Who is the AEGEE member of the year 2014? Which antenna, which project was the best? The Golden Times asked more than 70 locally or Europeanly active members. In this fourth edition: read what Anna Gumbau, Claudio Armandi, Elżbieta Krótka, Alin-Florin Calin, Hana Hudak and Marijn Scholte said.

Anna Gumbau, former Editor-in-Chief of The AEGEEan

Anna GumbauWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
This one was luckily a very active year for me, so I have plenty of great memories and highlights. To me, the most valuable experiences were the team achievements we got both in The AEGEEan, where I got the chance to work with awesome people, and in AEGEE-Barcelona, especially after having organised the Fundraising European School and becoming Local of the Month – something we would have never expected. More personally, I will never forget being on stage in Cagliari, at the Agora Inspire session, and seeing many AEGEEans that felt inspired or identified with my words. That feeling is really hard to describe.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
The standing ovation that the CD 2012-14 received at the Autumn Agora Cagliari after presenting their Activity Report. I think this can collect several outstanding moments and sums up very well all the big achievements and the great work that AEGEE has done in this past couple of years.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2014?
I think that every single member, who has contributed for this organisation to have a positive impact, deserves equal recognition. In this past year I have met so many motivated members who took an active role and ownership of what AEGEE stands for, strived for AEGEE’s ideas, embarked in projects and organised many outstanding events – all in all, we can all be proud of our contribution somehow, and the same applies to the AEGEE antennae.
What was for you the outstanding project in 2014?
To me, without any doubt, the Election Observation Project. It was less than a year ago that we had our first project meeting in Köln and it has grown at an extremely fast pace – having organised missions in Ukraine twice, Scotland, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Moldova, most of them without even being an official AEGEE-Europe project yet. We are lucky to have a very committed and motivated team and many people interested in the project, and I am sure we will be alive and kicking for long.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
I would love the 30th Anniversary of AEGEE to involve as many locals as possible, and I believe this is going to be one of our big topics next year. We can be very proud of our achievements, so I hope that this will get AEGEE members interested in our history and we can celebrate it the way it should!
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
Last year I got involved in many projects at once. The lesson was learnt – so right now, my big focus will be the preparations of the final conference of AEGEE’s 30th Anniversary, the thing that will keep me busy until at least May, and the reason that will take me to the headoffice in Brussels for a couple of months. The AnniTeam and the Election Observation Project are my only plans in AEGEE so far, as I want the Anniversary celebration to be perfect and the Election Observation Project to be as successful as it has been so far.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
At first I was considering to apply for some New Year’s Event, but in the end I will stay here – I am not sure though if I will be celebrating with my AEGEE-Barcelona friends or I will just stay in my hometown and disconnect completely from AEGEE for New Year’s.

 

Claudio Armandi, President of the Mediation Commission

Claudio ArmandiWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
Admitting that everyday I’m swaffeling in front of the whole Agora Cagliari. It took me some effort, but I had to. I hope I paved the way for some more coming outs in the future. In case you don’t know the meaning of swaffelen, Google can be your friend!
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
Watching the promotional video for the New Year event in Utrecht during Agora Cagliari. I didn’t get it but the whole thing felt like watching some David Lynch stuff. “You know, there was a man that lived here once that had a prize-fighting kangaroo. Well, you just wouldn’t believe what that kangaroo did to this courtyard!”
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2014?
I remember last year I mentioned all the people working every day at local level. This year I’m thinking of all the people who are not in AEGEE to use it as a springboard for their careers, or those of them who are at least honest about their intentions, even if they are having nice times with foreign girls.
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2014?
I haven’t mentioned Cagliari in the last answer, so I’ll do it now. Great city, great people, great Agora. They made me proud ever since the announcement they would have been the next host for the Agora. Nothing more to say!
What was for you the outstanding project in 2014?
I can think of all the projects closing during the last Agora, or of the Election Observation Project, which is involving a lot of people in several countries, even before it was officially established. But I noticed I gave three serious answers in a row, so what about a personal hygiene project? The last plenary in Cagliari was really demanding, olfactory-wise.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
There is a famous Italian song that war is just on the other side of the hill. You might believe it or not, but it can also depend on where you want to place your hill.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
Keep on aging at a sustainable pace. I don’t want to grow up too fast, but time goes by. Jeez, I’ve been around for quite some time! I guess I will be working in the Mediation Commission until Agora Kyiv, then who knows? It might be nice to establish a new local before I leave. Haarlem anyone?
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
It will be somewhere in France, far from the AEGEE windmill!

