2013 was an eventful year for AEGEE: The Golden Times asked more than 100 active members how they perceived the year – and what they foresee for 2014, for example a helicopter ride to Agora Patra (see featured image). In this fifth edition: read what Beáta Matuszka, Alin-Florin Calin, Francesca Russo, Roel de Natris, Aleksandra Sasha Okhrimenko and Ada Toma said.

Beáta Matuszka, Network and Human Resources Director of AEGEE-Europe

Beata MatuszkaWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2013?
Living in the AEGEE world 24/7 makes it really difficult to pick a highlight. However, if I wanted to recall the brightest moments, those would be the ones which are related to people: my favourite parts of the year were definitely when I was at EBM Valletta and I could deliver sessions to those highly motivated members who gave me enormous inspiration, we were able to talk not only about interesting projects and activities, but also about one of my favourite topic – how to foster entrepreneurial skills in Europe. Another highlight? Going to Network Meetings with awesome people, seeing that our work is worthwhile since AEGEE actually gives so much to the young people all around Europe… I met wonderful people during the past 12 months and some of them became – hopefully – friends for a lifetime, what else can I wish for? Last but not least, I can mention the story of my 10-year-old brother also, who visited me in Brussels in July and told me when I asked him what he wants to do when he grows up: “I want to be AEGEEan and I want to be in the CD.”
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2013. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
I guess many of us will mention the happenings in Turkey and Ukraine and I will do the same: I am extremely impressed by those AEGEE members who stood up for their future, they dared and went on the streets and showed also to the whole Network that if you want change, you cannot just wait for it, sitting at home, but you have to take an active part forming the Europe of tomorrow. These long weeks woke up everyone, we were all supporting our fellow AEGEEans and I hope that they serve as good example in other countries as well.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2013?
Once again, too many names are coming to my mind: project managers, initiators, commissioners, speaker team members, presidents, board members, members, heroes and heroines, it is impossible to choose among those amazing people who are sacrificing their time for AEGEE on a daily basis.
Which one was for you the outstanding antenna in 2013?
Since I have the pleasure to work with the locals with the Netcommies, all of them are outstanding, they are all doing amazing things. This year I was extremely impressed by AEGEE-Eskisehir and by their projects on social inclusion, we could get a sneak peek in Valletta, by AEGEE-Poznan which built up an amazing programme for the Network Meeting on their own, AEGEE-Aachen and their work with the Charlemagne Youth Prize Award Ceremony, AEGEE-Zaragoza for the EuroSD and the Agora, the locals in Rhein-Neckar for their amazing cooperation, AEGEE-Genova for the Planning Meeting, AEGEE-Ioannina for their speed of development, AEGEE-Cagliari for their dedication to the next autumn Agora… I will end up listing all the locals if there is enough space, I can mention a remarkable feature of each and every antenna, contact antenna and contact!
Which one was for you the outstanding project in 2013?
Even if none of them can be strongly connected to 2013, both of them started earlier, for me the two most outstanding projects were the Eastern Partnership project and Europe on Track. Both of them tackled really important issues and brought essential topics close to the young Europeans.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2014?
Besides the obvious European Parliamentary elections, I think or at least hope that our national election in Hungary can also move a lot of young people – and I also hope that AEGEE-Budapest, AEGEE-Debrecen, AEGEE-Piliscsaba and AEGEE-Pécs can have an active role in making our generation active citizens in Hungary. I am also looking forward to see the follow-ups of the youth movements all around Europe – not only in Turkey and Ukraine – and I wish to see real actions which are taken for youth employment in every country. And I would like to be definitely there when the helicopter lands in Cagliari in October.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2014?
My plan is to finish all my AEGEE-related plans by July – the biggest one is still launching the online trainings – and leave an AEGEE that I envisioned when I was candidating as CD member before Agora Enschede, for the next generation. Besides, I also plan to finish my thesis and pass my state exam with good results, these are the last steps to get my Master diploma. After this, what else can I wish for: that would be awesome to find a good job where I will already get days off for the last days of October to visit Cabras before Agora Cagliari.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I am enjoying the last crazy AEGEE events of my life and even if – after spending all my time with AEGEE –  it should be expected to have an AEGEE-less Christmas break, I will spend the last days of the year with being with my friends and meeting with new people at the famous Maribor New Year’s event.

