Who is the AEGEE member of the year 2014? Which antenna, which project was the best? The Golden Times asked 75 locally or Europeanly active members. In this 12th and last edition: read what Réka Salamon, Léa Charlet, Mario Galea, Francesca Russo, Laia Garcia Montufo, Bartek Sudorowski, Tekla Hajdu and Ayşegül Gökdağ said. Find out, with whom Réka Salamon is secretly in love with!

Réka Salamon, Project Manager of Europe on Track I & II, 30th anniversary team member

Reka SalamonWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
Spring Agora Patra and the elections were definitely one of those experiences I will never forget. However, a more pleasant highlight I recall – partly connected to the CD elections actually – was when a day before Agora Cagliari we happened to sit next to each other with Léa Charlet and spending an entire evening talking and discussing future plans. It felt unbelievably good to come to terms after the pressure of running for the same position was off and especially in the light of that we are working together on the next big project for 2015: AEGEE’s 30th anniversary!
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
The selection of EU and Russia as the main topic for EPM Burgos and the announcement of Agora Kyiv. While there are many interesting initiatives AEGEE is working on, I was literally crossing my fingers for this topic to be selected so we can put something more contemporary and relevant to today’s societal issues in the centre of discussions. I am sure if we channel the output of these conferences in the right way towards the external world, AEGEE can once again be the legendary organisation that has a huge impact on European affairs.
Who were for you the outstanding members in 2014?
One brave woman definitely earned my respect for facing the challenge – again – and staying motivated after not succeeding: Erika Bettin. We need more people with her skills and determination to change things for the better. Another lady I bow my imaginary hat to is Ana Potocnik – and their NetCom Speaker Team – for the incredible workload and improvements they managed besides having demanding studies. Ana is a fellow workaholic soul to me who knows no other way but to excel in what she does! Also, this might be already known by now, but I’m making it official: I am secretly in love with Mattia Abis. I’m just too shy to make a move.
Which were for you the outstanding antennae in 2014?
AEGEE-Cagliari and all the Rainbow locals involved for giving me the best Agora experience. Both the Turkish-speaking and the Ukranian locals for not losing their AEGEE spirit even if the situation in their countries poses such challenges that the other part of continental Europe cannot imagine. We cannot single out one amazing local, the entire network took a huge step forward in 2014 in terms of organising great events and more awareness and input concerning our work as a pan-European organisation.
What were for you the outstanding projects in 2014?
I have a lot of respect for the work of the Election Observers. Especially because the project wasn’t even ratified when these people were already investing a lot of their own resources to go on the missions – this is the purely passion-driven AEGEE spirit we need! But among the projects we had this year I also have to mention my dearest Europe on Track. The second edition witnessed a lot of improvements compared to the first one, a great thematic framework, great enthusiasm from the network’s side and an amazing team I really loved working with. Thank you all!
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
I am very much looking forward to our statutory events with the clear focus on the relations between EU, Russia and Ukraine. I am hoping that the outcome of our discussions will provide the AEGEE network with the tool to have a real impact on real-life political relations in Europe, turning back to the revolutionary times, how our founders envisioned the organisation at the very beginning. Related to this, another highlight will be the 30th anniversary celebration. We have a lot of ideas within the anniversary team, and we are always looking for even more from the network to turn AEGEE’s birthday into the biggest thing in 2015!
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
I can’t tell you yet where 2015 will bring me in AEGEE, I am more action than talk. I keep working on the tasks I have assigned myself to, co-coordinate an anniversary year that we will all remember, supervise the planning phase on the possible third edition of Europe on Track and stay as permanent advisory for the Public Relations Committee and the Events Quality Assurance Committee.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I am either going to the most amazing theme park ever, Phantasialand, close to Köln or will go to Aachen for a private New Year’s Event with some members of AEGEE-Aachen. I am kind of more in the mood for the second option as I am moving to Aachen very soon!

