Reflections of my ACM Docent Journey 2017-2018 ( first posted on thebarefootfoodie.org - 30 Jul 2018 )

 

Reflections of my ACM Docent Journey 2017-2018

JULY 30, 2018ASIAN CIVILISATION MUSUEM, BAREFOOT ARTS

I became a newly minted docent at the Asian Civilisations Museum ( ACM ) after 6 months of intensive training ( not counting scheduled breaks in between ). A typical training extends from September to May in the following year, with classes and practical sessions held twice a week, usually on Tue and Fri.

The Journey

Christmas lunch

‘You’ve been warned” Not sure where I first heard these foreboding words, but they rang true and loud. In the ensuing months, I would be huddled inside my cave of a study, staring at the computer screen, either trying to focus my eyes on the reading materials  or madly typing away at my assignments. Almost everything else in my life came to an indefinite standstill. Gone were my private moments of fiddling around in the kitchen, trying out a new recipe, or eating out ( what eating??? ) or reading a novel ( where did I last stop? )

The days, weeks, months flew by.  In spite of it being a “volunteer” activity, standards were sky high and there were moments when I felt totally lost at sea trying to craft out a  script and then trying to remember what I wrote about.

It was some consolation to know that your fellow course-mates were facing the same struggles. A drink or two accompany a meal to bond afterwards was always a good reprieve. We were a motley crew of women from all walks of life and nationalities who became good friends and buddies through a common goal and shared sufferings.

Graduation day party with the Lotuses

Apart from the challenges of getting a dormant brain to start kicking, there were also different personalities, perspectives and perplexities. There is a structure to stick to, and you will be put through many countless practices and preparation in presenting a script that will eventually see you through a tour that will hopefully be entertaining, informative and inspiring ( ie your audience will want to visit a museum again )

As in every batch of trainees, there would be a few that would not make it, for one reason or another. Some are due to a clash of personalities but in a setting like this, we all learn to accept and adapt. As trainees with a steep learning curve to navigate, we learn to put personal differences aside, develop a thick skin, persist and persevere.

This was by far one of the toughest projects I’ve ever done but also one of the most rewarding. It opened my eyes and my mind to the world around and to the people who came from different parts of our world. It made a better public speaker out of me and armed me with a new level of self-confidence. I became a lot more cleverer and better informed. I also made many good friends from all across the world.

Pretty in Orange

Moving on

Let’s drink to that, cheers!!!

The key to being a good docent ( or anything else, for that matter ) is practice, practice, practice. You just keep on doing it, under different circumstances, with different audiences, until it becomes second nature. Some take longer than others but eventually, we all get there.

As a docent, you call the shots as to when, how, what you want to guide instead of sticking to a certain format as prescribed during the training. I am very thankful for the guidance and advice I got and still hold on to my final “mentor paper” which has been prepped, whipped and practised ad nauseum as the template, with some tweaks here and there.

You will get all kinds of audience. Personally, I love guiding children and their parents because they are so appreciative. If there’s any ego booster for a tired guide, this is it. Some will be quiet and stoic, others will ask questions ( some you cannot answer, so just move on ) but if they stay with you throughout the tour and not drop out without good reason, you are doing something right.

There will be a new group of trainees joining the ACM come this September. I will be playing a different role this time, being on the other side, as a Co-Group Leader ( GL ) with a good friend who went through the same training last year.  I can’t wait to meet this group of bright-eyed bushy tailed enthusiasts all raring to go. My mantra for these people would be “work hard, play hard, have fun” It will be one heck of a roller-coaster ride but always exhilarating, and you need to pause and catch your breath when it is over!