 

Alin-Florin Calin, Liaison Officer towards the United Nations

Alin-Florin CalinWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2013?
Since I do enjoy nature and adventure a lot, I remember great moments from my Summer University during the Finland part in a small boat on a huge lake. Suddenly it started to rain and we had to return… like in the movie “The notebook”. Honestly, there were lots of memorable moments – thanks to AEGEE. At this point I want to say to all the readers, who are not that active but would like to be: if your circumstances allow it somehow, be active, travel, meet AEGEEans, get involve in projects you like, do what you are good at, interested in, suits your abilities – AEGEE gives you this chance, you just have to grab it! And so you will have the best time in your life. In this regard, my younger sister Maria-Andreea just joined AEGEE and participated in her first Agora-related event in Alicante, like I did in 2011.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2013. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
The most considerable moments were when Luis, Miguel and I were in Azerbaijan last February as a delegation for AEGEE-Europe. We got the chance to meet with the Minister for Youth and Sports, and other politicians and we discussed very sensitive topics. I remember afterwards, in the hotel, Miguel said the moment he liked the most in the discussions, was when I asked the Minister directly what the actual problem is after all arguments were discussed, but there was obviously no rational reason to keep that attitude.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2013?
I think Miguel Gallardo Albajar works very hard, is an amazing person and a good friend. We were sharing rooms in couple of events and I know he works until the morning regularly. He is outstanding for sure. But there is also a fantastic person called Patricia Anthony who I want to mentioned. We cooperated for a couple of articles, joined the SU organized by her and I appreciate her work attitude. This year I was working closely with both and have a lot of respect for them.
Which one was for you the outstanding antenna in 2013?
The outstanding antennae are this year AEGEE-København and AEGEE-Helsinki with an overwhelming TSU organisation.
Which one was for you the outstanding project in 2013?
It is the new Election Observation Project EOP of the IPWG. You want to know why? You will see next year 2014! I can’t help myself but seems like I need to give two options every time – so I nominate also Europe on Track, which has a revival with the volume 2!
Which one do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2014?
Last year I answered “environment” and was not that right, but I was hoping this topic to become more important in AEGEE since I am really aware of this issue and most of the time deal with it in my law office work. The truth is that we don’t have the resources in AEGEE for this. I do like that we deal a lot with political aspects and support the topic nationalism because this is something that has to be abolished in Europe. We have to stay united in diversity but not in hostility.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2014?
A part of the plans is changing every month, but there is a core which is stabil. One thing is for sure, either I will cancel all my involvement in AEGEE or I will dedicate even more devotion to the network.
How and where will you spend New Year’s Eve?
To be honest I still don’t know. I was too busy to think seriously about it. The plan with a special girl had to be postponed and the same goes for a knowledge transfer with my successor towards OSCE in Sicily around New Year. But if somebody has a great party and invites me – I am spontaneous and I might give it priority!

 

Francesca Russo, SUCT Project Manager

Francesca RussoWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2013?
I have many highlight of 2013. If I have to mention one I would say candidate and get the position of Project Manager of SUCT in ZarAgora. If you would have asked me a few months ago I wouldn’t have guessed it.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2013. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
The approval of the identity of AEGEE in Zaragoza for me was the most outstanding moment of 2013. We had long discussions and worked very hard in Bruxelles for it. It is amazing to have finally a common identity of the association. I am very proud to be one of the Identity team members who made it possible.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2013?
Hard question. There are many members who did a lot during the last year. I would mention our CD members who are always working hard and bring new ideas to improve our association and our Netcommie Claudio who managed to increase our network – three new contacts in Foggia, Verona and Bologna signed the Convention in Zaragoza – and managed to have AEGEE in the Italian Youth Forum.
Which one was for you the outstanding antenna in 2013?
AEGEE-Valletta was the most outstanding antenna in 2013 because they organized an amazing EBM. Everything was perfect from the cozy hotel to the vegetarian Friday food, the cool opening location and the crazy parties.
Which one was for you the outstanding project in 2013?
The Human Rights Working Group with the campaign for Turkey: “Light a candle for Turkey”. It was a simple action that raised a lot of attention from the whole network about the situation there. We showed the power of AEGEE.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2014?
Y Vote 2014 will give to the association a lot in the next year. It’s a very important project and they are working a lot and really well to raise awareness everywhere. We will hear from them a lot next year.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2014?
To do an outstanding job in SUCT and fulfill all the expectations of the AEGEE network. Helping my antenna growing as it is now. Participate in some trainings and deliver some others.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
My New Year’s Eve will be with AEGEE friends in Rome, a small unofficial event.

