2012 was a rollercoaster ride for AEGEE with many ups and downs: great new projects, a strong impact in European institutions, but also a very turbulent spring Agora in Enschede, followed by a huge appraisal for the CD at Agora Budapest. Also: honorary membership for Burcu Becermen, but also the early death of AEGEE founder Franck Biancheri. The AEGEE Golden Times asked a few members how they perceived the year – and what they foresee for 2013. In this first edition: read what Manos Valasis, Shushan Khachatryan, Fabian Brüggemann, Ada Toma, Mateusz Dokurno and Sandra Lukavetska said.

Manos Valasis (former President of AEGEE-Europe)

What was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2012?
Certainly the Network Meeting in Ioannina. It was not just another Network Meeting! I arrived there thinking there is quite some help to be given to the local, but I left being the one that was helped after all! Not only that was a great event, in which participants learned a lot, but also, we all got moved and motivated by the amazing energy and spirit of AEGEE-Ioannina people! They are really amazing!
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2012. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
I would go for Luis protesting in Russia for missing freedom of speech, while being threatened he’ll be arrested! Well done Luis!
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2013?
Because of obligations I could not avoid, I missed EBM Izmir. Therefore, attending a new-format EBM in 2013 is definitely one of them. The rest rely on the IT world, namely enhancing the Online Voting System and launching the Online Membership System!
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2013?
Internally, reforming our top level structure, following the results of the thematic officers’ work. In general, AEGEE might find itself involved in situations lobbying for deeper fiscal integration of the EU states – in case that doesn’t happen, I believe the Union will collapse.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2012?
I would name the whole CD. They are doing very well in having results already from the very early stages of their term, they are preserving peace in the Network and they are managing in many cases to avoid huge delays that our internal processes usually demand! Cheers to the CD & their assistants and helpers!
How/where will you spend New Year’s night?
I will be joining AEGEE-Riga people I guess – that’s all I know.

Shushan Khachatryan, founder of AEGEE-Yerevan

What was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2012?
This year I was a little bit passive in AEGEE unlike my super active 2011. I was more active on European level after finishing my term as a president of AEGEE-Yerevan. At European level for me the highlight was participation in the Eastern Partnertship Civil Society Forum and National Platform, Working Group meetings in Prague and Yerevan and representing AEGEE there. Also this year our Eastern Partnership Project became an official project of AEGEE at the Agora Enschede. At the local level I was involved in some of the projects of AEGEE-Yerevan including Summer University and Les Anciens Autumn University mostly as a trainer and an adviser.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2012. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
Well it will not be a surprise if I mention Agora Enschede as most memorable moment this year for me and a little bit shocking indeed. However I see now better developments in the CD activities, so I am happy the direction of AEGEE-Europe was readjusted.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2013?
As I am now in the Netherlands fully concentrated in my MBA degree, I do not have super plans about AEGEE for 2013. However in frames of Eastern Partnership project we plan a congress in the Netherlands somewhere in spring 2013 and I will be coordinating it.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2013?
Now being in the EU I can feel how much the economic crisis affects the youth unemployment. This issue is becoming more and more important day by day and I think AEGEE could focus more on the youth unemployment issue, especially trying to highlight the competencies young people should have to get a job after graduation. Other than that of course I should mention the Eastern Partnership Project and the introduction of cultures of Eastern Partnership Countries. Being here in Western Europe I see that young people have no idea about our countries, our cultures and our way of living. More emphasis should be put on those two topics.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2012 and why?
Well I would mention a row of outstanding members, but there are two of them which I discovered this year. Those two members are Elena Toader from AEGEE-Passau and Adrian Browarczyk from AEGEE-Poznan. I started to work with them in the Eastern Partnership Project this year and was amazed by their enthusiasm, motivation and high energy. I am sure they will have a lot of success in the future.
How/where will you spend New Year’s night?
Even at New Year eve I don’t skip AEGEE. I plan to celebrate it with AEGEE friends in Krakow, very much looking forward to it. Also taking this opportunity I want to wish everyone Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Hope 2013 will bring us new interesting challenges to prove ourselves we can overcome everything!

Fabian Brüggemann, Mediation Commission President

What was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2012?
Standing ovations for the outgoing CD after their activity report at Agora Budapest – well deserved after the hard months before!
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2012. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
Burcu Becermen becoming honorary member of AEGEE-Europe at Agora Budapest.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2013?
Enjoying the great team work with the MedCommies.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2013?
Agora Rhein-Neckar taking place in April, organised by a lot of different antennae – joined forces for AEGEE!
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2012 and why?
Marko Grdošić for taking over the role as President of AEGEE-Europe at Agora Enschede. He did a great job in support and leading his team to finish up the CD year in a good way – and set the path for the current CD to continue their very successful job. And Hara Kogkou for devoting a lot of time for the SUCT, MedCom and the “SU-25 years” booklet, doing a great job for all of the mentioned!
How/where will you spend New Year’s night?
In a very silent way, at a place in the countryside without party.

