Ontario Student Leadership Conference

What's New

OSLC 2010 - Thank You

Nov 25, 2010

Hello all OSLCers,

This is always a sad time for me.
This is that time when I pack up conference, OSLC - I pack up 2010 - I pack it all in boxes and I start working on 2011.
It is always so hard to walk away from the event - from the one that just ended - so hard to plan for the other when my heart is still on the past.
The rush I feel from the Friday before the event until the Tuesday when it ends is a high that I never feel any other time of the year.
I do not feel it during Christmas, Halloween, holidays, family events, concerts, birthdays, anniversaries - there is no other time when this high is ever matched or even rivalled.
It is my favourite time of year - it is my time - my time to see all the work I have done play out - see just how well it unravels - it is when my job and I are tested - it is so easy to fail for I only have three days to make it great - three days is all I get!

OSLC this year was the best year we have ever had - I am so thankful for that - so proud
There were still challenges, set backs and things that did not go perfectly
But there were also so many things that were amazing - that altered lives - that changed mine
For three days I deal with at least 2500 people - maybe not directly - but they are there - they are the students, the advisors, sponsors, presenters, spirit leaders, hotel staff, out staff, guests….......
It truly is an unforgettable experience and it changes my life year after year
Just when I think I am getting desensitized to what I am supposed to feel it knocks me right back down to amazing. It takes my breath away.
On the Sunday when it all started I had the biggest goosebumps walking into the Great Room and seeing 2300 people dancing - it was all real - it was all happening - it was my plans coming to life!

This year was actually the first year that I felt the change to the core.
It effected me differently, I felt more connected - more attached - more involved - it became my life line.
I woke up in the mornings on little sleep energized and I lasted the entire day and night!
When it ends - I am changed - I am sad - I know I should be the happiest girl in the world - but I never am - not on the Tuesday.
When it all ends - and everyone is gone - there is litter all over the hallways - full garbage cans - traces of the people that once were once there. I see the chairs being stacked and I feel as though they were never there - ghosts - I see the porters clearing the glasses, breaking down the tables and it makes me feel so detached - like it was ripped from me - like it should not be over yet - it is too soon.
I usually cry because it is over - I do every year. This year I cried more because I had to say good bye to people I got really attached to - the spirit leaders.
I felt a new connection - one I have never felt before - one I know that will never be replicated - it was pretty incredible - still is in fact.
I thought they would all fade off by now - but they are still very much in my life - it is making the end easier!

OSLC was truly a life changing experience - I am sure for many - but definitely for me.
Thank you to all those who were there - to all who helped out - and to everyone else for all of your constant support.

So much love and thanks,

Ange