THE PINGU POST The Official Newsletter of Division 34S Penguins Region 17
CNH KEY CLUB | MARCH 2015 | VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 7
Letter from the DNE
My term doesn't officially end for another 14 days, but this is my very last letter as LTG. I've been thinking a lot about what I want to say to you all before my term is over and I think the most important thing I'd like to pass down is that if I can be Lieutenant Governor, anyone can. Running for Lieutenant Governor was not, at all, the next logical step for me. I could go on for paragraphs about all the different reasons why I was not qualified for the position, but I'm trying to keep this somewhat short so I'll spare you. Looking back I am so grateful that I ran anyway. I'm so glad that I didn't wait for someone to urge me to run. I'm glad I listened to the small voice in my head that told me I could do this despite my lack of experience. The beginning of my term came with a lot of difficulties. I had loads of work to do and even more to learn. The only previous position I'd held within key club was bulletin editor, and though I had lots of experience with hands on volunteering, my professionalism and technical experience was lacking (some of my first Facebook posts or emails still make me cringe). My mantra for the first few months was 'fake it till you make it' which was fitting because I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. It took months of late nights and endless hard work to feel like I was doing anything right. There were definitely countless times where I questioned if I had what it took, or if the hard work was worth the payoff, but I can honestly say I never once regretted taking the risk of running for Lieutenant Governor. I've learned a lot these past 11 months. I can't say I've learned how to effectively manage my time or stop procrastinating, but I have learned exactly how many days I can run on 3 hours of sleep before my brain stops functioning. I learned how many hours go into planning a successful event, or writing a proper email. I learned how to talk to adults (at least I think I have). I've learned that a lot is possible with enough hard work and passion. I learned that while it can feel cool to have people know your name or be intimidated by you, having people trust and respect you feels a million times more meaningful and rewarding. I've learned that having a fancy title doesn't make you any more confident. Appearing on stage in front of a large crowd felt great, but the highlights of my term have been the one on one conversations where I've gotten to know members, officers, and Kiwanians better. I feel so blessed to have had so many officer and members let me in on their dreams and future aspirations both in and out of
Key Club. It's the friendships I've made and personal connections I've formed that have made the hard work of this term worth it. I remember every single compliment or thank you I've gotten this term, no matter how small, because it's those kind words that have kept me going. (Cupertino High School, your thank you card from Key Club week has been hanging on my wall since the day I got it and has been a big motivator over the past few months :-)) Not having a long list of qualifications ended up working in my advantage. Having failed many times before made me less afraid of failure which lead me to take risks and push myself. Having started my term lacking in Key Club knowledge has only lead me push for an more educated division. There are, of course, a lot of things I would do differently if I were to start my term knowing what I know now- but overall I would consider this term a success. In the last few weeks of my term I want to remind you all that my offer to help you find fitting volunteer opportunities or a leadership position that suits your interest still stands. If you're running for an officer position I'm happy to help you with your speech. I'm also here if you ever want someone to talk to about anything at all. This is getting long and I meant to keep it somewhat short so I'll wrap up by saying thank you for everything you've all done to make this term as unforgettable as it's been. I hope to see you all at the division banquet on March 28th where we can reminisce over the past 11 months and celebrate all the amazing things we've accomplished. Have an incredible month of March.
My journey as a Club President will soon be coming to an end, and with this are a few closing words. No matter who you are, YOU have made a difference in someone else’s life. Somewhere out there, every act of SERVICE, every act of FRIENDSHIP, every PENNY donated has gone to benefit others in our community, others in a neighboring community, and others around THE WORLD. This club has taught me that no matter what you do with good intention, there will always be someone out there that will be grateful it. As Los Altos Key Club President, I will not lie, there were many ups and downs. However, I will forever cherish the moments that were great. From our screaming the Key Club International “How do you feel” cheer, to the lasting friendships I have made through this organization, all the trouble I have had has been worth every bit. It has been an honor to serve the Purple Penguins of Division 34 South, and I know that without all of you, we would not be the division we are today. With the new term beginning March 15th, I BEE-lieve that Division 34 South will reach heights that we have never reached before, and I will continue to waddle with pride everywhere I go.
