ESEAP Conference 2024/Report/MaxixKatana

From Doubt to Inspiration: A First-Time Wikimedian's Conference Experience

Mabuhay! It's me, MaxixKatana, from the Philippines.

For most of my life, self-doubt held me back. I never imagined myself attending a conference, let alone representing my organization at an international event. But that all changed when our executive director announced the ESEAP Conference 2024 scholarship opportunity in Malaysia. With a sliver of hope, I applied, not truly expecting to be chosen.

To my surprise, my application was accepted! As a newbie Wikimedian, I was awestruck by the conference. Meeting fellow Wikimedians from across the globe was a highlight, despite my usual aversion to crowds. This experience pushed me outside my comfort zone, revealing the value of camaraderie.

The conference included an orientation, a tour of Mari-Mari Village showcasing Malaysian history and culture, and project presentations. My team and I proudly presented our different project in the Philippines: "Hatch-A-Wikimedian," "Women@Work," and "Wikidunong: An Eduwiki Initiative in the Philippines”and "Wiki for Human Rights".

Despite preparation, self-doubt lingered. What if I failed? What if no one listened? Taking the stage, my body trembled, and I envisioned collapsing. Gazing at the diverse audience, I felt insignificant compared to their achievements. Yet, despite these anxieties, I stood tall and began.

Initially, my voice and body shook, but as I spoke, confidence bloomed. Seeing the audience engaged fueled my delivery. I completed the presentation, exceeding my own expectations. My mentors, Ma'am Imelda and Sir Anthony, offered encouraging words – a truly heartwarming moment.

Through the presentations, I gleaned valuable insights about being a good Wikimedian. I learned new strategies, the importance of good faith, and respect for diverse beliefs. Witnessing the preservation of history and languages through Wikimedia projects underscored the beauty of safeguarding knowledge for future generations.

This conference will forever shape my journey as a Wikipedian, dedicated to providing free access to knowledge for all. I vow to share the beauty of accessible information and inspire others to go beyond collaboration. The event itself – the accommodation, food, and staff – exceeded my expectations, setting a new standard for me. As my first conference and first encounter with the broader Wikipedian community, it will remain an unforgettable memory, fueling my desire to do good, believe in others' kindness, and embrace continuous collaboration beyond horizon.

Things Learned At The Conference

This is the first ever flight in my life, which is why I have millions of takeaways. From how to go to the NAIA to how to pass immigration, how to board the plane, and how to talk with people, I learned that being a wikimedian brought everyone together despite the differences and language barriers.
I learned different languages in Malay and Indonesian.
I learned how to make presentations well, how to present confidently in front of different people, and how to become a wikimedian with a lot of different ideas.
I also learned to always believe in good faith.
One of the greatest things we can do as good citizens is to preserve our culture. Because the current generation is gradually becoming less interested in preserving our culture and customs as time goes by. We may feel secure knowing that our culture and traditions will be well-cared for and endure for many years to come thanks to preservation.
We are more than what we think.