Track X was my first uncharted step into "the design unknown."
After graduating with a degree in tourism almost a decade ago, I chose to pursue design as a life vocation from almost zero. Anything I knew about design up to that point I had taught myself, without any mentor, without qualifications, and without a clear understanding of where I was headed. In my early teens I was aware that I had a raw gift, so the skills came easily, but I knew that it wasn't enough since every skill needs a purpose and goal in order to grow.
Now I was looking for a space where I could ignite my potential without losing sight of my own personal and professional goals.
I was looking for Jedi Masters to help guide me forward. It was then that Track X appeared in the horizon of my life like the Citadel of Oldtown— brimming with people who inspired and humbled me upon first meeting them in the online discussions.
If there was a way to describe how I felt when I was finally accepted as a participant to the course, it would resemble the anxious excitement of the participants in Rowling's Goblet of Fire's Triwizard Tournament. I understood that most (if not all) of the fellows who had been accepted to Track X, were more qualified than I was. I knew, however, that my raw experience and knowledge were strengths and skills that I could bring to the table.
In a short amount of time, the Track X family taught me things that no books, podcasts or video tutorials could have. Participants shared innovative questions and creative challenges on the Virtual Classroom— an online learning platform that gave us the opportunity to connect and bond directly with our mentors and facilitators before meeting them in person in Cambodia.
What I thought I knew about design, media and storytelling was taken to the next level through the multiple perspectives that Track X provided as a core part of its curriculum. Through it, I rediscovered the creative force inside me that I thought I had lost. Being in Cambodia itself was an experience in stark contrasts: from the ringing bustle of street-life to a high-society meal of spiders and ants; from my eccentric tuk-tuk driver to falling in love with my first ever Khmer hip-hop track.
Track X also gave me the space to re-encounter my own curious self, both in the silence and in the midst of chaos. Sitting in the middle of the Russian Market, I listened. I heightened my senses and enhanced my empathy.
Liberating structures represented a new world for me to experience and learn team dynamics. Through these creative exercises that the facilitators guided us through, I learned that there were many ways to penetrate the bright sheen of authenticity which discouraged the kind of negative thinking that ultimately blocked creativity.
Daily morning meditations were also an opportunity to awaken every part of my being to build the one skill every master storyteller needs to harness: empathy. Similarly, vulnerability was encouraged as a strength, and I learned to be comfortable with myself during the 10 days of back-to-back sessions with documentary film directors, photojournalists, storytellers and innovative change-makers.
In short, Track X and the family of alumni (who I am still connected to today), have become an ongoing source of inspiration in my life. Track X means something different to each and everyone of us who was involved, but I am sure that it has kept us bound together in spirit by one creative underlying cause: like a live and unquenchable flame, we know that our Track X journey will never end because Human-Centered Storytelling has only just begun.
Genevieve Liza was part of the pilot 2015 Track X programme, and a member of the Studio State Team which produced the short film "Meeting Ms. Sambo" during the 10-day programme. Her two secrets to a fulfilled life are: (a) 20 second, non-excusable hugs and (b) loving the vulnerability in others. She is now seeking the elusive "Wisdom" (with a capital W) and if anyone should find it, she would love to be its apprentice. At the moment she presumes "Wisdom" has taken the form of Anthony Bourdain. Genevieve currently works for the YMCA of Kuala Lumpur as a Communications Officer and a Resource Volunteer for the National Council of YMCAs Malaysia.