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 tenth edition: read what Ioana Duca, Alfredo Sellitti, Olga Rivero Menéndez, Maria Arends, Adrian Browarczyk and Sabina Guja said.

Ioana Duca, Financial Director of AEGEE-Europe

Ioana DucaWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
Very difficult to choose, all the moments are important for me.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
One of the most memorable moments in 2014 was the moment of applause and thanks for the former CD and the moment of applause and thanks to the organisers of Agora Cagliari!
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2014?
Hmmm, difficult question. I think all AEGEE members around Europe!
Which were for you the outstanding antennae in 2014?
First of all my local, AEGEE Cluj-Napoca, and the amazing team that is there. They are just awesome! And AEGEE-Cagliari for a perfect Agora!
What were for you the outstanding projects in 2014?
I will say Y Vote 2014 and Europe on Track.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
I think it will be the topic of youth unemployment and the future of Europe, I mean in which direction we want to go.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
In this moment I don’t have plans, one of my plans died, so in this moment I just want to finish my term and to see what will be next! I will not say that I will quit AEGEE, but I don’t plan anything big, maybe to continue supporting my local!
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I will spend New Year’s night in Romania, probably in Cluj, with friends and family!

 

Alfredo Sellitti, former President of AEGEE-Europe, AEGEEan editor, Policy Officer on youth mobility

Alfredo SellittiWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
This year I didn’t manage to take part actively in any event, but the most memorable event has been during the live streaming from Agora Cagliari, when I saw the team of organisers jumping on stage. It was a great achievement. I remember AEGEE-Cagliari had the Agora in mind since a few years ago, when I was Network Director. Besides the great organisation – at least from the comments I heard – I loved the fact that all Italian locals managed to cooperate and support AEGEE-Cagliari in such a complicated and not always rewarding task. Bravo to them!
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
Probably the most outstanding happened outside of AEGEE events, namely the election of AEGEE representatives in the board of the European Youth Forum and the European Movement International and the Election Observation Missions. It proved that we are keen to take active part in the European civil society, not only closed among ourselves.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2014?
Hard question! I would definitely say: the organisers of the Election Observation Mission for the Ukrainian presidential election, all the members who took part in it and the members of AEGEE-Kyiv. It was not an easy task and not in the easiest moment for Ukraine, but still they took the risk to be there and contributed actively for a better future, for Ukrainians as for the whole Europe. And, last but not least, Mattia Abis from AEGEE-Cagliari. He has been NetCommie for my region, and it has been a pleasure to see, after his efforts, so many Italian locals cooperating together… I would dare to say that we reached maybe the highest level of cooperation in the past few years.
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2014?
AEGEE-Cagliari, for sure. Of course AEGEE-Lublin and AEGEE-Patra made a great job, as in general it’s never easy to host a Statutory event. The difference has been mostly about feelings: AEGEE-Cagliari organised the Agora relying a lot on the other locals, and I really felt we could contribute – even a very tiny little – to make the Agora happen.
What was for you the outstanding project in 2014?
I may be repetitive, but the Election Observation Mission. It has been long since AEGEE didn’t take part anymore in election observations, and this way back in track motivated a lot of members, raised considerably the awareness about democratic processes in Europe and made the European youth more confident about its role and its future.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
I think and hope that the main topic of EPM Burgos will get a great success and we’ll keep working on it. After the Eastern Partnership project, I see it extremely relevant, even more in the light of our recent happenings in Europe and the politically unstable and not really reliable relations between Russia and EU at the highest political level.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
For now the plan is easy, I will remain in The AEGEEan as Editor and try to present the results of my work as Policy Officer on youth mobility to the next Agora. Because of my work I am not sure I will manage to get more involved… But as we know, never say never, the temptation may be too strong!
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
Traditionally home with my family. We gather all together – and I have a huge family – around the same table, start our eve’s dinner, which is a marathon of food, according to our most ancients tradition, that begins at 16.00 and finishes before midnight. Then we uncork our champagne at midnight and look at the fireworks, then party hard all night with my friends. Easy, effective, and full of fun!

 

