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CAS Portfolio

Name: Dagim Melaku

DBSAA

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My Gym Journey: A CAS/Personal Experience

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My Gym Journey: A CAS/Personal Experience

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Introduction

When I started my gym journey about three months ago ( March 2024), it was initially just for fun. One day, I decided to go to the gym with my dad, and the gym trainer there encouraged me to come more often. Personally, I was quite skinny in my arms and had a bit of fat around my stomach. I wanted to improve my physical appearance and overall health, especially since I felt drained from school and had stopped doing sports due to my busy IB schedule. My main goal was to build a better physique, gain confidence, and develop dedication to something outside of academics.

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CAS Portfolio: Organizing a School Talent Show

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CAS Portfolio: Organizing a School Talent Show

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School Talent Show:

Introduction: Our event was a school-wide talent show that invited contestants to compete for a prize pool of 25,000 birr. The event featured a variety of entertainment, including music, performances, and food from external restaurants. The primary goal was to raise funds for our student council to enable future projects and enhance our school's legacy. As the student council president, I aimed to create a memorable event that would engage the entire school community and beyond

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Planning: In November 2023, my partner and I conceived the idea of a talent show. We were motivated by the desire to introduce a large-scale public event that our school had never hosted before. The initial planning involved several critical steps:

1. Brainstorming and Approval: We brainstormed potential event ideas and settled on a talent show due to its broad appeal and entertainment value. We presented our proposal to the student council and school principal, highlighting the benefits and feasibility of the event. After receiving approval, we moved forward with detailed planning.

2. Task Division: My partner and I divided responsibilities equally. We handled various tasks, including drafting emails and newsletters, contacting businesses, and organizing logistics. We created a structured plan with specific roles for each of us, ensuring all aspects of the event were covered.

3. Fundraising and Budgeting: We started with a budget of 20,000 birr and organized smaller fundraising events to increase our funds to 50,000 birr. These included bake sales, movie nights, and community gatherings. Our goal was to secure enough funds to cover the expenses of a large-scale event.

4. Vendor Coordination: We contacted several food businesses to participate in our event, negotiating vendor fees and ensuring their involvement. This process involved numerous calls and meetings, often conducted outside school hours due to scheduling conflicts. We successfully secured agreements with six businesses, creating a diverse and appealing food offering for attendees.

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Weekly Workout Schedule ( Add pictures and video of workouts)

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Weekly Workout Schedule ( Add pictures and video of workouts)

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Wednesday: Chest and Biceps

Bicep Curl: 3 sets of 10 reps (progressing from 6 kg to 12 kg)

Dumbbell Bench Press: 3 sets of 12 reps (progressing from 6 kg to 12 kg)

Hammer Curl: 3 sets of 10 reps (progressing from 6 kg to 12 kg)

Chest Flyes: 3 sets of 12 reps (progressing from 6 kg to 12 kg)

Friday: Triceps, Deltoids, and Back

Tricep Dips: 3 sets of 15 reps (body weight)

Overhead Tricep Extension: 3 sets of 12 reps (progressing from 6 kg to 12 kg)

Shoulder Press: 3 sets of 12 reps (progressing from 6 kg to 12 kg)

Lateral Raises: 3 sets of 12 reps (progressing from 6 kg to 12 kg)

Lat Pulldown: 3 sets of 12 reps (machine, increasing weight)

Sunday: Full Body Workout

Squats: 3 sets of 15 reps (progressing from body weight to 12 kg dumbbells)

Deadlifts: 3 sets of 12 reps (progressing from 6 kg to 12 kg)

Push-Ups: 3 sets of 25 reps

Plank: 3 sets of 60 seconds

Leg Press: 3 sets of 12 reps (progressing to 42 kg)

Rowing Machine: 15 minutes (fast pace)

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Initial Challenges: When I first started, I struggled with lifting weights and often felt extremely tired, almost on the verge of collapse. I didn't know what exercises to do, but my gym trainer guided me and created a personalized schedule. The initial phase was tough, but with consistent effort, I began to see improvements.

Proud Moment: I felt proud of my progress when I noticed a significant increase in my strength. When I first started, I could barely lift 6 kg, but after three months, I was comfortably lifting 12 kg. Seeing my shoulders grow and feeling stronger gave me a great sense of achievement. Looking in the mirror and seeing the physical changes made all the hard work worthwhile.

Surprising Learnings: One surprising thing I learned is that I can lift much more than I initially thought possible. The gym not only changed my body but also my mindset. I realized that progress takes time, but with dedication, it's achievable. The gym became the highlight of my day, something I looked forward to because it made me feel accomplished and motivated.

Staying Motivated: On days when I felt less enthusiastic, I stayed motivated by rewarding myself. After a workout, I enjoyed a steam room session, which helped me relax and clear my mind. I also treated myself to a meal at a nearby restaurant. Additionally, my gym trainer played a crucial role in keeping me motivated by constantly pushing me to exceed my limits and achieve my goals.

Physical and Mental Health Changes: Physically, I noticed that I became stronger, more muscular, and more confident. I could lift heavier weights and perform exercises that were challenging before. Mentally, the routine of going to the gym helped me develop discipline and commitment. It showed me that with consistent effort, I could achieve significant progress.

