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. Several In this sixth edition: read what Léa Charlet, Benjamin Feyen, Ilona Leonova, Márton Demeter, Anna van den Berg and Šárka Vostarková said. Several of them praised the cooperation of the seven antennae that organised the Rhein-Neckar Agora in April together (see the team on the featured image).

Léa Charlet, Project Manager Y Vote

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Léa (left) with AEGEE-Europe Secretary General Lucille

What was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2013?
I guess it was the kick off of Y Vote 2014 in Valladolid : a really great event that showed us all the possibilities and implication that we could still give to Y Vote 2014.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2013. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
I would say the moment where gay marriage was accepted in France, it was for me an amazing moment after months of fights, and the post by AEGEE-Europe started a vivid discussion. I realized at this point that there is so much to do still even in an open, tolerant student organization as AEGEE.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2013?
I will state three: Lucille Rieux, Pauline Létard and Léa Hannaoui-Saulais. Lucille because she is one of the most hardworking people that I know, always motivated and so humble that you don’t realize how much she works until you cooperate with her. She is a true inspiration for me and is just one of my outstanding members for 2013. Pauline, because of her everyday fight to make the association more open and more equal, in AEGEE-Toulouse first, but I have no doubt that she will present something in the future. Her plan for cooperation between the antennae in our area is truly her state of mind and she deserves this nomination. Léa, because she created a team in AEGEE-Lille in a few months. They are already doing amazing projects thanks to her motivation. She is doing this in the same time as several other projects, always in the love of Europe. I would be surprised if I didn’t see her more often in AEGEE in the next year.
Which one was for you the outstanding antenna in 2013?
So many… But let’s take the first one that came to my mind: AEGEE-Alicante. Amazing team, amazing motivation, amazing events, I never felt that much at home outside of my own.
Which one was for you the outstanding project in 2013?
First Health4Youth: I went to an amazing event organized by this team and I realized how much we need this project inside and outside AEGEE. I want to thank them for this eye-opening event. Then I will state Y Vote 2014 of course. The team is working like hell most of the time, in 2013 we had in only six months one team meeting, three YiA events, one press conference, 15 YiA subvention applications prepared, six subventions received and more to come… I have no doubt that this team will do a great job in 2014.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2014?
I would like to see more work on the subject LGBT and gender equality within AEGEE. We are supposed to be a tolerant association and I believe it is true, but I heard so many febates with different opinions that I believe a work on it is necessary.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2014?
Continue my job as project manager of Y Vote 2014. Afterward I guess I would like to implicate myself in AEGEE even more if possible. I am still thinking in which way I can use my experience and motivation in the best way possible in AEGEE.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I sadly had to cancel my participation in the 25th anniversary of AEGEE-Oviedo, so I guess I will be resting in the Pyrenees, skiing with friends and family.

 

