June 8 – Connect the dots, connect the people.

Getting to know Kit

Once I got matched, I got euphoric and started researching on the other AIESECers that I would be working with. I first found out who I would be working with on a Google document created by AIESECers in Delhi University. One of them is Kit, and I reviewed (yes, I said “review”) her information on myaiesec.net. Starting with her CV, then her Exchange Participant (“EP”) form. Days later, I received a hello letter from Kit, and after several back-and-forth replies, we are friends on facebook and MSN.
We talked a lot on MSN, things like why she’s called Kit, which part of Malaysia she’s living in, and you name it. We even talk about TVB drama ---- and oh yes, she’s a Malaysian who has watched TVB drama. And of course, we did talk about our exchange and how she’s worried about nobody would pick her up when she arrived.


Preparing for exchange with Eliza (and others)

While I was getting to know Kit before I even meet her, I had been preparing for exchange with Eliza. We had been helping each other out, sharing information that each had. An example would be she sending me the information on how to get a letter from AIESEC (Hong Kong), and I telling her where my mum bought me Indian Rupees.
But the preparation doesn’t stop there, we had also connected with other Hong Kong interns who are going to India and talk each other through each of our anxiety. But as Eliza always exceeds others expectations, she did more than helping Hong Kong AIESECers out --- she offered to pick Kit up once I told her Kit’s arriving at the same airport a few hours after her.


Kit and Eliza --- on the same boat

Kit and Eliza are practically on the same boat --- their TN Managers promised them nothing. No pick-up. No guides. Just to find a taxi next to a coca-cola vending machine and an address of the intern house they would be staying. And even if they got the address, they would not know where the taxi driver is taking them.
They started out in the hope of comfort and safety in each others’ company, and perhaps a side intention to share the taxi fares. But with the knowledge that they are arriving at different terminals, uncertainties and unexpected things had made the journey to meet each other much more difficult. They prevailed. And when they saw each other, they were hugging like sisters separated by war.


What’s my point?

So here we are, two total strangers becoming two good friends. And how had I contributed? Nothing… except spreading impact by connecting people through connecting the dots (the information you know). So next time, when you go on an exchange, connect the people who are going to the same country as you do, you would be surprised by how things could turn out.

Kit and Eliza, from total strangers to caring roommates.