Idil Goksel (34) was member of the unforgettable team that made star of AEGEE-Ankara rise – next to celebrities as Refet Saban and Nihal Samsun. Together the three musketeers of AEGEE-Ankara made the legendary autumn Agora in Ankara in 1997 possible. Next to this, Idil was treasurer of her antenna in that year and organised several Summer Universities between 1995 and 1997. And today? Idil lives in Izmir and works as assistant professor in economics at the Izmir University of Economics.

 

Golden Oldie: When and where were you born?

Idil: I was born on 19th of Nevember 1976 in Ankara, Turkey.

 

Golden Oldie: Where and what did you study?

Idil: I studied in three places: first I made my Bachelor in Economics at METU university in Ankara, then I made my Master in Financial Economics at Izmir University of Economics. Finally I went to Bocconi in Milan for my PhD in Economics.

 

Golden Oldie: When did you join AEGEE and how?

Idil: In 1997 I went to AEGEE-Ankara’s meeting event.

 

Golden Oldie: Are you still member? If yes, of which antenna?

Idil: No

 

Golden Oldie: You are best known for being one of the famous Agora organisers in Ankara in 1997. How did you get this task?

Idil: I was in the board of AEGEE-Ankara during that time. That board was chosen explicitly to organise the Agora.

 

Golden Oldie: What where the biggest challenges and rewards of this task?

Idil: I learned a lot. It was a huge event and lots of responsibilities. I learned how important details are and how they change the success of the whole event. I learned how hard it is to deal with some people. I was the treasurer so I learned to dance when I was carrying lots of money on my backpack (smiles). There were so many challenges that it is impossible to write all of them here, but the biggest reward was the happiness of the participants at the end of the Agora.

 

Golden Oldie: What was your favourite AEGEE event?

Idil: The Agora in Barcelona, 1999.

 

Golden Oldie: What were your best and worst moments in AEGEE?

Idil: My best time was during the Agora and the end of the Agora. The worst time was our local election after the Agora.

 

Golden Oldie: Which AEGEE member impressed you a lot?

Idil: Refet Saban.

 

Golden Oldie: Any things you regret that you haven’t done them in AEGEE?

Idil: Not really.

 

Golden Oldie: Did AEGEE influence your career decision?

Idil: It certainly influenced my character – and by that, yes, it might also have influenced my career decision.

 

Golden Oldie: As a child, what did you dream to be your future job after growing up?

Idil: Dancer.

 

Golden Oldie: What are you doing now as main occupation?

Idil: Assistant professor in economics.

 

Golden Oldie: Are you single/married/married with 5 children?

Idil: Single.

 

Golden Oldie: Which languages do you speak?

Idil: Turkish, English and Italian.

 

Golden Oldie: Where do you live now? What do you like/dislike about your city?

Idil: I live in Izmir and I love my city.

 

Golden Oldie: What are your best and least liked cities?

Idil: Florence, Rome and Barcelona are the best. I don’t have a least liked city in mind, but in general I like northern cities less.

 

Golden Oldie: What is the furthest place you ever went to?

Idil: Scotland.

 

Golden Oldie: Which country would you like to visit in the near future?

Idil: Brasil.

 

Golden Oldie: What are your hobbies?

Idil: Travelling, dancing and reading.

 

Golden Oldie: What are you most afraid of?

Idil: Fear.

 

Golden Oldie: What’s never missing in your fridge?

Idil: Cheese.

 

Golden Oldie: How would you describe yourself in five keywords?

Idil: I will use the words that I learned my students are using for me, even if they are only three: Always smiling teacher.