Maria Arends, Network Commissioner, Democracy in Practice project

Maria ArendsWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
The establishment of Democracy in Practice, and in particular the first team meeting we had in June. We had so many nice ideas there that I am sure we created a strong foundation for the project there!
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
Maybe what I am going to say is a bit unusual, but I am seriously stunned by the cooperation between AEGEE-Kyiv and AEGEE-Moskva for their New Year’s event. That’s not yet a memorable moment, I am well aware, but I think the message it sends out to the world is pretty strong!
Who were for you the outstanding members in 2014?
Matthijs Overhaal, because he has worked very, very hard for Health4Youth and because I think he is an incredibly strong person. Ana Potocnik, because well… nobody rules the NetCom like she does. And Laia Garcia, because her everlasting spirit, motivation, and dedication is so inspiring. She does a 1000 things at the same time, but she still does them really well.
Which were for you the outstanding antennae in 2014?
I will mention a couple of them, as there is no way I can make a choice. First of all, AEGEE-Tarragona. They adopted me, they’re amazing, and did you know that they are the only antenna that has Catalan as their work language? Quite cool! Secondly, AEGEE-Helsinki and AEGEE-Tartu, because they have really outdone themselves with their Summer University. Next, AEGEE-Sankt-Peterburg. They managed to organise an amazing NWM which I think really raised awareness to the visa topic. And lastly, I just want to mention all the antennae and upcoming contacts I have the honour to be NetCommie for, as they are amazing and making great progress. You guys really make me proud and you make me feel like a real Nordic Star, even though I’m officially not.
What was for you the outstanding project in 2014?
AEGEE has a lot of great projects with great potential. I will not mention any particular project, as I am of course biased, because I was in two project teams this year, but I do find it stunning that after Y Vote there are two new projects dealing with the topic of democracy: the Election Observation Project and Democracy in Practice. I think that shows the importance of it.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
Well… democracy will be important. As I said, we have two new projects working with this topic, but also for example the fact that the United Kingdom general election will be held in 2015 will be an important thing, also for AEGEE. The British people get to choose the direction of their country then, which might lead to a referendum about staying or leaving the EU. This is future music, but definitely a big topic, I would say.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
Finish my NetCom term and make sure Democracy in Practice will keep on being amazing!
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
One of my best friends invited me over for a vegan dinner in her hometown, a little village close to Groningen. So a little alternative, but definitely cool! Especially since after my NetCom trip that lasted over a month, I am actually looking forward to just be close to my friends and family… And my thesis!

 

Olga Rivero Menéndez, Network Commission of AEGEE-Europe

agoracagliari485What was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
It was definitely the moment when I knew I had been the most voted candidate as Network Commissioner at Autumn Agora Cagliari. I remember feeling a burst of motivation and gratefulness at the same time, while I thought I was in a dream. 2014 was the year in which I reached the goals I had had for some time in AEGEE. Who knows which new ones will 2015 bring!
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
No doubt it was the moment when AEGEE-Burgos and AEGEE-Oviedo got to know they were going to be the organisers of two statutory events in a row, EPM and Spring Agora 2015, respectively. Being a member of AEGEE-Oviedo and Netcommie of the area where this two antennae belong, just makes me feel amazingly proud of how on fire we are!
Who were for you the outstanding members in 2014?
I actually have three outstanding members from 2014. Léa Charlet: even though she wasn’t elected as CD member she hasn’t stopped for a second her AEGEE career, becoming a Policy officer in a great area and subcommissioner of my team. I cannot express how grateful I feel for having her by my side, supporting me and sharing the best ideas ever! Anna Pykhtina: but I guess everyone will recognise her as Anna Smailikova. She is just one of the most inspiring people I have ever met! She has grown up so fast as an AEGEE member and right now I feel like her presence at events is just irreplaceable. She was an awesome PR for SUCT and now I believe that next Agora Kyiv wouldn’t be a reality if it wasn’t for her! And Jorge Sánchez: I cannot think about a best example of AEGEE spirit. He was a newbie when I met him as a helper like me in Agora Zaragoza and look at him right now… Everytime I talk to him I feel like he’s been in AEGEE for ages!
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2014?
I think that every local that has signed a contract for organising a Statutory event in 2015 – meaning AEGEE-Burgos, AEGEE-Oviedo and AEGEE-Kyiv – are the most awesome antennae of the year, because the have been super brave in their own reasons. Even though Ukraine has gone through a very tough situation this year, they haven’t stopped dreaming, and what can I say about AEGEE-Burgos and AEGEE-Oviedo that I haven’t said before?
What was for you the outstanding Project in 2014?
I think that the creation of the Democracy in Practice project was one of the best news regarding to project in 2014. I really like what it strives for and I hope they will have a lot of success during 2015!
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic for AEGEE in 2015?
Nothing concrete, but a lot of them! The elections of the new Comité Directeur, the organisation of an Agora in Ukraine after going through a tough situation, the hot topic that will be discussed in the EPM…
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
All I want from 2015 is having the chance to make the best of my experience as Network Commissioner and keeping on learning and growing as an AEGEE member!
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I will attend to the party that AEGEE-Madrid is organising. My flat in Madrid is going to be like a small gym during a event: a lot of AEGEEans will be sleeping over, and it’s just going to be awesome!