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Initial Goals: My initial goal was to get stronger and improve my physical appearance. I wanted to find an activity outside of school that would help clear my mind and build a better physique.

Evolving Goals: Over time, my goals evolved. Initially, it was all about building my dream body, but it has become more than that. The gym is now a source of motivation and stress relief. My goals have become more ambitious, and what I once thought was unrealistic now seems achievable.

Future Goals: I plan to stay consistent with my gym routine, continuously increasing weights every three weeks. I also aim to add more exercises to my routine as time allows. By maintaining this dedication, I hope to achieve even greater strength and muscle growth.

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Increased Awareness of Strengths and Areas for Growth: Through my gym routine, I learned that I can stay dedicated to something and see progress through consistency. It helped me understand my physical strengths and the areas I needed to work on.

Undertaking New Challenges: I faced several challenges, such as struggling with chest presses and leg presses. Initially, I couldn't even lift the bar, but over time, I overcame these challenges and began to enjoy these exercises.

Showing Perseverance and Commitment: I demonstrated perseverance by never skipping a gym day. If I missed a session, I made sure to make it up on another day. This commitment helped me stay on track and achieve my goals.

Working Collaboratively with Others: My gym trainer played a crucial role in my progress. He provided guidance and motivation, helping me push beyond my limits. His support was invaluable, especially in the beginning phases.

Engagement with Issues of Global Importance: Health and fitness are important global issues, especially with the rise of obesity and mental health concerns. In my community, physical activities are often neglected due to the intense focus on academics. My gym routine helps me stay physically and mentally healthy, serving as a positive example for others.

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The most important lesson I’ve learned from this experience is that with dedication and effort, anything is possible. Progress may seem slow at first, but consistent effort leads to significant achievements. This gym journey has shown me the value of commitment and has had a profound impact on my personal growth. It has taught me that if I truly dedicate myself to something, I can make my goals a reality.

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Execution: Key milestones during the execution phase included:

1. Setting the Event Date: Selecting the event date was challenging due to overlapping school activities, holidays, and potential competing events. We settled on February 7th, as it was the most feasible date that allowed adequate preparation time and minimal conflicts.

2. Organizing Auditions: We created detailed flyers with audition information and distributed them across 10 schools in Addis Ababa. We held two audition days, attracting over 50 contestants. To ensure inclusivity, we also conducted auditions at a school for students with disabilities, selecting talented individuals who might not have been able to attend otherwise.

3. Logistics Management: On the day of the event, we arrived early to coordinate setup. We hired three maintenance staff from our school and two external workers to assist with stage setup, seating arrangements, and technical support. My partner managed the sound system, ensuring seamless audio for performances, while I served as the event announcer, engaging the audience and introducing contestants.

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Outcome: The talent show was a resounding success. We raised approximately 70,000 to 80,000 birr, significantly boosting our student council's budget. The event drew around 300 attendees, including students, parents, and teachers. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing admiration for the organization and entertainment value. The success of this event set a new standard for what our student council could achieve and inspired future projects.

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Reflection: Organizing the talent show was a transformative experience. It taught me crucial skills in event planning, leadership, and teamwork. I learned to view challenges from a broader perspective and understand the importance of detailed planning and patience. Effective communication was vital in coordinating with various stakeholders, from businesses to school staff. The experience also underscored the value of delegation and supervision in leadership roles. Witnessing the event's success and the joy it brought to the community was incredibly rewarding, reinforcing my belief in the power of perseverance and collaborative effort.

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Conclusion:

The talent show was more than just an event; it was a milestone in our school's history and a testament to what can be achieved with determination and teamwork. It provided a platform for students to showcase their talents, brought the community together, and demonstrated the potential for future student-led initiatives. This experience will remain a highlight of my tenure as student council president and a valuable lesson in my personal and leadership development.

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My Time At MWC: Volunteering at a cancer Society in Addis Ababa ( Matheus Wondu Cancer Society)

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My Time At MWC: Volunteering at a cancer Society in Addis Ababa ( Matheus Wondu Cancer Society)

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MWC is a Cancer Society located at and founded in Addis Ababa.

Dates: June 2024 – May 2025
Type: Service (Voluntary Community Involvement)
Strand: Service

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From June 2024 to August 2024, I volunteered at the Mathiwos Wondu-YeEthiopia Cancer Society (MWECS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting cancer patients and raising awareness about cancer in Ethiopia. I was actively involved in a variety of tasks, including emotional support for patients and families, event organization, fundraising and community outreach.

Purpose and Goals:
My goal was to make a tangible impact in the lives of those affected by cancer, offer support where needed, and contribute to the growth of the organization’s outreach. I also aimed to challenge myself to take initiative and work collaboratively with others in a demanding and emotionally charged environment.

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Helped organize community events and support activities for patients and their families.

Sold books to raise funds for cancer patients, with all proceeds going directly to support treatments and services.

Brought in new members to the organization, helping expand its reach and capacity.

Proposed and implemented innovative ideas that improved event planning and volunteer coordination.

Supported emotional wellbeing of patients and family members, especially those dealing with grief and loss.