 

Aleksandra Sasha Okhrimenko, President of AEGEE-Lviv

Sasha OkhrimenkoWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2013?
2013 was a good, progressive year. As a result of huge work during previous years AEGEE-Lviv moved on a new level, became stronger. We organized a Network Meeting, two SUs and several other local events. I became president of my antenna – a truly colorful year.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2013. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
I am still under the impression of Zaragora, so it covers all other moments.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2013?
I would say whole CD. They are working hard and results are great.
Which one was for you the outstanding antenna in 2013?
Of course AEGEE-Zaragoza, the guys did a great job. I would also mention AEGEE-Cagliari, as I met all of them this summer and am looking forward for the Agora there.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2014?
To continue working on all planned things and find enough time for that.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
In Gdansk with 100 cool people.

 

Roel de Natris, former Fund-raising and Internal Affairs responsible, AEGEE-Eindhoven

Roel de NatrisWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2013?
In a personal perspective 2013 was the year of my graduation and a milestone in my life by turning 25. One week after graduation I boarded a train to start my journey; direction Moscow. Friends made during previous years were visited in amongst Minsk and Kiev before arriving in Russia. Here I started a marvellous train journey across the never-ending country. With a mixture of AEGEE friends, drinks and a great atmosphere the three days on the train passed to fast. The travel continued afterwards to Mongolia, experiences with great people I never forgot. As every AEGEE year before, the period of time called holiday was once again an emotional, touching, but above all an unforgettable experience.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2013. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
For me, the recognition of the Europe of Track project by the Charlemagne price would be one of the highlights of 2013. This project was in that sense more a schoolbook example of our association: travel, meet locals and get to know their culture and take away prejudices. An inspiring project outlining the true AEGEEan.
Which one was for you the outstanding antenna in 2013?
All Spanish locals, with a special nod to AEGEE-Zaragoza, for organising the Agora. Many would name Spain and financial problems in one sentence. In this setting the organizing team did a great job pulling off such an event. With tons of chocolate – who will ever forget this? – and a fully sponsored breakfast they accomplished quite a hard task. Additionally, the cooperation between all locals worked like a charm.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2014?
The current developments in Ukraine are a point of concerns. The countries, which were formerly linked to the USSR, deserve more attention. They show significant tension over the past time. With our organization we can play an important role. Providing information, as is done now in Ukraine, already helps to form a better view on the difficult topics they have to deal with.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2014?
My first full year as a young professional in 2014. Of course, I am looking forward to Agora Patra where we will go by helicopter or private jet. Preparations are still on their way and it would be marvellous to get it done. Though it is a pity that some people do not agree with this initiative, as in every aspect it is not different than any other means of transport. Additionally, it will be a year of the 25th anniversary of Eindhoven, which we try to give some special touch. More on this later on.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
Last year the New Year’s Event in Riga was lovely, so for this year I decided to return. It will be a special night for Latvia as they will change their currency to Euro on one hand and Riga will be named Capital of Culture 2014. Besides, the atmosphere in Riga is great and the Winter University has some special things on the programme. It will be again a wonderful time!

 

Ada Toma, former Network Commissioner and former President of AEGEE-Bucuresti

Ada TomaWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2013?
Half of 2013 for me was still a double job – the last part of my president’s term and the NetCom, so it was a really great, full and busy part of my life, which I will definitely remember.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2013. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
Unfortunately, I wasn’t in Zaragoza so I have to count the last Spring Agora in Mannheim which was absolutely fantastic!
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2013?
I am not a fan of this question and because I really don’t want to say just a few names. In general everything we do in AEGEE is more or less a team effort; I’ll just say a big thanks to all AEGEE members who are in one word: Outstanding!
Which one was for you the outstanding antenna in 2013?
I would like to say all, but again I would be lying, so I have to say the ones that organized Agoras & EBM this year.
Which one was for you the outstanding project in 2013?
The must-know-about of AEGEE: Eastern Partnership Project. And the all-time classic: Summer University.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2014?
Y Vote 2014 is definitely something I am looking forward to and I am still waiting for more.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2014?
This is a fairly good question. Firstly, I decided to devote more time to my own local and help raise future AEGEE babies, mostly in the fund-raising department which I am interested in. However, I am not excluding further European-level implication, I just haven’t found that spark yet… it could be a project, a commission, a committee or higher. Just wait until Agora Patra
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
Here in Bucharest with my friends, nice music and good champagne waiting the passing between the years. I wish everyone a great New Year’s Eve!

 

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