 

Adrian Browarczyk, Manager of the Eastern partnership II Project

Adrian BrowarczykWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
I am very satisfied with the fact that a topic developed by us, the Eastern Partnership Project, got selected as the one for the EPM Burgos. I do believe AEGEE is ready to handle such a responsibility and discuss the future of our small continent in a very productive and consequently inspiring way! Apart from that I would also name my personal involvement in the election observation. I did co-organise and participate in three missions – Ukraine, Scotland and Moldova – and I am definitely looking forward to getting accredited more often!
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
I do think, being pretty sure that I am not the only one, that Agora Patra events such as the big CD goodbyes and big CD welcomes, are the ones that we all were mainly thrilled about. Besides I would mention once again the relaunch of AEGEE’s involvement in the Election Observation Missions – activities of a great value.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2014?
I would name the whole Eastern Partnership Project team, especially Yana Brovdiy and Marta Wnuk, who all together gave me a very needed shot of energy and motivation. Although, if I must to pick up one, I do believe Ola Kluczka should be rewarded as the most outstanding member of 2014 for her devotion to work and optimism towards great ideas that we all are and will be surely proud of very soon!
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2014?
As I am an AEGEE member with no local to stick to – the revival of AEGEE in the United Kingdom is a must – I am very into mentioning AEGEE-Poznań, my mother-local, who managed to rebuild its structures and open to a broad international activity level. Guys, keep on doing your great job!
What was for you the outstanding project in 2014?
The Election Observation Project that I am an active part of is the one which requires our attention and support. I am very convinced that the project has a bright future and that many interesting events will follow! In a very selfish way I would say the Eastern Partnership Project did very well this year – after signing the contract in Patra we re-established our structures, recruited a significant number of freshers from all around Europe and shaped an ambitious agenda for the upcoming year – you will hear about us for sure!
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
I do believe the EPM Burgos is going to be a milestone in AEGEE’s history, attracting Network’s attention to a serious yet vital dilemma of today’s Europe. Can’t really wait the brainstorm on how we, the European youth, can sort out the rising tension.  Hope actually that AEGEE’s thematic focus areas will find their place in the Network’s agenda for 2015.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
I will lead the Eastern Partnership Project till Agora Kyiv for sure. After that everything can happen really. If time allows, I would love to work with these guys a bit longer! AEGEE’s policy making is very tempting though. It might be it! The most important issue as for now however is to get involved in local activities once again in order not to lose all good memories from AEGEE-Poznan – should we start thinking about a new contact of AEGEE-Europe in Birmingham then?
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I will enjoy the hospitability of AEGEE-Gdańsk, which is organizing an Oscar Party New Year’s Event. I am looking forward to meeting my old good AGEEE mates in this stunning city. Just can’t wait my long-awaited trip back to Poland.

 

Sabina Guja, Culture Working Group speaker

Sabina GujaWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
Throughout 2014 I was more active in the Culture Working Group, so my answer has to involve the working group. I guess the positive feedback I got on our cards, that we handed at the fair during the EBM and Agoras, was my highlight. It was nice to see that the work that went into them was so well received and appreciated. If you don’t know what I am talking about you can also find them on our Facebook page.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
I guess seeing the network rally together to help after the floods in the Balkans, that was touching and inspiring at the same time. It really showed we are united.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2014?
Personally I really appreciated Erika Bettin’s involvement in 2014. What I really liked, was that apart from all her non-AEGEE work and her other activities within the network, she was so dedicated to us that she volunteered to cover a major film festival for the CWG. So during the Venice International Film Festival, we had fresh news and pictures from the Lido. It was her initiative, and one that fit perfectly with the CWG.
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2014?
Although I do follow the news about our network, and each and everyone did something special, or that made them stand out in one way or another, I will go with perhaps a less obvious option – AEGEE-Brno. I have really seen them grow, and was especially impressed how they managed to create a different type of SU – a return to the roots of what SUs should be: fun and a lot of knowledge gain. Their “Out of the box” SU brought together people of great quality that both learned and taught.
What was for you the outstanding project in 2014?
I would go with Europe on Track. I was lucky to be able to meet the teams on both editions, and it was a delight to follow their posts and get to know what Europe thinks. I also noticed how the project grew and became better, so this is really my choice for 2014.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
Hmm… this might be a bit of a challenge to answer. For sure Agora topics are and will always be a big thing, but I would like to see working groups finding answers to their questions: how to engage members, how to retain them, how to communicate our actions. A first step was already taken in 2014 with a discussion about how each working group manages their issues, but I would like to see it go beyond just a talk and turn into something more concrete. Whether 2015 will be the year for this, or another, I cannot say for sure.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
First of all I wish to bring my term as Speaker of CWG to an end successfully. I wish to leave the board of the CWG with a stronger knowledge base and an easier work flow. If I manage this, I will be happy. As for the rest of my AEGEE activity, I haven’t completely made up my mind yet.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
New Year will be at home with family and friends. I have nothing special planned for this year, but their presence when the clock strikes midnight will make it special for me.

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