 

Ada Toma, Network Commissioner, President of AEGEE-Bucuresti

What was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2012?
My highlight was that we managed to be upgraded to antennae again after AEGEE-Bucuresti was downgraded at Agora Enschede. The work and effort that my team did in just five months was amazing.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2012. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
I guess the most oustanding was during Agora Enschede and everything that happened with the Comité Directeur. I would prefer to remember something more pleasant, but unfourtunaly, I really think that moment, for everyone that was and wasn’t there, will be remembered.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2013?
I am currently in the Network Commission and I am loving it, hopefully I will do a great job and contribute a lot to this part of AEGEE. I am also working as a journalist for the SU 25 Booklet and it will be amazing. I have a lot of plans regarding what I want to do in AEGEE but I am taking everything step by step and learning along the way.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2013?
My God, I hope there will be many, but the only one coming to mind is the Autumn Agora in Zaragoza.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2012 and why?
There are many people that should be mentioned here and not just one. I prefer to tell no names and just say: I hope each year even more people will be willing to do outstanding things to improve themselves and AEGEE.
How/where will you spend New Year’s night?
Haha, nice question, I will be in Athens for NYE and I will spend it with a lot of my friends – AEGEE and non-AEGEE – that are coming just so I don’t have to go back to Bucharest. Love my friends! Have a great NYE and see you all in 2013!

Mateusz Dokurno, NetCom Subcommissioner, Secretary of AEGEE-Katowice

What was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2012?
Attending AEGEE Białystok’s event “Bison Hunting”
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2012. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
Definitely the vote of confidence against the CD at Agora Enschede – it was really vivid, but luckily not outstanding.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2013?
I’m just shaping my AEGEE plans for next year. Probably it will be 3 areas: great workshops at our RTC in March, which I’m responsible for; doing my best as a Subcommie of our NetCom Bartosz Sudorowski; last but not least: finally stop only talking about an Agora in Katowice and begin to act!
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2013?
We are always startled by highlights in AEGEE and it’s devilishly difficult to foresee anything. So the best solution is to travel around Europe, to participate in AEGEE events and being in the thick of events
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2012 and why?
It’s pretty hard to specify. Maybe the current CD members, which stick more together, are more professional and work harder than the previous ones.
How/where will you spend New Year’s night?
I’m not sure yet. Probably it will be the NYE organized by AEGEE-Gliwice – together with 150 other AEGEEans.

Oleksandra “Sandra” Lukavetska, AEGEE-Lviv

What was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2012?
This year was very active and was full of bright moments. I want to highlight the Agora in Enschede – it was my first Agora and there I felt AEGEE-spirit in full. Besides it, there were a lot of unforgettable impressions during and after Summer University “Two hearts one beat” organised by AEGEE- Lviv and AEGEE-Krakow. All participants were fantastic, full of energy and enthusiasm for new adventures and experiences. Most of them became close friend after this event!
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2012. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
The most memorable moment in 2012 refers to EBM in Izmir. You know, that AEGEE- Lviv acted as a team of helpers during this statutory event. I got an extraordinary experience having such role in such an important event, moreover working with the AEGEE- Izmir team was a great pleasure! They are famous for their organising skills and I think it’s a big honour to work with them.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2013?
When I joined AEGEE, I was immediately drawn into the crazy rhythm and stormy life of the organisation. AEGEE is like a drug and unconsciously you become addicted of it When you travel a lot and get acquainted with lots of people, you want more and more! Therefore, I believe that 2013 will be full of exciting trips and adventures. For sure, I’ll go to Spring Agora in Mannheim and Fall Agora in Zaragozaaaaa! Also, I really want to go to Madeira and Helsinki, take part in the organisation of the Summer University in Lviv again.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2013?
I can answer to this question at once! The Fall Agora in Zaragoza! It is not only an incredible Spanish city, at the same time it’s special because of unique, funny, helpful, energetic people, full of surprises. AEGEE-Zaragoza is an extraordinary antenna. They know the difference between entertainment and serious work thus they do both with great passion. That is why I am convinced that this event will be one of the best in history of AEGEE!
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2012 and why?
To my mind, one of the most outstanding members in AEGEE is Luis Alvarado Martinez. Why? He is a very responsible and conscientious person, he is really involved into AEGEE life, trying to improve and increase the level of the organisation in Europe. Luis is a great example to follow for people who want to achieve more results.
How/where will you spend New Year’s night?
Surely, I could celebrate New Year’s night at home and it would be one more ordinary celebration, which will be forgotten in a week. But why should I spend this holidays like that if AEGEE-Napoli organises a winter event? I want to remember this New Year for a long time having fun and doing crazy things with friends, getting new experience and great memories. What can be better than New Year in Napoli with people from AEGEE? Easy atmosphere, unforgettable memories, interesting surprises and great holidays are waiting for me in Napoli! I am sure that the organizers will do their best to make this event the most remarkable for each participant.

Check also the other reviews and previews!

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Part 2: Alla Resheten, Jana Pokorná, Koen Berghuis, Léa Charlet, Adrian Browarczyk and Zsuzsa Kékesi: https://www.aegeegoldentimes.eu/?p=4378
Part 3: Mariella Rapa, Márton Demeter, Francesca Russo, Alin Florin, Anna Pritvorova and Ilona Bogomolova: https://www.aegeegoldentimes.eu/?p=4401