Who is the AEGEE member of the year 2014? Which antenna, which project was the best? The Golden Times asked more than 70 locally or Europeanly active members. In this 11th edition: read what Anna Pykhtina, Ruben Puras, Alberto Cuesta Norigo, Giulia Caberlotto, Evi Topali, Miljana Vulevic and Lisa Zeltinger said.

Anna Pykhtina, President of AEGEE-Kyiv, former SUCT member

Anna Pykhtina2What was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
It’s funny to realize that the majority of my highlights in 2014 are connected with AEGEE somehow. But the most important is indeed that moment: “And the Agora goes to AEGEE-Kyiv!”. And everything is like in the movies, you cannot hear anything apart from your heart that beats so fast and loud! Unforgettable!
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
I will not mention one event or project but the fact that this year there was so much support from members to each other! Starting with the flashmob to support Ukrainians when people all over the network changed their profile pictures to raise awareness to the situation in our country, the #SupportBalcans and Forza Genova campaigns, as well as the “Sofa and blanket challenge”, created to fund the Election Observation Project in Moldova. We always say we are one family but this year there were not only words, but also actions.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2014?
Anna Gumbau from AEGEE-Barcelona for her professionalism in everything she does: starting with work as editor-in-chief of The AEGEEan, member of the Elections Observation Mission and organizing the FRES.
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2014?
Indeed AEGEE-Kyiv! Now as a president I have the right to tell this. It was a difficult year for our local. The previous board was elected one month before the EuroMaidan started and nearly all of our plans were almost ruined by the situation in the country. There were many downs for us, but at the same time this crisis was something that our local needed: the restart of our human resources strategy, working and being flexible and adapting to any situation. We managed to stay active, to gain members and to organize a successful Summer University! And there is another reason to be proud: extremely motivated and inspired, the new board was elected less than two months ago, but I already feel that this team is just amazing! They know how to motivate members, focus on better quality of events, both on local and European level and it’s a pleasure to work together!
What was for you the outstanding project in 2014?
The Election Observation Project in AEGEE. Starting in Autumn 2013, when the open call was sent during Autumn Agora Zaragoza, Alin-Florin Calin and Thomas Leszke could achieve enormous results with their team only within one year! The organization was already active in this field with the Y Vote project, promoting the vital necessity of voting by young people. But now our members have the opportunity to see everything from another side. Election observation as a key issue for democracy, peace and security – and it is really important for AEGEE to take part in this process. AEGEE-Kyiv was involved in hosting the mission members during the presidential and parliamentary elections this year and we could see by ourselves how devoted their are to the result and what it really means for them.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
The 30th anniversary of AEGEE and its celebration all over Europe will be a highlight, and I hope that we will be able to participate actively in it!
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
Simply do everything I have in my to-do list: celebrate the 20th anniversary of AEGEE-Kyiv, 30th anniversary of AEGEE-Europe, make the Summer University Project School happen, organize one more Summer University and – the most important – Autumn Agora Kyiv 2015!
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I am going to be in Moskva during our New Year’s Event “Capital Cities”, which is organized by AEGEE-Kyiv and AEGEE-Moskva, with great people around me and making a very important wish when the clocks will show twelve.

 

Ruben Puras Gallo, President of AEGEE-Burgos

Ruben PurasWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
I had many, but I would choose one above all. It’s about teamwork. It was during the Spring Agora in Patra, when I was watching the closing ceremony by Internet streaming, waiting for the biggest announcement in AEGEE-Burgos history. It was amazing. The CD said that AEGEE-Burgos will host the next EPM! I felt so happy and proud of my antenna.
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2014?
I can’t mention only one. In my opinion, the outstanding antennae are all of them which organize big and successful events, so, I would choose AEGEE-Cagliari and AEGEE-Patra. Organizing an Agora is such a big and difficult task!
What was for you the outstanding project in 2014?
Umm… It’s complicated to decide it because there were many fantastic projects, but if I have to choose one, I would choose the Y Vote Bus Tour. In my country, Spain, the European Parliament elections are not so important for the population, and it was nice to see how this project tried to motivate the people and show them how important they are.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
Without any doubt, EU and Russia relations. Nowadays, it’s the main topic in Europe and of course AEGEE has to be part of it, showing to Europe the ideas of young people. It will be nice to see how it’s managed in the EPM Burgos!
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
Right now, my first goal is to work hard and do my best organizing a big and great event as the next European Planning Meeting in Burgos.
Besides, I have another plan for this year, I want to attend the next Agora in Kiev; I have never been in Ukraine, so this event will be a good opportunity to visit it.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I will spend it in Burgos, having dinner with my family and eating the twelve lucky grapes, and after midnight… I’ll meet with my lifelong friends to have a funny and crazy night all together. Saludos!