Benjamin Feyen, Pool of Representatives, President of AEGEE-Düsseldorf

Benjamin FeyenWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2013?
It is difficult to pick one as there were many. But something coming to my mind immediately is making music with my friends and awesome singers Luca and Signe during the TSU Porto-Coruna. Especially playing guitar and singing on the top of a mountain on the beautiful island of Cíes with the setting sun slowly disappearing in the Atlantic Ocean… That was a truly magical moment I will never forget.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2013. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
The whole network supporting our members in Turkey and Ukraine in their fight for democracy is definitely something to mention. And I think the decisions taken at the Agora in Zaragoza concerning our association’s identity were a big step forward and will be perceived as a milestone in a few years, even though during the Agora itself may not have felt like it was something historical.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2013?
Paul Smits for enthusiastically singing “Key to Europe” in front of an empty plenary hall some early morning during the Agora Rhein-Neckar, as well as on stage at the European Night in Zaragoza. Plus, his hair is perfect to put AEGEE stickers on.
Which one was for you the outstanding antenna in 2013?
AEGEE-Porto and AEGEE-A Coruna, because their members organized a wonderful TSU. And AEGEE-Köln because they still like us Düsseldorf guys despite our anthem that says “We are not from Cologne” – in fact we love each other. At least sometimes.
What was for you the outstanding project in 2013?
The “Six in the Shitty City” event in June by the AEGEE locals of Aachen, Düsseldorf, Eindhoven, Köln, Maastricht and Nijmegen was kind of a unique project: six antennae meeting in the centre of an imaginary circle they’re located on, which turned out to be the small Dutch city of Venlo, without having any organizers or coordinators at all! Just a Facebook group and lots of AEGEE spirit. There were quite a few who thought this project would completely fail, but in the end we had two awesome days involving about 40 shitticipants, and a city tour without any guide as well as the obligatory European Night with some 50 different types of beer. We just started non-planning the second edition…
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2014?
Of course Y Vote and Europe on Track will be huge projects, due to the European Parliament elections. And if the Eindhoven guys make their crazy plan true – too crazy actually to be meant serious, but as we know they are Dutch – then going to the Agora Patra by helicopter will definitely be a thing not to miss. In case they fool us, some locals including Düsseldorf are already in touch with the ZLT company in Friedrichshafen in order to rent a zeppelin, which would at the same time please the EnWG.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2014?
AEGEE-Düsseldorf recently got some highly motivated new members, so it looks like I will finally be able to quit as president – after almost three years it’s high time! In 2014 I would like to focus more on the European level: occasionally representing AEGEE to the outside as member of the recently established “Pool of Representatives”, getting involved in the joint PR work of the antennae located in the area known as Germany outside the AEGEE world, and currently I am seriously considering to revive an old idea of mine related to making music – which might lead to a new AEGEE project soon…
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I haven’t got a clue yet. Probably something spontaneous with my family in my hometown or some friends somewhere around Düsseldorf. Or maybe just me home alone with my computer, checking all the mails and Facebook posts I missed during this year due to information and communication overkill.

 

Ilona Leonova, Audit Commission

2013Zaragora021What was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2013?
Being a year in the Audit Commission. When I was applying for the first time at Agora Budapest it all seemed so new – meaning: scary. After you understand that all can be done, you feel a lot of courage for future actions.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2013. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
If you are talking about events, for me it’s always Agoras. I’m always impressed about the huge job done by organizers. And also it is a place where you can find inspiration and show your creativity. You can see what is going on in the organization in general or specified areas.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2013?
From my sight it is Anna Gots. The amount of work that she is doing can impress anyone. By working with her you can see that she can manage the complete finances of AEGEE-Europe, also bring new ideas and participate in a lot of projects.
Which one was for you the outstanding antenna in 2013?
Coming back to the answer for the second question: all antennae, which organized the Agora Rhein-Neckar. They managed to work in such a big team – we know that it is hard, because each person has its own character. And still everything was so well planned for almost a thousand people.
Which one was for you the outstanding project in 2013?
My fastest answer: the Eastern Partnership Project (EaP). What Alla Resheten has done impresses me all the time. This project is important for the whole network, it helps to break borders between Eastern and Western Europe.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2014?
I cannot tell you right now. The new Strategic Plan was voted in Agora Zaragoza, and let’s see, which part will be the most active.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2014?
Audit Commission, as I said in my presentation. We have a plan for a new series of booklets for the antennae and want to cooperate more with the different treasurers.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
There were lots of ideas, starting from renting a car and going to Amsterdam, or snowboarding on a slope. At the end it is going to be simple romantic dinner.

 

Márton Demeter, former Agora organizer, AEGEE-Budapest

Marton DemeterWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2013?
Most probably our SU in Budapest. Somehow it was the best SU in Budapest since 2006, since I am in AEGEE. Also Agora Rhein-Neckar and Zaragora are very close to my heart, despite the fact that I was unfortunately not in Zaragoza.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2013. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
Two great moments come to my mind. The youth assembly in Zagreb about the EU accession of Croatia and the honoration of David Stulik in Mannheim.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2013?
The awesome CD. And their awesome bunnies.
Which one was for you the outstanding antenna in 2013?
AEGEE-Mannheim, AEGEE-Heidelberg, AEGEE-Darmstadt, AEGEE-Frankfurt, AEGEE-Karlsruhe, AEGEE-Mainz-Wiesbaden, AEGEE-Kaiserslautern – and AEGEE-Zaragoza.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2014?
Personally my expectations are really high for Europe On Track 2.0. Also I am really looking forward to the European Parliament elections.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2014?
Although I am planning it every year, I tell the same this year: I would like to visit Riga and my friends there. I am about to do this since 2011, but usually because of lack of time and money I skipped it. But hopefully this year I can make it. Otherwise I am already leaving AEGEE, slowly, but leaving. But Europe On Track would be a nice good bye from AEGEE from my side…
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
The plan was to go abroad. We will see what will happen, but hopefully with a lot of friends – both with non-AEGEEans and also with AEGEEans!