 

Léa Charlet, Y Vote 2014 Project Manager, AEGEE-Europe Policy Officer on Gender equality

Lea CharletWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
The training of Y Vote 2014 about gender equality in Paris. The feedback we got afterward that we managed to change some of the participants’ view on the world made me so proud of being part of this antenna and of the Y Vote project, and was my motivation to go for policy officer on gender equality.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
The opening ceremony of AEGEE-Cagliari: the cultural part was amazing, the speech of Paul Smith half in Italian, half in English was genius, and finally I was extremely moved by the very inspiring speech of Silvia Balta in Cagliari. I do hope we will have more like those in the future.
Who were for you the outstanding members in 2014?
I would love to name way more than three, because every AEGEE member is outstanding. The fact that you choose to volunteer is already outstanding in our society. But let’s choose three then. Pauline Létard for the first half year. She never stopped giving advice and harsh feedback which made you grow, and she was caring for the antennae she was responsible for. The network area La Nave owes her a lot. Ola Kluczka for being so awesome during the whole Y Vote 2014 project and being such a dedicated CD member right now. Every person around her is learning from her motivation. And finally Lucille Rieux, for being such an outstanding person, smart, thinking out of the box, daring and humble: always in the dark, but her work speak for itself.
Which were for you the outstanding antennae in 2014?
AEGEE-Alicante and AEGEE-Zaragoza for organizing flawless network meetings. AEGEE-Madrid for their Renove event, which managed again to renew and give motivation to 130 people.  AEGEE-Valladolid, AEGEE-Léon, AEGEE-Oviedo, AEGEE-Santander, AEGEE-Bilbao, AEGEE-Burgos and AEGEE-Barcelona for organizing awesome stops for participants of the Y Vote 2014 bus tour in Spain. All these antennae are making participants feel home, and I am extremely proud to be a Subcommie for this amazing area.
What were for you the outstanding projects in 2014?
Projects which managed to engage the network. Summer University, Europe on Track and Y Vote 2014 were owned by the network and this is definitely the most important part.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
We are seeing more and more the importance for us to finally have an idea of what our model of Europe is. Our vision is not clear enough in this matter and as we are all full of rainbows and unicorns, we are not tackling issues which might require a harsh discussion. I think that having Europtimism in our focus area is a first start of this discussion and I am sure Miha, the policy officer on Europtimism, will handle the beginning of a conversation on this difficult topic perfectly.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
Three big things: to continue my work as policy officer on gender equality and make as many people aware in AEGEE about the topic. Taking care of the locals I am responsible for as a subcommie for Olga Riverro Menéndez – for my dears AEGEE-Lille, AEGEE-Toulouse, AEGEE-Nantes, AEGEE-Lyon and AEGEE-Brussel/Bruxelles. And finally, as AEGEE-Paris is the receiver of the Franck Biancheri year, I will be main organizer of a 150 people event in Paris in March. Stay tuned…
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
Nothing really fancy, a dinner in Paris with some old friends.

 

Mario Galea, Network Commissioner

Mario GaleaWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
2014 was a year full of AEGEE for me. Starting in Maribor and now ending in Belgrade, I have travelled really a lot, participated in more than 20 events and met a lot of friends. I can’t really choose one moment better than the other, because from every different event I lived and learnt something important, so I will choose the moment where all these brought me, which is to candidate and being elected as Network Commissioner at Agora Cagliari.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2014?
For me the most outstanding person was Mattia Abis who has worked really hard throughout the whole year for all the network and inspired and guided me to where I am now. Another person who inspired me in an outstanding way was Luis, who I was lucky to meet on several of my events in different roles and each time learning something new.
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2014?
There were several antennae who did a great job, but choosing one, would be AEGEE-Cagliari, because of the lot of work they did throughout the year ending with a great Agora, very professional and well organised and at the same time in a friendly atmosphere.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
Since next year will be the 30th anniversary, I’m expecting much more interesting events than usual, and it seems that the cherry on the cake will be the Night of the 7 Antennae. I’m foreseeing big events around that night and I hope I will be able to be present in one of them.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
My plans for next year will still be full of AEGEE, this time with more responsibility, having to serve my 29 locals as Network Commissioner. So I will concentrate my travels in Italy to get to know my locals better and help the area getting to the top!
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I will be for sure warm and happy surrounded by a lot of AEGEE friends in Belgrade for the New Year’s Event “Frozen in Belgrade”!

 

