity Title: Model United Nations At Home Participation

Date: 12th December 

Category: Creativity

Learning Outcomes:

Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

Description:

Following an application and an interview, I was given the honor to Co-Chair for the World Health Organization Committee in the Model United Nations At Home (MUNAH) V conference. The topic within the committee was the following: “Aiding Healthcare Systems in Developing Countries”. As the Co-Chair, I was responsible for maintaining decorum within the sessions, and enabling proper debate, along with the committee Chair. Attached is the Co-Chair Letter that I had submitted to the conference website.

Reflection:

I have previously attended various Model United Nations conferences, yet this was the first time being in the role of the Co-Chair. A new position had given me a broader perspective and greater insight into the administrative side of the committee sessions. It was exceptionally informative, considering how the Chair was professional, on top of being willing to educate.

[alenmilakovic]

Activity Title: Project in Cooperation with Perpetuum Mobile

Date: Long-term, several hours a week

Category: Creativity, Service

Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

Description:

As a certified peer educator, I have undertaken the responsibility to perform a project organized by a non-governmental organization “Perpetuum Mobile”, in my school. The aim of the project is to educate youth on topics such as gender, sex, violence, healthy relationships, etc. This is to be achieved through a course on an online platform, consisting of modules and tests, where an individual obtains a certificate upon completion.

Reflection:

Although I have previously collaborated with this organization, this particular project is especially relevant, as the aforementioned topics are of highly sensitive nature, and stand to threaten or worsen the lives of many, should they remain “taboo topics”. The response from my fellow peers so far has been mostly positive, and I look forward to continuing this work.

[alenmilakovic]

Activity Title: Thanksgiving Celebration

Date: 28th November (duration for preparations was one week, 6 hours per day)

Category: Activity, Service

Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Description:

A large group of our class (approximately 13 students) had decided to celebrate Thanksgiving, by gathering at a friend’s house, and bringing meals that we had prepared beforehand in pairs of two, or individually. Along with this, we planned numerous activities in which we could celebrate jointly. The day of gathering was on Saturday, as we had classes on Thursday, and wanted to avoid any form of negative impact on our classes. Two students were invited from the older IB class, in hopes of bridging the social distance that the quarantine has forced upon our classes. Special attention was paid to measures regarding the current pandemic. In the end, we gathered leftover food, to be donated to a local homeless shelter.

Reflection:

Being able to cooperate with my classmates in order to establish a joint celebration of a holiday was truly refreshing, and incredibly joyful, as I was able to become closer with them. Besides this, effectively contributing to the local shelter for homeless people had opened my eyes to those which suffered the greatest impact of the pandemic. I am truly grateful for the people in my class, and hope to only decrease the distance between us in the future!

[alenmilakovic]

Activity Title: Supporting Local Businesses

Date: Long-term, indefinite

Category: Service

Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS activities

Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

Description:

Together with my very close friend, Milana, I have started the journey to support local businesses. We begun researching small, newly-opened businesses within our city, and later found a café that had recently opened. We decided to pay it a visit and talk with the employees, in hopes of learning what the optimal approaches when it comes to supporting smaller businesses are. It was a very productive evening and we were able to aid them financially, though to a lesser extent. We decided to visit the café continuously, in order to increase its revenue.

Reflection:

In the wake of exponentially increasing globalization, it is incredibly important to remain invested in the local community, supporting smaller businesses. These may include grocery stores, shops, cafés, and others. We look forward to continuing our research and helping as many as we can, over time! It will be highly beneficial to update this activity over time, in order to observe our progress. Personally, I am immensely grateful that not only can I help people within my community, but I get to do this alongside one of my closest friends.

[alenmilakovic]

Activity Title: Social Distancing Model United Nations Participation

Date: 7th November

Category: Creativity

Learning Outcomes:

Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

Description:

The fifth iteration of the Social Distancing Model United Nations was held online, under the auspices of the Model United Nations Coalition for Harmony. Three committees were offered, and I was given the privilege to participate as a delegate of the Joint Crisis Committee, discussing the topic of Opium Wars, from the position of England, as the Prime Minister of Foreign Affairs - Lord Palmerston. The experience proved to be unique, offering a distinct opportunity to inform oneself with the prospects of war, as well as diplomatic relations in stages of conflict. Numerous possibilities and approaches to the Opium Wars were discussed, including, among other, the kidnapping of foreign officials.

Reflection:

History is a crucial asset to humanity, as it provides us with the opportunity to learn from previous mistakes, in order to avoid them in the future. I was able to inform myself on the topic of the Opium Wars, an occurrence that has possibly shaped the contemporary political stage. Along with the consideration of war tactics, diplomatic agreements, and ethics of particular actions, the conference had moments of light-hearted humor, ensuring that all delegates felt safe, welcome, and included. A remarkable addition was the inclusion of personal pronouns for each party present.

[alenmilakovic]

Activity Title: Virtual International Model United Nations Participation

Date: 24th October

Category: Creativity

Learning Outcomes:

Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

Description:

The sixth Virtual International Model United Nations was held online. Within this conference, there were three committees offered - the Social, Cultural, and Humanitarian Committee, followed by the United States Senate, and the Crisis Coordination Committee. I was given the opportunity to represent the Argentine Republic in the Social, Cultural, and Humanitarian Committee, discussing the topic of Equitable Access to Education for People with Disabilities. The cooperative work included being acquainted with international legislatives and laws regarding persons with disabilities.

Reflection:

Being able to discuss such a globally relevant topic from the perspective of a South-American country has given me the chance to better understand the current state of affairs within such countries, along with how progressive some of them are. Along with this, I could contemplate possible methods of improving accessibility and the everyday lives of persons with disabilities. It was an exceptional experience, especially noting the people I met, and stayed in touch with!