Vivian Tan Huey Wen and Her Efforts on Leading the Huskies Team

"Everything happens for a reason."

Vivian Tan Huey Wen • President 2019-2020

Interviewer: Allythea Tan

Date: Aug 14, 2020

Credits to: Lee Yi Tung

Allythea: Describe Huskies in three words and explain your choices.

Vivian: "I would say stress-relieving as we had a reliable schedule that one can look forward to as a way to relieve their stress from studies and assignments (especially as someone who enjoys sports!). Second would be interactive as we allow for an introduction to and communication between HELP students of different departments and personal backgrounds due to lack of discrimination in recruitment criteria. Last would be fun, thanks to our atmosphere that de-emphasizes competitiveness that may otherwise intimidate newer players."

A: What do you define as sportsmanship and teamwork?

V: "Understanding, especially from the perspective of new players so that they can be taught at their own pace; and open to direct communication because if one is frustrated, they should be able to express it and work through it with their teammates, rather than lash out at others."

A: What made you choose to join Huskies as a member?

V: "I joined with friends after being told that it’s fun! I've never properly trained in captain ball prior to joining the club, but knew some of the rules."

A: Was Presidency your first choice when applying for Huskies Committee and why?

V: "Actually, Vice President was the first choice, then I chose either PR or Trainer as my second choice. I only agreed to become President after some discussion with my other committee members as I had stepped up during our probation period, where I was initially Vice President. This was because I valued open communication and equality, which had not been happening at the time."

A: What were some of your "expectations vs reality" of becoming President?

V: "I'd say the lack of open communication, for meetings were not as progressive as I initially expected and required many follow-ups that dragged our time. Also, the initial personalities of my members were different in and out of meetings. Regardless though, I knew understanding was required despite the frustration from lack of productivity as other members could have also had their own reasons for acting the way they did. There was also the lack of genuine intentions for the club from some members. I believe some joined just for their CV to look better, but such reasoning was also understandable and not wrong per se. Although, this may have been the potential reasoning for the lack of quality work, I do recognize that in such situations, it's the role of Presidency to push them to improve."

A: What were some of the biggest obstacles you and your Committee faced during your tenure?

V: "Definitely fundraising for Open Match, due to the different schedules of our committee members that lead to lack of manpower. There was also the difficulty in predicting days and times that students would be most free. Throughout that time, the business students had a better idea of how fundraising worked, so they took charge the most."

A: What are some of your most touching memories from before and after becoming part of Huskies Committee?

V: "As a member, that would be Bonding Camp! It was the first-ever camp I attended in university and initially, I was pretty reluctant to go. It was also when I had just joined the club, so I got to meet a lot of people and bond with them throughout the camp! As part of committee, it would be competing in COPA IBA. We managed to participate by playing under Victor’s (one of the Trainers) church. Through that, we got to learn more captain ball skills, and we got to meet and train with different teams, including renowned teams and players. It was a really big step up for the club as they got to play with different people. I also got to spread Huskies name, to the point where external players would remember me telling them about Huskies when we first met. I have always viewed challenges as an opportunity to learn and acknowledge that everyone learns and grow in different ways and at different paces."

A: What do you think sets Huskies apart from other sports clubs in HELP?

V: "To be honest, I have never joined other clubs in HELP - I'm unsure of their structure. Though I know that in Huskies, equality is most emphasized, especially for girls - we have a rule that states that girls score 2 points so that members are encouraged to encourage and respect new female players. This also meant harshness from male players would be pointed out, and everyone would be encouraged to play to prevent bench-warmers. In the end though, I do acknowledge that agreement is required from other parties for change to occur after encouragement - I could never expect to force my values and judgement on others, all I can do is encourage."

A: What would you tell someone who is interested in joining Huskies but is hesitant in doing so?

V: "I'd say if one is encouraging another person to join the club, they have the responsibility to accompany them throughout their time in the club until the feel comfortable and safe as to set an example of the club atmosphere. I wouldn't just tell my friend that the club is "friendly" without acting friendly first. Committees are also encouraged to get to know the new members and I would try to break the ice between committees and new members to make it easier for them. I also have to highlight our PRs - they did an especially great job at welcoming new members!"

A: Is there a difference between how you communicate with your committee and club members?

V: "No, as equality is a big personal value but I recognize that others may have different values. To me, at least, committees are just club members with set expectations and responsibilities."

A: Was fundraising your most rewarding experience as part of the committee?

V: "Not quite, the most rewarding experience was successfully executing the Open Match as we got to invite renowned external teams to participate in the event, and they even complimented the club for its execution! I think it was especially as Open Match had no age limit, so veterans got to join too when they usually wouldn't have any matches for them to participate in."

A: What was the most difficult thing you faced while planning and executing the Open Match?

V: "Sponsorships, those were difficult, just difficult man..."

A: What are some of your expectations for the club’s future?

V: "That would be for Huskies to grow and reach out externally from HELP to allow our club members to grow in terms of captain ball skills and meet other players. After all, it can get pretty boring to always be playing with the same players with the same skill sets. It would also be to inspire members to view captain ball not just as another sport, but as a means to bond with others through teaching and playing together."