 

Ela Krótka, President of AEGEE-Kraków, Netcom Subcommissioner

Ela KrotkaWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
I had many challenges and successes this year! During this year I was chosen as President of AEGEE-Kraków and since NWM Zielona Góra I am a Subcom… But the biggest highlight was the Y Vote convention on Education, Research and Mobility, which was organized in Kraków. I was the coordinator of the project and… actually I was very scared in the beginning when it turned out that we have no money from the YiA programme. I was shocked as I knew that we were the only local which decided to prepare the event without the grant. It was three months of hard work. My project group was really involved into the project, they were ready to answer the phone at 3 a.m., especially Mateusz Gierczak, who was responsible for the logistics staff – he didn’t understand the word impossible. Everything was possible and done. Finally, 24 participants came to Kraków and we spent a fantastic time together… I am still in touch with some of them and I still feel this satisfaction I felt in the last day of the event, when I heard so many nice words from the previous Board, Ola Kluczka and the participants. We achieved our goals, made a good project and showed that AEGEE-Kraków has a lot of energy and power. What is more, it was a moment when I really decided to take part in the elections in AEGEE-Kraków, which took place few days after the project…
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
The announcement of the results of the elections in Patra. Yes, definitely. Seeing people crying, shouting with 20 people from my local for Ola who was elected to the CD and is a member of AEGEE-Kraków. Seeing these seven young people on the stage when they still could not believe it was true. Of course this Agora was also a good-bye to the previous board. Luis crying during the presentation which contained photos of the past two years – it was sooooo touchable. Yes, this Agora will always stay in my memory.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2014?
AEGEE has so many fantastic members. Everybody develops himself and finds a place for improving his skills, passion and interests. What is more, all of us have a desire of changing something in our lives – and it is the thing which motivates me personally. But, if I have to decide, I would mention two people – one who I met somewhere in Europe and one from my local.
The first person is the president of AEGEE-Dresden, Jorge Sánchez Hernández. I am still in touch with him, because our locals have an exchange. And I have to admit, that I really admire his passion. Jorge wants to show how awesome AEGEE is and does everything he can in Dresden to strengthen this new antennae. What is more, he is very open-minded. I love when he asks me questions about AEGEE-Kraków and says that he wants to implement something new in Dresden! I love his desire of working and the energy he gives to AEGEE and takes from the organization. I think he will do many good things for all of us!
The second person is Mateusz Muszalski. Actually, it is not easy to say everything I could about him. He joined AEGEE-Kraków and became a Board member after six months. He is our internal star of the last year. After a few months of working in AEGEE, he became an expert in fundraising and is really good in it! He is often invited to LTCs of other locals and it makes me very happy and proud as I was the coordinator of the LTC he participated in. What is more, our visions of AEGEE-Kraków are very similar and we do not have to talk a lot about some situations, because we understand each other without words. He is the best Vice President I could have!
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2014?
The first easy question for me! AEGEE-Wrocław, without doubts! After many years of problems which were caused by the failure in matters related to the Youth in Action programme a few years ago, this local is on its way to become one of the best! There are no problems anymore, more and more members are coming as they realize AEGEE gives many opportunities, they are going to have their first LTC again… It is a real motivation for many people, me as well. When their successes were announced during the Network Meeting in Zielona Góra, I was sure that all of us will start crying soon. A big determination, motivation and feelings let just two girls solve all of the problems and start over. Congratulations to AEGEE-Wrocław! The second antennae is AEGEE-Kraków of course – as we are a very strong local, which makes many projects and continues our good work. We are also the antennae of year 2014!
What was for you the outstanding project in 2014?
Europe on Track. Unfortunately, I didn’t participate in this awesome project, but I think it is a great initiative which showed us the beauty of Europe, our similarities and differences.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
For me the big topic of 2015 will be reinforcing the importance of trainings organized in a whole organization. As the Subcom responsible for LTCs in my network, I understand the significance of this kind of project in AEGEE. It is a possibility for our own self-development, but also for the development of activities of our organization – locals and AEGEE-Europe as a common structure. Well-trained members can develop new ideas and raise the bar higher. I love Ivan Bielik’s initiative, which aim to improve the quality standard of our projects. As LTCs are for my antennae and me one of the most important events every year, I know how significant knowledge transfer is in this aspect.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
2015 will be a difficult year for me in our organization. In March I am finishing my term as President of AEGEE-Kraków, I will pass our local in other good hands… It will be an awesome moment as I know how strong our local is – but it will not be easy to get used to the changes. I will apply for a position in the Advisory Board of my antennae and will try to give as much advice as the new president will let me. I do not want to disappear – AEGEE-Kraków has been a very important part of my life for two years. What is more, I am a Subcom and would love to ameliorate the level of LTCs in our network. I want to be a big support for my Network Commissioner Marta Wnuk, who has many fantastic plans. I am sure that together, as a team, we will achieve many fantastic goals. I have the desire to develop me and my surroundings – but we will see what will happen!
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I will have one of the best New Year’s Eve in my life and I know it now! I am going to Cieszyn with a group of friends, many of them are active members or the dinosaurs of AEGEE-Kraków, so I know it will be unforgettable time and a good beginning of a new year!