Francesca Russo, former SUCT project manager

Francesca RussoWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
My personal highlight was to give a speech during the Agora Inspire session. It was a challenge to myself, which I almost won. Moreover, I have started my career as still unofficial trainer. I did many sessions on different topics using non-formal education during LTCs and RTCs and a workshop at Agora-Cagliari. Another highlight was to attend the FRES. I wanted to do this training for years and now I did!
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
I remember vividly the election of CD 2014-2015 during the popcorn Agora in Patra. The presidential candidates’ speeches were precious, well written and inspiring, and the results were breathtaking: a very close margin between the secretary candidates and a two-round voting for president. They were all amazing people.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2014?
AEGEE is full of outstanding members who work hard for free and without constrictions to enlarge our association. If I should vote for someone I would say Léa, Réka, Eri and Matthijs. They failed at the elections in Patra, but are still active at the European Level, inspiring and motivated. Keep rocking!
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2014?
AEGEE-Cagliari! They organized an outstanding Agora. Everything was well planned and went smooth. There was delicious food, an event in Italian tradition, friendly, helpful and cool organizers and parties with good music.
What was for you the outstanding project in 2014?
The Election Observation Project did great work during all year long. They’re showing to local members that AEGEE is doing what it promises: to activate young citizens and that we are political and not partisan. Good job!
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
The situation between Russia and Ukraine. There will be an EPM on the topic and the Agora will be Kyiv. Then of course the AEGEE Anniversary. The association gets old and the celebration for its 30th birthday is going to be all year long. A huge party!
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
I’m Project Manager of the European School of Entrepreneurship. For grant problem it wasn’t done in September 2014, but I’m looking forward to do it in 2015! Then I will work on the revival of the Youth Unemployment project. AEGEE-Europe needs also a fundraising help and there will be an active one soon!
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I will be with AEGEE friends in an unofficial event of the Rainbow in Siena. Long life to AEGEE!

 

Laia Garcia Montufo, Liaison Officer towards the UN, President of AEGEE-Tarragona, member of the Pool of Representatives

Laia Garcia MontufoWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
This is hard since 2014 has been a very active year for me, both at local and European level. My first highlight would be being re-elected Liaison Officer towards the United Nations and President of my antenna, because being reelected means that I actually did a good job and that both the CD and my antenna want me to continue. I love the feeling of looking at all the things I have accomplished last year and because of that, I am more than willing to take on bigger tasks and achieve bigger things during this upcoming year. Another highlight would be being one of the main organizers of our TSU in cooperation with AEGEE-Valencia, as it was the first time that AEGEE-Tarragona was organizing one. I am not going to lie, it was a very hard task for our small antenna. The preparation of the event took me out of my comfort zone several times, but it also gave me a tremendous opportunity to understand even better how important it is to work as a team. A few months later, the ranking about the “Best Summer University 2014” came out and ours was in the 4th place amongst the 80 available SUs around Europe! Knowing that my participants had such a great time pays everything off.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
I would choose the election of the new CD, because I joined the association in February 2012 and Agora Budapest was my first statutory event, so I was only used to see the Comité Directeur as “Anna, Beata, Kathrin, Lucille, Luis, Miguel and Pavel” and could not imagine other people on their places nor the exciting process of electing the new people who would represent the association from now on.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2014?
Gosh, I do not know if it is because I am answering the question at 5:37 am in the morning, but there is no way I can find the answer! Way too many outstanding people!
What were for you the outstanding projects in 2014?
I would like to mention two ambitious projects which tackled serious issues and remind me why I joined our beloved association. Firstly, the Y Vote Project, because it encouraged young people to get involved in the last European Parliament elections by organizing youth conventions, bus tours, training events and local activities. Secondly, the Election Observation Project, because it amazes me how the team has been able to do such an incredible amount of work in just a few months, including four successful missions, so I am really looking forward to seeing what the project comes up with in 2015!
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
On one hand, I am sure that the big topic is going to be the relation Europe-Russia. I could not attend Agora Cagliari, because I was attending another event on behalf of AEGEE-Europe but it was no surprise to me when I knew that this topic had been chosen for the upcoming EPM Burgos and that Autumn Agora 2015 will be held in Kyiv. On the other hand, I think another highlight may be the 30th Anniversary of AEGEE involving as many locals and members as possible. Wow, I cannot believe our baby is all grown up and entering its thirties!
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
I will keep staying involved both in the local level as President of AEGEE Tarragona and in the European level as Liaison Officer towards the United Nations and member of the Pool of Representatives. Wait, I forgot something! I should add my very important next step in AEGEE for 2015! After having organized two Summer Universities and one Summer Event… I think next year will be about time to apply for my first Summer University as a participant! #DontFollowTheNormalPath
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I have no fixed plans yet, but I will probably stay with my family and friends back home. Wishing you a super duper Happy New Year!