 

Alberto Cuesta Norigo, Agora Oviedo Coordinator, former Chair

Alberto Cuesta NueregoWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
My personal highlight obviously was when AEGEE-Oviedo was announced as hosting local of the next Spring Agora. I must admit I still get goosebumps each time I see the video my AEGEE-Oviedo fellows made for that announcement in Patra.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
There were many outstanding moments in AEGEE. Luis’ video and speech in Patra to thank his team and the whole network was really touched; representatives of Ukrainian locals explaining the situation in their country in EBM Lublin; the election of AEGEE-Kyiv as hosting local for the Autumn Agora 2015, because it shows that AEGEE looks towards the East and cares about all that has been happening this year… But for me, the one I remember most vividly, because I was actually having fun, was the presentation of the results of the elections for President of the Comité Directeur in Patra. Having Paul next to me while I was delaying the last slide with results was priceless!
Who were for you the outstanding members in 2014?
This is a difficult question and maybe i will reply more with my heart than with my brain and objective facts, but I will name three. Ladies first: Anna Pykhtina, because she is a truly inspiring person, hard working and always positive, no matter what happens. Next I will name Paul Smits, working with him has been a pleasure in the last two years. I’ve seen how committed he is about this association and all tasks and responsibilities he takes. I believe he is going to be a great president. Finally Thomas Leszke, because even if years have passed after his CD term, when most people just leave AEGEE, he is still there, working and doing great things. And this year with the Election Observation Project he has done a great contribution to our association, together with all project team members.
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2014?
Being in the Chair Team makes me think always of the three antennae who organised our three statutory events: AEGEE-Lublin, AEGEE-Patra and AEGEE-Cagliari. All of them did a great job and worked super hard to give all the network three great events. I have to name also AEGEE-Dresden, a new local, but growing fast and doing lots of things and having a lot of presence. But the best of the best? Again talking probably from my heart, I will say it is AEGEE-Kyiv, not only for being the organisers of the Autumn Agora 2015, but for the amount of great activities they have managed to carry out in this difficult year for their country, the commitment of all and each of their members not only with AEGEE, but with the political situation, how they have known to connect oldies and newbies and for making me feel even better than at home during those two weeks I spent there.
What was for you the outstanding project in 2014?
The first half of the year was clearly for Y-Vote, they did great and got lot of visibility in a very short time. And the second half of the year obviously belongs to the Election Observation Project, they are bringing back to AEGEE an involvement in the political process in a way that was missing in AEGEE for too long and doing it with great enthusiasm.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
Probably and hopefully the Election Observation Project will continue rocking. Democracy in Practice looks very promising, but as it was shown in Cagliari, we will talk a lot, hopefully in depth and with some useful outcome, about the Russian-EU relations and we will be seeing the next Autumn Agora in Kyiv, which supports the idea of AEGEE looking to the East during 2015.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
Of course organising the Spring Agora 2015, then I will probably retire, not fully because I think that’s impossible to do immediately, but from the front line: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q37xJtuQ24w.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I will spend it home with friends and family.

 

Giulia Caberlotto, President of AEGEE-Udine

Giulia CaberlottoWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
Probably the moment when I saw that our TSU organised with AEGEE-Ljubljana was ranked 12th out of 80. It was a huge success seeing how two different cultures could cooperate so well and create something so rewarding.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
Maybe this is too ordinary, but the moment during the closing plenary of Agora Cagliari, when we – helpers – together with the organisers were on stage. Personally that was the moment when I mostly felt AEGEE is where I belong.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2014?
I think it’s impossible to answer this question, I would have too many people to mention. I have met lots of amazing AEGEEans during this last year and each of them in his or her own way gave something to this association and made this year in AEGEE unforgettable.
What was for you the outstanding project in 2014?
I really loved the work of the Election Observation Project, I could it also see the enthusiasm of a member of AEGEE-Udine who joined the EOP in Kyïv. Plus, I am a really big fan of Europe on Track! I really hope there will be a third edition in 2015 to be hosted again here in Udine.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
I guess the EPM topic “Russia and Ukraine” will be. And not only because I think this is an urgent and important discussion for all of us, but also because some Ukrainian and Russian friends of mine showed scepticism about this choice that has been made during Agora Cagliari. So I am really curious about the outcome and want to hear what they – among others – have to say. I really hope that there will be a high number of Russian and Ukrainian AEGEEans at the EPM and the Spring Agora, despite the expensiveness and the distance for them to reach the events.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
Being a good president!
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
This year I will spend it in the best way ever, surrounded by lots of amazing friends from my network! For this occasion the HappyBirthdayMattiaAbisWG changed ist name into NewYearsEventWG and with the efforts and commitment of AEGEE-Siena we are having an unofficial New Year’s Event for our “Powerful Rainbow”! Can’t really wait!

