2013 was an eventful year for AEGEE: The Golden Times asked more than 100 active members how they perceived the year – and what they foresee for 2014. Many people considered the work of the organisers of the two Agoras as outstanding (see the featured image of Agora Zaragoza). In this eighth edition: read what Sandra Oborska, Mayri Tiido, Mattia Abis, Ksenia Lupanova,  Alexandra Vilcu and Roland Papp said.

Sandra Oborska, EuroArab Project, former President of AEGEE-Kraków

Sandra OborskaWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2013?
One of the most important moments for me this year was finishing my term as president of AEGEE-Kraków. Along with my board we achieved really great results and I am most proud of bringing the European level more to the local level and implementing more thematic work. As for this year’s European level experience I would say that the EuroArab team meeting in Brussels was very important as it gave a new path to the project.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2013. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
The protests in Turkey and Ukraine! I have such admiration for my AEGEE friends that went down to the streets and fought for their rights! It made me feel that in AEGEE we don’t only talk and discuss but we really act when needed! I also loved to see the solidarity and support that the network showed!
Who were for you the outstanding members in 2013?
I would say all members of the CD, Alla Resheten, Armenak Minasyants, Karolina Mazetyte and Ola Kluczka.
Which one was for you the outstanding antenna in 2013?
Turkish and Ukrainian antennae!
Which one was for you the outstanding project in 2013?
Hard to choose, but I think I would go for Y Vote and Europe on Track.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2014?
The European Parliament elections, social movements in Europe and beyond, the role of young people in the democratization processes and in developing societies.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2014?
I am continuously working on the EuroArab Project, coordinating the implementation of local events all around Europe, preparing exchanges, creating new partnerships and representing the project at different external events. I have also other ambitious plans concerning EuroArab and also AEGEE-Europe…
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I will be spending New Year’s Eve in Praha, Czech Republic, with some AEGEE friends!

 

Mayri Tiido, Health4Youth Project Manager

Mayri TiidoWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2013?
I would say the Health4Youth team meeting in Brussels, followed by a press conference in the European Parliament. These were very awesome and special days for me.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2013. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
Winning the Charlemagne Youth Prize with Europe on Track. Very clever and creative project!
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2013?
As a project manager of the Health4Youth project the most outstanding members for me are my team members Sygrit Andringa, Maria Arends, Zlatko Djordjevic and Matthijs Overhaal. They have proven me repeatedly how amazing and hardworking they are. Sometimes they just blow my mind with their determination and this makes me really proud to have such people in my team. I love you, guys!
Who was for you the outstanding antenna in 2013?
My home antenna, AEGEE-Tartu. First time in a very long time they organised all by themselves a Summer University that was ranked really high! Next to that they hosted a Network Meeting this autumn, which had an amazing quality. I can only say that I am a very-very proud member of AEGEE-Tartu!
Which one was for you the outstanding project in 2013?
Europe of Track.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2014?
The first part of the year will most probably go under the highlight of European Parliament elections. For the Summer University promotion I am hoping to see a cool and targeted use of the updated identity.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2014?
My personal plans are to work on the Health4Youth project for a second year in a row. Breaking stereotypes about healthy lifestyle is on my to-do list! Besides this, together with Matthijs Overhaal I will manage the next European School 2.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
This year I will celebrate it with some friends at home in Nijmegen.

 

Mattia Abis, Network Commissioner

Mattia AbisWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2013?
Although I have been elected as Netcommie, my personal highlight is when I got the news about Agora Cagliari. I was dreaming of that moment since I joined AEGEE, even more than about a European role! It is my highest satisfaction for sure in 2013.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2013. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
I think this were the election results during Zaragora. For almost 48 hours I was suffering and in anxiety – until I felt the consequent happiness inside me and I saw the same in the other elected  people’s eyes.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2013?
For me this was for sure my predecessor as Netcommie, Claudio Armandi. Without him I wouldn’t be and I won’t be able to assume this sensible role and manage 29 local: to him goes all my admiration and friendship.
Which one was for you the outstanding antenna in 2013?
For what I saw and the spirit I felt from them during the Agora, I want to give the prize to AEGEE-Zaragoza. Good job guys!
Which one was for you the outstanding project in 2013?
I have been quite interested in the Eastern Partnership project that will continue with a second round. In the last days, looking what is happening in Ukraine, I think it will be very important for our organization.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2014?
AEGEE-Eindhoven landing in Patra with the biggest helicopter ever!
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2014?
I didn’t plan anything for the moment, let’s see what will happen! It’s too soon to plan but I have some ideas…
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I will stay with my friends here in Sardinia, I have disregarded them too much in the last year.

 

Ksenia Lupanova, AEGEE-Moskva PR Responsible

Ksenia4What was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2013?
Hard to choose one, when all of them pass before my eyes… My personal AEGEE highlight was participating in Zaragora as photographer. I met more people, understand more things about AEGEE. And it nearly connected with all the other highlights, because pure inspiration and instant ideas appeared there, in the middle of an AEGEE-spirit hurricane!
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2013. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
The Agora Rhein-Neackar. Even I was not presented there, the most outstanding moment was the full CD applying for another year.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2013?
It is a pity that sometimes all kind of creators, designers and video-makers are not widely known, because their work speaks for them. But in AEGEE in this year I got to know some names, because it is quiet hard to hide such bright personalities. Especially Gerardo Garcia Diaz from SUCT and AEGEE-Oviedo. Since new PR material for the Summer Universities promotion was spreading in the network, I was impressed with the really modern, fresh and stunningly professional design. After seeing the map of SUs, pillows, badges or towels, I started to be really curious about the person, who is standing behind this. I met Gerardo when we were chosen as video-makers for the new AEGEE promo and discovered that this guy is a totally self-educated creator of awesome stuff, working on an old laptop and with huge plans to go further, making AEGEE visually enjoyable. Also: when I came to Zaragora I saw that all badges, bracelets, cups and T-shirts were designed really well. I asked at the info desk who the designer was. And he was just there, Jonathan, uncle Joni from AEGEE-Zaragoza. It was a huge honour to meet such people. I was even thinking to take an autograph on a Jamon T-shirt, but the mess of the last day didn’t let me to do this. I met a lot of designers and creators, because I am studying architecture, and they are always complaining about clients, teachers and lack of inspiration… But in AEGEE such people are growing really fast, because we always feel this huge support and appreciation of thousands of members. And of course, AEGEE is ocean of inspiration! I want to mention one more name, it’s CD member Miguel Gallardo Albajar, since I met him in the Network Meeting in Lviv, during the Agora and at the Network Meeting in Rostov-na-Donu. I can even mention him as my personal AEGEE highlight in 2013. He got outstanding skills to make your brains work, to show you all sides, to give your inspiration for new crazy ideas. He is making you to know your possibilities, to see your real perspective. He is always helpful, ready to answer for any questions, to share an incredible experience and working even in the train, plane or bus during his trips. I will finish with phrase that I heard from Agora: “Almost as awesome as Miguelito!”
Which one was for you the outstanding antenna in 2013?
AEGEE-Lviv, AEGEE-Kyiv and AEGEE-Zaragoza. I was attending events by these antennae, learnt a lot, saw outstanding team spirit. The Network Meeting in Lviv, the TSU Big Kyiv Theory and the Agora Zaragoza made me love these people.
Which one was for you the outstanding project in 2013?
For me the new visual identity of AEGEE was this outstanding project, especially the Members Portal. It made the life of all PR responsible board members and designers ten times easier. Even if in the beginning I did not agree with the strict way of pushing the new Identity, I am really glad that we will have a common identity, not chaos, because AEGEE was so close to fell into it.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2014?
I really like the direction to become more a youth organization than a student organisation.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2014?
I hope that I will finally manage my balance between studying and being an active AEGEEan. I want more, I feel that I can do more and I will find support. I would like to ask all people who already finished their studies while being Netcom, board member or organizer, how are you doing this? So, I plan to be at the EBM in Lublin, Agora Patra, the Network Meeting in my network and maybe one more time somewhere else in Europe. I will also be coordinating the Transsiberian Dream vol. 6 TSU as nobody did before, so be prepared for some surprises. I will go to Agora Cagliari, because I have been in Italy only for 16 hours, so this is a good opportunity to change it – and because I started to be addicted to Agoras, as perfect AEGEE concentration dose. My plans for autumn are note clear now. Maybe next year I will be in the board of AEGEE-Moskva and maybe I will be candidating for a position on European Level… But I will leave some mystery, because I love surprises.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
With participants and organizers of the New Year’s Event Noviy God Po-russki, near Red Square and under fireworks. AEGEE-Moskva was always trying to avoid a New Year’s event, due to high prices and interesting events in other cities. But this time we decided that it is time.

 

Alexandra Vilcu, Vice-President of AEGEE Milano, former Speaker of Culture Working Group

Alexandra VilcuWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2013?
I don’t have only one, but I have three, because it’s the perfect number. This year I mainly concentrated on my antenna, AEGEE-Milano. Therefore, I would say my first two highlights were the event I organized together with them, “Look @ MI (lano)!”, in the month of April, which, apart from discovering the city, brought the focus on current affairs such as multiculturalism in Italy and the upcoming Expo 2015 in Milano. The event proved itself to be successful, we had a good number of participants, we had a great time, and it was actually a good re-launching pad for us as an antenna, after a not so active period in the past two years. That brings me straight to the second highlight, which is the election of our new Board, in October. We have a new team, consisting of old and new members, and we are becoming more active and more enthusiastic every day. Thirdly, another great achievement was being one of the speakers of the event series “European Talks”, organized by AEGEE-Brescia this autumn, and I wish to thank them for inviting me. My discussion was entitled “Culture in the European Union: Globalization vs. National Identity”.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2013. Which one do you remember most   vividly or was outstanding?
What struck me in particular was the Comité Directeur re-candidating for one more year. Being a good team, working well together, and serving one’s purpose with dedication, will automatically bring good results. Therefore, I saw it as a good idea, and I wish good luck to them on the rest of the term.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2013?
Uuuuh… It’s really difficult to say, because every day I see or read about so many people who make significant contributions in different ways, either the local or European level, or both. Therefore, for me the title goes to every AEGEE member who is motivated enough to learn, grow and make a difference within the organization, not just to party. These people may or may not be famous on the European level, but it’s the effort to create something important that counts, and that will inevitably pay off with results.
Which one was for you the outstanding antenna in 2013?
Here, I would mention the groups of Turkish and Ukrainian antennae who stuck together during the protests in their countries. Taking concrete action in the name of democracy, being on the street together with their people is something deserving of all respect and moral support on behalf of the entire network. Congratulations, guys!
Which one was for you the outstanding project in 2013?
I would say Europe on Track, which has won the Charlemagne Youth Prize, but I would also   mention Y Vote 2014 and Health4Youth, where I see fast growth and lots of initiatives.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2014?
Most definitely, the European Parliament elections, of which I believe even more awareness must be  raised, and also topics like the handling the clash between national values and European values, especially as the European Union will be growing even more in the future, and these issues will keep becoming more prominent.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2014?
My plans have to do with becoming more active than I was in 2013, or better said, return to being as active as before. Of course, my number one priority is still my antenna, to which I share an emotional connection first and foremost, as, before anything else, they are wonderful friends. We plan to grow more and more in 2014, both in number of members and in number of local and European activities, we have various ideas, but for now I am going to leave the surprises for later. But watch out for AEGEE-Milano! On the European level, I recently re-activated myself in the Culture Working Group, and I also applied as a trainer in the AEGEE-Academy. I believe that being a trainer for various events, before I retire, would be an excellent opportunity to teach newbies what I have learnt in more than three years of AEGEE, because anyway I also see a lot of potential in the upcoming generations, and that potential needs to be unleashed at 360 degrees. Last but not least, I am looking forward to taking part in Agora Cagliari, in Autumn 2014.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
In my native country – Romania, and in non-AEGEE ways, but I don’t know what exactly I will be doing yet.

 

Roland Papp, Eastern Partnership Project

Roland PappWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2013?
Planning Meeting Genova. It was a very fruitful event full of active members, and this event will have a huge influence on our work in the following years. It was a great pleasure to be there and I am happy that I could be the part of this whole process as member of the Planning Team.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2013. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
The protests in Turkey and now in Ukraine. These moments showed me that AEGEE members can fight for important values. It was great to see that the whole network cares so much about such serious issues. I have many non-AEGEE friends who didn’t know much about the situation, meanwhile for us it happens to our friends, people we know personally. It is good to see our commitment in the harder times.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2013?
Alla. Only this year she organised two Agoras and EBM and ran the awesome Eastern Partnership Project in her free time as a hobby. This is already hard to believe. But as I have the chance to work with her in the Eastern Partnership project I am amazed. It is always very inspiring to see her commitment, precise and great job! I also have to say Kristóf Papp. His EurStory Project is a great initiative and an awesome idea, which deals with an important issue which should be in our focus if we want to build a stronger Europe. At the end I did not become a member of the project team because of time constraints, but I work with him as he is my president in AEGEE-Budapest. And yes, we have the same family name. But no, he is not my brother.
Which one was for you the outstanding antenna in 2013?
Since I know very well what it means to organise an Agora, I have to say big thanks to the organisers of Agora Rhein-Neckar and Zaragoza. But I also want to mention AEGEE-Valletta, which organised a perfect EBM, and AEGEE-Las Palmas, where I attended the Y Vote convention. A big congratulations for all the helpers there!
Which one was for you the outstanding project in 2013?
My heart says Eastern Partnership of course, we can be proud of the results! I only joined this project in 2013, so I was not involved in many successful activities, but it was a pleasure to work with them! Europe on Track was also a huge success. When the ambassadors came to Budapest, back in 2012, I hosted them in my home and organised the local event, so I was proud to be a part of this.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2014?
The European elections will be very interesting for everyone, and I guess – unfortunately – the focus area “spreading Europtimism”, which will be very much needed…
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2014?
I will leave my home country, and I am not planning to live in Budapest for the next three or four years at least. So I will say goodbye to the local level – and to my previous life… But wherever I will be, in the next few months I will work hard with Eastern Partnership. And the second half of my year depends on Agora Patra.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I have many friends who live abroad, some other friends live in Budapest, but work or study so much that we don’t have much time to meet. So I shall endeavour to spend time with them. So maybe there will be some moments when I will not be surrounded by AEGEEans.

 

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