Collaborated with other volunteers, helping them take on more responsibility and improve their leadership.

Created Social Media Infographics

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Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth : I realized how much I enjoy working in teams and also identified areas where I could improve, such as managing emotional stress in sensitive environments.

Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience : I took the lead in organizing activities and proposing new fundraising ideas, showing initiative and independent planning.

Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively : Working with fellow volunteers and staff, I experienced the power of teamwork in creating a supportive and effective environment.

Show commitment and perseverance in CAS experiences : I consistently volunteered throughout the year, even during busy school periods, showing long-term commitment.

Demonstrate the engagement with issues of global significance : Supporting cancer patients connects to the global issue of healthcare access and awareness, especially in developing countries.

Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions : I reflected often on how my actions impacted the patients, ensuring that everything I did upheld their dignity and respected their experiences.

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This experience was deeply meaningful and transformative. I learned the value of presence. Just being there for someone can make a world of difference. I also realized how much of an impact young people can make in local communities when they take initiative. Fundraising through book sales not only helped raise money but started conversations around cancer awareness in my friend group and neighborhood. I also gained a deep appreciation for the resilience of the patients and their families, which inspired me to stay positive and solution-focused in difficult moments.

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Duration: Two months (September–October 2023)
Frequency: 2 sessions per week (Mondays and Wednesdays)
Location: DBSAA Football Field

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Description:
My classmate and I led a coaching program for the U-13 football team at our school, aiming to develop technical skills, boost confidence, and build team spirit among younger players. We designed our own curriculum, balancing foundational drills with fun activities that kept the players motivated.

We started with 14 boys—many of whom had never played in a structured team before. The first week was about observation: identifying potential, understanding their personalities, and forming a bond built on mutual respect. From Week 2 onward, we developed a plan that incorporated the following elements:

Skill Progression: From basic ball control and dribbling to advanced passing sequences, each session built on the last. We used cone-based drills, one-touch passing routines, and scrimmages.

Fitness and Agility: Short sprints, footwork ladders, and balance games helped improve stamina and reaction times.

Team Communication: Players were assigned rotating captain roles to encourage leadership, accountability, and in-game decision-making.

Creative Element:
We introduced a points-based system for training where players earned gratitute for progress, attitude, and sportsmanship. At the end of each week, we awarded a "Player of the Week" armband. This kept the players focused and built positive team culture.

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Match Days:
We organized two official friendly matches against neighboring schools. Despite initial nerves, the boys played like a team that had trained for years.

Match 1 (vs. Nigat Kokeb School): We won 3–1. Our striker, Nehemia, scored twice, including a beautiful volley from a corner kick we had rehearsed the day before.

Match 2 (vs. Sandford U-13s): A dominant 4–0 win. The team played with structure, pressing high and showing impressive confidence. The goalkeeper even saved a penalty!

Reflection and Impact:
This project pushed me to be a mentor, not just a teammate. I learned how to give constructive feedback, adapt my plans when something didn’t work, and stay patient when progress was slow. The most fulfilling moment came when a shy player, who barely spoke at the beginning, gave a halftime speech that fired up the entire team.

We ended the season by hosting a small celebration where we handed out personalized certificates we made using Canva and printed ourselves. One of the parents even told us their child “hadn’t stopped talking about football since we started.” That was when I realized the project’s impact went beyond just sport.

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Celebrating 5 Years of Eneho Fikir: A Presentation Journey

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Celebrating 5 Years of Eneho Fikir: A Presentation Journey

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Date: FEB 25, 2025

Role: Presentation Designer and Speaker

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Project Description:
To mark the 5th anniversary of Eneho Fikir, a local charity working to uplift underprivileged communities through education and healthcare access, I volunteered to create and present a digital presentation during their official celebration ceremony. The goal was to reflect on the charity’s journey, highlight its accomplishments, and inspire more people to get involved.

Planning and Preparation:
I began by meeting with members of the Enho Fekad organizing team to understand their goals for the event. I collected stories, impact statistics, and old event photos that represented the organization’s growth over the past five years.

Next, I used Canva and PowerPoint to build a clean, engaging slideshow that balanced emotional storytelling with visuals. I designed a timeline of milestones, included quotes from volunteers and beneficiaries, and created charts showing progress in literacy rates and community outreach.

In parallel, I worked on writing the presentation script. I wanted it to be heartfelt but informative, so I blended facts with real stories—like the one about a young girl who went from struggling with school to becoming a youth tutor through the charity’s support.

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Creative Elements:

I used visual storytelling techniques, like transitions between years, animations, and color-coding to guide the viewer through the timeline.

I created custom icons and infographics to simplify complex data.

A short video clip embedded in the slides showcased a before-and-after transformation story of a local family.

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Reflection:
This project taught me how powerful storytelling can be in inspiring action. It also challenged me to design with purpose and speak with confidence in a public setting. I improved my presentation skills, got better at time management (finishing the final version just a day before the event!), and felt the pride of using creativity in service of something meaningful.

I also learned how charities operate behind the scenes—the importance of documentation, event planning, and donor engagement. It gave me a new appreciation for the power of community-driven change.