 

Anna van den Berg, former President of AEGEE-Groningen, Subcommie, ACT

Anna van den BergWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2013?
Every single trip that I got to make with AEGEE – which were many – was a highlight. But I have to say that two of them definitely stand out: the EBM in Valletta, because I fell absolutely in love with the country, and the Lustrum trip of AEGEE-Groningen to Marrakech. It was my first time traveling outside of Europe and the things we got to see and do were absolutely unforgettable.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2013. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
For me, the most outstanding moments are always the end of an Agora when everybody is so happy, when people hear they are elected, when the Convention d’Adhesions are signed, and when all the amazing organizers are thanked and gifts are exchanged. That moment always makes me so happy!
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2013?
This question is too hard to answer…
Which one was for you the outstanding antenna in 2013?
AEGEE-Groningen of course! No, the most outstanding antenna for me was definitely AEGEE-Valletta this year. The EBM was absolutely incredible, it was so well organized and I had one of the best trips of my life. I don’t know how they did it, but they organized a flawless event that got so many people so inspired.
Which one was for you the outstanding project in 2013?
The Summer University Project is always amazing for me. The things you get to do during an SU, the people you meet, all the experiences you’ll never forget, friends for life… It’s definitely the most amazing project!
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2014?
As a member of the Action Agenda Coordination Committee (ACT) I really hope that the new Strategic Plan will be the main topic. There are so many possibilities offered by the Strategic Plan and the Action Agendas, but people do too little with it. I would love to see more people knowing about the Strategic Plan and the Action Agenda and it being the most important thing AEGEE is working with.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2014?
My personal plans will definitely involve a lot of traveling and meeting a lot of awesome people. Of course I will also be very busy with the ACT, but the most amazing thing about AEGEE remains all the traveling and seeing new unforgettable places!
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I will remain at home in Groningen, spending New Year with friends from AEGEE.

 

Šárka Vostarková, President of AEGEE-Praha

Sarka VostarkovaWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2013?
As my personal AEGEE highlight in 2013, I have to mention organizing our Summer University “Check The Czechs vol. 12°”. We were three main organizers and we really enjoyed making this event happen! It was a great opportunity for us not only to develop and strengthen our skills, but also to organize an amazing event for participants. And we did a great job, our Summer University has been evaluated as the 7th best one! After this, I decided to candidate for the task of President of AEGEE-Praha and was elected in October.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2013. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
For me, one of the most vivid moments of AEGEE-Europe was before the Agora Rhein-Neckar when all the CD members re-candidated for their positions.
Which one was for you the outstanding antenna in 2013?
I have to thank to the organizers of the Agoras, because all of them did a great job! It can’t be just one antenna then. This year, there were eight antennae – AEGEE-Mannheim, AEGEE-Heidelberg, AEGEE-Darmstadt, AEGEE-Frankfurt, AEGEE-Karlsruhe, AEGEE Mainz-Wiesbaden, AEGEE-Kaiserslautern and of course AEGEE-Zaragoza!
Which one was for you the outstanding project in 2013?
Even though the project Europe on Track, winning the European Charlemagne Youth Prize, was launched in 2012, for me, it’s definitely the most outstanding one for this year.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2014?
The year 2014 is the year of the European Parliament Elections, so definitely this!
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2014?
I would like to continue working hard as an AEGEE-Praha board member. We have so many plans to do and not that much time to make it happen…
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I will spend the New Year’s Eve in the Great Mountains in the Czech Republic with my boyfriend and my AEGEE friends!

 


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