 

Evi Topali, President of AEGEE-Ioannina, Sports Working Group board member

Evi TopaliWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
Personally speaking, the Europe on Track 2 project. One month, 16 countries, 23 cities and a team that gave its best not only to mobilize AEGEEans but also to motivate young people to share their visions. It was one of the most inspiring actions of AEGEE. Additionally I can’t leave without to mention the #popcorn Agora Patra and the fact that there were many people who wanted to take a position!
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
My most outstanding moments in 2014 are linked with Agora Patra! I was among the team of organizers and for sure I am going to talk for years about it as an experience that changed my AEGEE life. Within my three years of being an AEGEE member, I can count many events from the organizer’s point of view, but an Agora is a whole chapter! While I am recalling countless hours working for it, many sleepless nights, pretty intense moments before, during and after Agora Patra and for sure endless positive energetic people behind it, I am ending up that being an AEGEEan means to push yourself all the time beyond your limits!
Who were for you the outstanding members in 2014?
All the AEGEE members are part of an outstanding team which strikes for outstanding goals. But since you want names, I couldn’t miss to include in my list the following three amazing people. The first is Luis Alvaro Martinez. Among these three years that AEGEE is a part of my life, I can always remember a president that was all the time supportive to new members and a person full of freshness, idealism and energy. His recent recognition of “Young European” by the Schwarzkopf Foundation and his current position as the Vice President of the European Youth Forum are sufficient reasons why I consider him as one of the outstanding members of 2014. The second is Manos Valasis. He was among the first people I met entering AEGEE and I was lucky enough to work with him; his patience, calmness, the opportunities he gave to younger members and the attitude that everything has a solution are making him a real leader. The third is Peppe Colicchia. The member of the month of February 2014 and speaker of the Information Technology Committee is one of the most active AEGEEans I have ever met and at the same time a unique person with a huge sweet smile all the time, fresh and creative ideas and willingness to help!
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2014?
During 2014 Europe faced a lot of challenges, such as the turbulent situation between Russia and Ukraine, the floods on the Balkans and Genova… So from my point of view, it’s not only about one antenna, but about a teamwork among the antennae, which were actively involved in supporting and helping their fellow countrymen during the difficult times. AEGEE was created by volunteers, has been developed and is being driven by volunteers. It is of high importance for all of us as an organization to be aware all the time and try to be united on local and international level.
What was for you the outstanding project in 2014?
The most outstanding project was by far Y Vote 2014. AEGEEans who dealt with this project proved that the contribution to the construction of Europe is our responsibility and if we want to shape a united Europe we have to fight about that. Y Vote tried to link even more the youth with Europe by conventions, bus tours and various local activities. I attended AEGEE-Valladolid’s training event and if it wasn’t my thesis pressure I would have like to get even more involved.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
I feel that the Night of the Seven Antennae is going to be the highlight of AEGEE! The 30th anniversary of the association and the way that it’s going to be celebrated will give a unique touch to the whole year! We will be talking about a European event, which will make the whole association think out of the box ensuring the cultural and historical aspect and inspirational transmissions! Last but not least, the upcoming Autumn Agora, which will take place in Kiev, will color not just the year 2015 but generally our Students’ Forum. The situation between Ukraine and Russia concerns the whole Europe and this event is going to prove that the members of AEGEE are an example of fruitful solutions when they stand united. I really admire AEGEE-Kiev for the strength and the power to organize the upcoming Agora.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
For the next 12 months, I will be the President of AEGEE-Ioannina and I want to focus on my obligation of my antenna! On European level I am a board member of the Sports Working Group and in addition to all these I am just looking forward to the upcoming Agora!
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
New Year’s night and the whole Christmas period is going to be a mini pause from AEGEE; I will stay at home sweet home, celebrating with my family and my non-AEGEEan friends! I was flirting though with the idea of attending the New Year’s event by AEGEE-Lviv, since many of my friends – both organizers and participants – will be there and I love this antenna’s crazy vibes!