 

Bartek Sudorowski, former Network Commissioner

Bartek SudorowskiWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
Definitely my candidature for the CD in Patra, and my Network Meeting in Zielona Góra. Funny – that was my 10th NWM. First one also was in my city.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
The results of elections for the Secretary General and President of AEGEE-Europe in Patra. There was such a small different between the results for the candidates…
Who were for you the outstanding members in 2014?
Aleksandra Kluczka, because of the great success of Y Vote and her involvement. Paul Smits and how he won the elections, and Mathijs Waegemakers, because of the best AEGEE Inspire ever!
Which were for you the outstanding antennae in 2014?
AEGEE-Lviv, because of actions promoting democracy and EU in these tough times for Ukraine. AEGEE-Kraków, because this local is developing so fast, they are sending 30 to 40 members to an Agora and to a Network Meeting, doing lots of projects, and are very involved in activating he youth in Kraków.
What was for you the outstanding project in 2014?
I can mention only one: the Eastern Partnership Project! The success of it was incredible.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
I think that Agora Kyiv will be unforgettable.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
I was elected into the supervisory bord of my local. I’m finishing right now with active AEGEE involvement, this year will be a year of knowledge transfer for young members of my local, and maybe I will do big, long trip to AEGEE locals in Europe.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I’ll spend this time with my girlfriend and friends on a private party.

 

Tekla Hajdu, Network Commission, AEGEE-Budapest Vice President

Tekla HajduWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
For me, it was being elected as Network Commissioner in Agora Cagliari.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
Agora Patra had sure lived up to its name: popcornagora. I think the most outstanding one was when the short film of the previous CD’s years together was played: everyone could feel that an era had ended, and it was very heart-warming and touching at the same time.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2014?
The lovely Beata Matuszka, who has been a great support for AEGEE for years.
Which were for you the outstanding antennae in 2014?
I think that Agora Cagliari was well-organised, so I would like to thank AEGEE-Cagliari and the other organisers too for making that event go on so well. Also, I want to nominate AEGEE-Budapest for organising a great Network Meeting and keeping up their hard work throughout the year, and of course AEGEE-Utrecht, which has been a great twin partner and an active antenna this year.
What were for you the outstanding projects in 2014?
Europe on Track and the Election Observation Project.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
I agree with those who predict that the Europe-Russia relations will have a big effect next year, and I think that the 30th Anniversary of AEGEE will be the highlight of 2015 as well.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
To be a useful member of the Netcom team, and help the locals as much as possible.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
At the New Year’s event of AEGEE-Utrecht: “Peace of Cake”.

 

Ayşegül Gökdağ, PR Responsible of AEGEE-Izmir

What was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
Actually it was my whole year. I attended the TSU “French Kiss the Italian Beauty” by AEGEE-Lyon and AEGEE-Genova with amazing participants and organizers; also I was a part of the AEGEE-Izmir organizing team of SUPS’14 and the SU “Sultans on the Way”. The highlight was my transformation during this year. I developed myself so much that I cannot imagine a future without that spirit. This year gave me unforgettable memories, amazing friendships and confidence to my soul.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
Beyond the active role of AEGEE in Europe I appreciated the new SUCT. As I know them all it is like a déja-vu from the previous SUPS in Izmir. It is flattering to know these people.
Who were for you the outstanding members in 2014?
Suzan Dilara Tokaç, as being the most travelling and eye-catching AEGEEan. Marine Betrancourt, as successful President of AEGEE-Lyon. They are a small antenna, but they have the heart of a lion!
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2014?
It was AEGEE-Genova. Only several months after their TSU, they had rough times in their city because of the terrible flood in Italy. I saw the pictures and articles that they published. They handled it well and helped people with their spirit. It is sad that not to be with them in these kinds of situations. I wish I would just fly to the countries which have hard times and help them with all of my heart and effort.
What was for you the outstanding project in 2014?
SUPS’14. I am not writing this because my antenna, AEGEE-Izmir, organized it, but its atmosphere was so catching that I am sure none of its participants or organizers are going to forget even a little part of it.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
It would be nice to see a shift away from the cultural exchange theme, as non-AEGEE people see the association from outside, to an organization more focused on education. Within the education theme awareness events or projects can be organised about topics such as environmental conscience or democratic structures of the countries. In my antenna we support the idea to create awareness by organizing workshops and platforms. We saw these kinds of activities in other organizations and examined them; our conclusion was that some high awareness-rising standards could be created. I wish to see AEGEE more active on this field with more projects, events and platforms. This will be not only for the benefit of the antennae, but for all the AEGEE communication.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
I want to attend each event of AEGEE in 2015 to get to know everybody in Europe and to create awareness for the place where we all live. Only for the expenses of events I got a job and am saving money. We will see if I will be successful in it or not.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I guess it will be with my best friend at her house. Thanks to AEGEE we met at our LTC and now I realize that it has been a year with her; doing great jobs in AEGEE also in our own lives.
Read all articles: