Who is the AEGEE member of the year 2015? Which antenna, which project was the best? The Golden Times asked more than 50 locally or Europeanly active members. They told us about their personal highlights, top antennae (see the photo of AEGEE-Catania on top) as well as the big issues in 2016. In the first edition: read what Svenja van der Tol, Philipp Blum, Alfio Bonaccorsi, Tekla Hajdu and Adrián López said. 

Philipp Blum, Summer University Coordination Team

Philipp BlumWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2015?
When I received the printed Key to Europe! The colours turned out to be amazing, and I was smiling the whole day!
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2015. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
I found the minute of silence at Agora Kyïv a very nice moment.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2015?
I pretty much liked how Maarten de Groot from AEGEE-Amsterdam and Florian Hauger from AEGEE-Heidelberg acted at the Agora, not giving in to something because it could be easier or some people disagree. Also I want to thank Damien for all the discussions and drinks we had!
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2015?
For me, AEGEE-Lviv has proven yet again to be a special antenna. They treat everyone as friends in a way I haven’t experienced from many antennae, and are really present on their events.
What was for you the outstanding European project in 2015?
I think the Election observation Project, because it actually moved some people to travel and make a difference somewhere. I like projects that physically move people.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2016?
One plan is of course to make sure the Summer Universities go smooth in terms of IT and publications. I hope to be done with my studies on time, and would love to do a SUCT trip! And maybe another thing is waiting – it’s a bit soon to tell, but in case our plan works out, it will be big! And beary, of course.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
Away from AEGEE, somewhere in a cottage in Slovakia with some Tatratea and my beloved girlfriend.

 

Svenja van der Tol, Secretary General of AEGEE-Europe

Svenja Van Der TolWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2015?
The Summer University that AEGEE-Nijmegen and AEGEE-Leiden organised was special for me, because it turned out to be the perfect way to spend my last two weeks officially living in the Netherlands. I left the SU earlier than I wanted to, sleep deprived and all, to take a train to Brussels and start the Knowledge Transfer period; but I was happy to know that I left with a ton of new friends, lots of support and of course fantastic memories.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2015. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
A moment that really touched me this year was the statement that AEGEE-Ankara made at Autumn Agora Kyïv about the attack in their city and the amazing support it got from the audience. It showed that in AEGEE you are never alone. No matter what happens, we are here to support each other.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2015?
All members that contributed to our organisation in the past year deserve a mention here. They are the organisers of the Agorae and EPM, but also the organisers of Network Meetings, which is in some cases almost a statutory event by itself, board members of locals, members of European bodies and any other member that has done something for AEGEE in the past year. Without our members, AEGEE doesn’t exist.
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2015?
We are lucky to have 177 outstanding antennae. There were some very visible in the past year, for example organising a great EPM – thank you, AEGEE-Burgos – or Agora – thank you, AEGEE-Oviedo and AEGEE-Kyïv! At the same time, there were also locals that maybe didn’t organise an event for hundreds of people, but nevertheless had great activities in the past year and inspired members in their own way.
What was for you the outstanding European project in 2015?
I cheated a little bit and chose to mention outstanding European bodies in general, because I think all of them are doing a great job. I want to mention the new Working Groups first of all. They only started after AgorAsturias, but the coordinators and team members are doing their best to work with our current Focus Areas and it’s great to see. Besides that, I’m also happy to see that the “Your Vision for Europe” project started the “Faces of Europe” photo blog. I’m a huge fan of Humans of New York, so I look forward to seeing the European edition! I also want to mention the A-Team, also known as Agora Reform task force, which only started recently, but is already having great discussions and showing that a lot of our members care about improving our statutory events. Last but not least, as a witness of their work, I have to mention this year’s team of the Key to Europe. Having been co-Editor-in-Chief last year, I know how hard it is to manage everything, especially in summer, but they, and especially the lovely Erika Bettin, did an amazing job.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2016?
The migration topic will remain a big topic in the upcoming year, and I’m happy to see that members are already now discussing it and taking action to help out in their own society. Besides that, of course the upcoming Agorae and EPM will play a big role, but let’s not forget about all the other cool events we have: Network Meetings, Summer Universities, Local and Regional Training Courses and many more… Ideally, each event upcoming will be a highlight to its participants.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2016?
To continue working for AEGEE in whichever way I get the chance to, to visit lots of events, to make even more friends and to create a never ending amount of fantastic memories to one day look back on with a big smile on my face.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
At home, with my family. I hate fireworks, so I will probably stay inside, eat good food, talk to the people I love and watch the spectacle from a safe distance.

 

Alfio Bonaccorsi, former Vice-President of AEGEE-Catania

Alfio BonaccorsiWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2015?
My first speech in front of an Agora. It was the report about the “Night of the 7 Antenna” event in Catania and it was right after the proclamation of the Best SU ’15. I was literally shaking, a big emotion!
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2015. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
The Agora Bergamo proclamation. I knew fro, the first second that is a great opportunity for an amazing event with many participants.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2015?
Anna Smailokova, no doubts! But keep an eye on Joanna Incorvaja, she is the future!
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2015?
AEGEE-Catania confirmed its amazing tradition as best SU organiser, and managed to organize two European events, all of this in just one semester. I am honestly proud of what we did! Big mention for AEGEE-Kyiv also, an amazing group with a great leader!
What was for you the outstanding European project in 2015?
The Election Observation Project
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2016?
I wish Europe on Track will be up again, I loved it!
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2016?
I started working, so I am quitting the active side of AEGEE. I will stay in the family, join still many events and I am asking to enter the academy!
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I will have a nice AEGEE trip! Three days in Maribor to ski; then two days in Budapest, where I will celebrate New Year’s Eve with friends and AEGEEans; and three days in Transylvania with my best AEGEE friends, after 16 hours on the train. AEGEE style!

 

Tekla Hajdu, Subcommissioner, former Vice Speaker of the NetCom

Tekla HajduWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2015?
Being part of the NetCom team Cagliari-Asturias and Asturias-Kyiv.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2015. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
I would say the closing ceremony in Agora Kyiv where the Organising Team, the Participants, the European Bodies and basically everyone showed that such a well-organised event happened in Ukraine. And also because the organising team could make Anna Smailikova touched and cry of happiness!
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2015?
It’s a hard question, as I think many people did a lot in 2015. I cannot really point out one person for this year.
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2015?
I want to name three locals this year to whom I’m especially thankful for or proud of: AEGEE-Brno and AEGEE-Cluj-Napoca for their cooperation and hard work to host my Spring and Autumn Network meetings respectively; and AEGEE-Chisinau for their hard work and efforts throughout the year which in the end led them to be the host local of Autumn Agora 2016.
What was for you the outstanding project in 2015?
Democracy in Practice and the Opening Inclusion Project. Democracy in Practice did a lot of activities in 2015, and I’m very glad that a new project has started about raising social inclusion of people with disabilities and mental disorders.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2016?
The refugee crisis for sure. I think this topic will still be high on the agenda after EPM Leiden and is a topic where AEGEE can be and should be involved.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2016?
To continue supporting the Network as Subcommissioner and as Network Commission Assistant till Agora Bergamo.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
This time I’ll stay in Budapest and be an organiser of New Year’s Eve in Budapest: “Keep Cold …We’ll Warm You Up!”

 

Adrián López, Speaker of the Language Interest Group

Adrian LopezWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2015?
I’m a very proud of the Language Interest Group members and how the transition from LWG to LIG has been done. The LIG members really showed interest in keep working on it. Some of the previous working groups unfortunately died, like the Culture WG or the Environmental WG. It’s a pity… We organized again the European Day of Languages, which is the second most ancient annual European project in AEGEE, just behind the Summer University. To contribute to keep alive this tradition makes me happy.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2015. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
I’ve been in EPM Burgos and AgorAsturias this year. I remember when a girl approached the stage in Burgos and asked how AEGEE could contribute to solve the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Everybody clapped. We use to state general advice in social media, but real actions are more important than just words.
What was for you the outstanding European project in 2015?
Once again, the Summer University. Year after year there is no project with such a huge magnitude and significance like this one. Besides, I would like to mention Democracy in practice. I really like the idea behind. I wish them all luck!
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2016?
War refugees and to raise awareness about the significance of peace and freedom. To understand and talk about these values which should the basics of our society.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2016?
As one of the most experienced members in AEGEE-A Coruña, I would like to keep a good mood among us, helping them to be active or, at least, to spread all the useful information that I could find interesting for them. At European level, I’m contributing to keep the LIG and its projects alive. I would like to attend Agora Bergamo representing either the LIG or AEGEE-A Coruña. I’m member since April 2012 and honestly I guess that it’s a good time to smoothly leave.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
This year I’m walking again the Way of Santiago from 26th to 30th December – I have lost count of the number of times. So it’s highly probable that I stay in A Coruña eating the 12 grapes with my family and then go out with my friends to a cool nightclub.