 

Miljana Vulevic, former Agora Vice Chair, Network Commission Subcommissioner

Miljana VulevicWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
This whole year was quite exciting for me, since I became active in one of the European bodies of our organization, the Chair team, first as the Secretary of the Agora and then as the Vice Chairperson. Both were amazing and exciting experiences that taught me valuable lessons.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
Both Agorae were very memorable, eventful and charged with emotions. But if I would have to choose just one, it would be the moment when all of the Agora Cagliari organizers got on the stage during the closing plenary in Cagliari. Things that were said and the love and respect they showed for each other left me very, very touched.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2014?
This question doesn’t have an easy answer, but if you want names, do go to the zeus statutory site, click on any of the EBM or Agora from the list, and then click on the participants list. There you have it: outstanding people who put their time and efforts to make our organization grow and get stronger and more amazing from one year to the next. Kudos to you active AEGEEans!
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2014?
AEGEE-Cagliari, hands down. They put O in outstanding.
What was for you the outstanding project in 2014?
I would have to go with Europe on Track 2 here. It is just… special, both the project team and the concept of the project itself. A gift that keeps, and let’s hope, will keep on giving.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
It is plain to see that the topic of the next EPM and the 30th Anniversary will be two hottest topics in AEGEE next year, but what I would really like to see happen is shining some light on good new things that are emerging in the network –covering LGBT and gender equality topics.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
Well, at least for the first couple of months I will be recharging my AEGEE batteries and focusing on the work of my antenna, I would love to see some new things happening here in Belgrade. As for the rest, I will remain mysterious.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
Haven’t you heard? AEGEE-Beograd is throwing the craziest party for New Year’s Eve again this year. It really is the place to be.

 

Lisa Zeltinger, Public Relations Responsible of AEGEE-Gdańsk, Member of Events Quality Assurance Committee

Lisa ZeltingerWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
My personal highlight is actually a sequence of events which happened during this year. All travels, adventures, projects, events and people I met. Also LTCs, Agoras, EBM, SU, being elected as member of AEGEE-Gdańsk and EQAC, as well as coordinator of SU 2015, along with my beloved Basia Kowalska, had a positive influence on my life and are great memories. All these crazy things happened in one year – isn’t it amazing? The best AEGEE spirit overload I could ever dreamed of!
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
Agora Cagliari! It was my third Agora and this one I enjoyed the most. Call me crazy but I loved that too long plenaries! It was a pleasure to be delegate and participate in such a great, well organized Agora, full of happenings.
Who were for you the outstanding members in 2014?
Joanna Pankowska for her great involvement in AEGEE-Warszawa action and European projects. She is an enthusiastic member with a fresh look at AEGEE matters, especially in the Polish network. Also Ula Gemza and Ania Sojat for making AEGEE-Wrocław stronger and active.
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2014?
First and foremost, my beloved AEGEE-Gdańsk for ist amazing development. It changed a lot from me joining this local in March 2013 till now. I am very proud and happy that I can participate in the growth and days of glory. Also for me it is AEGEE-Wrocław for overcoming its difficulties and making more and more great things. Finally, I would like to mention AEGEE-Cagliari for the unforgettable Agora.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
Of course the 30th Anniversary of AEGEE – I can’t wait to celebrate! Moreover, AgorAsturias, the Agora in Kiev and EPM Burgos. Big events are coming and a lot of interesting things may happen, especially heated discussions during the upcoming EPM and the new CD members elections.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
First of all, to do as much as I can as member of AEGEE-Gdańsk and EQAC, also organize an amazing Summer University. Furthermore I am going to stay active, travel more and more, finish somehow my bachelor thesis and graduate. Then, I am going to start my master degree in a brand new place, city and country – hopefully with an AEGEE local there.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I am going to spend New Year’s night in Gdańsk during the New Year’s Event “Oscar Party” as dedicated organizer. It is going to be amazing again in an incredible city with my friends and AEGEEans.

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