This year was the one year I felt most involved in Key Club probably because of my role as president. There were definitely struggles and things I didn't know like getting ERFs (event request forms) passed to host a DCM and even as a senior, I had so many first times in key club like my first blanket making DCM and my first time at conclave. But honestly, nearing the end I feel like what really made this year great is working to build my club back up again and seeing it happen-- seeing 40+ people show up to first day of key club week and be in that club photo and seeing them volunteer at our events throughout the year so shout out to all our new members this year and especially the freshmen who kind of took a chance on our club out of the tons of other service clubs. I also really want to thank Noori for being such a sweet, amazing, hilarious LTG and just being super approachable. Our division couldn't have grown and been so successful without you! The last thing I want to say to anyone in Key Club right now is that key club can really become your Ohana if you let it.
When I first joined Key Club, I had no idea I would go as far as becoming president of my home club. People always ask how Key Club is different from other volunteer clubs, and I can tell them all about FRN and DCMs, but there's also this feeling of family that just can't be explained unless you've experienced it. If you are currently a member of an officer, I hope you continue to go further in your Key Club journey: meet new people, attend more events, take another leadership position! The spirit and unity you'll find is priceless. I will never forget this part of my high school career, especially since I have a whole stack of Key Club shirts and purple bandanas in my closet to remind me every day! Purple Penguins forever, AWOO!!
Hey D34S Purple Penguins! It has been a truly remarkable experience serving alongside all of you amazing Key Clubbers. I have learned so much from everyone in my home club and entire division throughout my 4 years of high school, with some of my fondest memories being Key Club related. Key Club has been an integral part of my character growth as both a person and leader in high school, and thank you guys for all being a part of that journey with me!
Now that my term has come to an end I'd just like to say thank you for all the fun times and fond memories that I've shared with all of you. I wouldn't trade anything in the world for the experiences you guys have given me. You guys are in good hands with Albert, Josh, and Minyoung and I have a lot of faith in the next leadership team. Keep waddling in service penguins!
Thank you D34S and Monta Vista Key Club for such a fun and memorable high school experience. From various service events to DCON to fundraising events, I enjoyed every moment! Jasmine and I had a great time being co-presidents with you; thanks for always keeping us on track! Noori, thanks for being an amazing LTG and keeping us well informed throughout the year! Non-senior officers, thank all of you guys for making this term great and hopefully next year you can make Key Club as large and successful as ever!
It has been a crazy ride for all of us. Thank you for trusting in me through my struggles, and believing that I would somehow pull through. Thank you for the endless opportunities. I’ve met so many talented individuals who I know have the abilities to create unforgettable experiences for our division, and will even change our world. Create memories for yourself. Don’t wait for someone else to make them for you. I’m excited to see us grow closer as a division, sharing yet another year of fun and struggles. For those of you who can’t wait for me to leave, I’m sorry but you’ll have to deal with me for just another year!
Mr. Key Club Pageant was a blast! I hope everyone who went had lots of fun. I know that myself, Regita, and the LTGs had tons of fun organizing it! The pageant was a great success, we raised $1337 from the event, and it’s all going directly to Project Eliminate. As a division, we’ve made a significant difference in the world by saving the lives of hundreds of people. Know that with your help, you have given a future for others, and I hope you will continue to make our world a better place. Thank you purple penguins!
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What is District Convention?
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PTP WHAT IS PTP? PTP stands for Pediatric Trauma Program. Pediatric Trauma, otherwise known as unintentional injury, is the leading cause of death among children ages 14 and under in the United States. More children die from unintentional injury than any other diseases combined.
WHAT ARE EXAMPLES OF PEDIATRIC TRAUMA ? A child who suffers from head or even brain injury because he or she was not wearing a bicycle helmet. A baby who was injured from tumbling down the stairs because no safety gate was present. A child who drowns in a household pool because proper alarms and fencing were not installed.
WHAT IS THE GOAL OF PTP? The Pediatric Trauma Program is based of the principle that all injuries are predictable and preventable. Together, the CNH District aims to develop local projects to reduce the number of children who are killed or injured by trauma
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE MONEY DONATED TO PTP? The funds donated to PTP provide grants to partner hospital, which allows them to create or expand community outreach programs, and the funds provide grants to Kiwanis to allow them to help more children in more communities. The funds are also used to provide PTP safety items to families to ensure that all children live happy, healthy, and safe lives.
Lieutenant Governor
Executive Assistant
Noori Takawol
Angela Hu
d34s.cnhkc.ltg@gmail.com
d34s.cnhkc.ea@gmail.com
Secretary
Executive Assistant
Kelena Jue
Lucy Li
10kelena.j@gmail.com
d34s.cnhkc.ea@gmail.com
News Editor
Brandon Choy d34s.cnhkc.dne@gmail.com
Division 34 South Key Club
@Division34s
@D34South