 

Alin-Florin Calin, Pool of Representatives and Election Observation Project

Alin Florin4What was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
I met the president of the European Parliament Martin Schulz in the capacity of candidate to the President of the Commission during a debate in Vienna and I was very surprised about his knowledge and enthusiasm, especially for AEGEE-Aachen. To be honest I didn’t expect him to know much about AEGEE.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
It was the Ukrainian Presidential Elections day on 25th of May, when AEGEE was present with 21 observers, more observers than political players like Nato or the European Parliament sent.
Who were for you the outstanding members in 2014?
Laia Garcia, because she represented AEGEE in many conferences and Thomas Leske due to his constant involvement and devotion; Maria Arends and Adrian Browarczyk for their work in AEGEE; Marije Arentze and Nikolay Kazantsev as people with great potential and dedication in the Election Observation Project, as well as for the upcoming European Planning Meeting.
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2014?
AEGEE-Patra and AEGEE-Cagliari, since they did a good job with organising the Agorae.
What was for you the outstanding project in 2014?
It is definitely the Election Observation Project, which Thomas Leszke and me founded back in November 2013, and is run by a strong team. We are planning some outstanding election observation missions, hopefully even to Israel or Belarus.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
The 30th anniversary of AEGEE and its stance, for instance towards geopolitical issues such as the relation with the Russian Federation in the next European Planning Meeting in Burgos or the Millennium Development Goals with the target date of 2015.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
Not taking any duties in AEGEE any more, but enjoying some election observation missions, Agorae – and supporting my 19-year old sister with advice, where to go on a Summer University, how to party hard or how to write a good motivation letter. Furthermore, I will support the creation of an AEGEE contact in Canterbury, where I am based at the moment, and the initiative of Mairéad Murray and Fenia Megremi to found AEGEE-Dublin. These islands need more Europe and AEGEEans around.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
Watching the fireworks from Lykavitos.

 

Hana Hudak, President of AEGEE-Paris

Hana HudakWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
2014 is really my AEGEE year! So I would say the whole year is a personal AEGEE milestone and highlight! After getting better introduced to this world during my first SU in Saint-Petersburg, I participated in not less than 10 events up to this day – which is quite a lot for a serious student like myself! – starting from the New Year’s event 2014 in Belgrade. A very dear event to me stays and will stay the Y Vote Convention in Paris: a great success and amazing group cohesion that brought the whole team closer together!
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
Agora Cagliari. It wasn’t my first Agora, but it was a new and fresh vision of the event. Great place, great people, exceptional organization, inspiring debates, lots of networking! I enjoyed getting to know my Frenchies better and making plans for the future, meeting a lot of new faces, being able to interconnect regions – I am especially happy to work on reinforcing AEGEE-Paris’ network with our fellow Spaniards and Portuguese, as well as forging links with my Slavic heritage and all the countries of the Balkan region. I really felt like belonging and being in the right place at the right time!
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
The 30th anniversary. I am looking forward to seeing all those exciting plans being implemented! And as a bonus might come the very hot topic of EU-Russia relations – to be discussed.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
After dubious and very serious discussions with Léa and Inana during the very last night in Cagliari, many new ideas started haunting my mind! First of all, I really want to work in implementing better communication between the antennae in the La Nave network – that means a lot of infiltrating into as many Spanish events as possible for me! I’m also planning to conduct better information meetings for members attending statutory events in order to prepare them in the best way possible. A part from that, a lot of cultural local activities and a few exchanges are in process and AEGEE-Paris might have a little surprise for our 30th birthday!
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I am escaping the Parisian tourist rush periods to Madrid for a pre-Christmas weekend! After which I will be staying in Paris for the New Year vacations, concentrating on university and my other responsibilities. As for New Year’s night itself, I would love to repeat the NY Beograd experience, but this time it’s friends and Paris!

Marijn Scholte, AEGEE-Groningen, ACT member

Marijn ScholteWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
My personal highlight of 2014 was participating as delegate in the Agora Cagliari. Until then I was mainly active in my own local, AEGEE-Groningen, of which I`ve been a member since February 2014. Cagliari really gave me the chance to see how AEGEE is structured and to participate in its decision-making. And also of course to meet a lot of new awesome friends!
Which were for you the outstanding antennae in 2014?
I think so far two antennae were really outstanding in 2014. Firstly AEGEE-Cagliari: they did an amazing job organizing this year’s autumn agora and I think I’m not alone in saying that it was a very successful event. Secondly I would like to mention AEGEE-Dresden. Its members have been working around the clock to get this local back on the map – with success! Besides this they have also managed to set up a very impressive Buddy Program, bringing together local and international students in Dresden, despite the low number of active members. Both locals therefore deserve a lot of credits for their contributions to the network.
What was for you the outstanding project in 2014?
One of the most important projects of AEGEE is the Democracy in Practice Project, which was ratified this year in Cagliari. Democracy and human rights are not things we should take for granted. Even in today’s Europe we see quite some dysfunctional democratic institutions and violations of human rights. Therefore I’m really glad that this issue has been picked up by AEGEE and I hope that the project can make a difference.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
I hope that the Kiev Autumn Agora will be one of the highlights. The political conflict between Russia and the West is more and more creating a border through our continent. The Agora in Kiev will hopefully be an example of European unity and the importance of resolving issues in a non-violent and democratic way.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
Currently I am active in the organization of the European event of AEGEE-Groningen, which will be four days of workshops, lectures, readings and other activities, all related to the central theme “Democracy”. I hope that this event will be a great success and that we can welcome many AEGEEans in Groningen by the end of February. Beside this I am also a member of the Action Agenda Coordination Committee (ACT), which is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Action Agenda and supporting locals with doing this. I really hope that by the time of the Kiev Agora the realization of the Action Agenda is more than 50% – which also is a goal of the entire committee. This is really important for AEGEE, because the Action Agenda reflects our common principles and values.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
Probably with family or friends in Groningen, but I haven’t made any concrete plans yet.

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