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 third edition: read what Jorge Sánchez Hernández, Andrea Ugrinoska, Thomas Leszke, Lisa Gregis, Matthijs Overhaal and Urša Svetelj said.

Jorge Sánchez Hernández, President of AEGEE-Dresden

Jorge SanchezWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
Founding AEGEE-Dresden and signing the Convention d’Adhesion in Cagliari. This is a moment I will never ever forget!
Who were for you the outstanding members in 2014?
Anna Pykhtina for being such an inspiring and motivating member, with her hard and creative work and dedication, that always brings me a new idea and a smile with all the impressive projects and PR strategies. Pablo Hernández Rodriguez for his amazing and continuous internal work in AEGEE-Alicante, always pulling the strings to make things happen, and a great involvement in European projects. And last but not least, Ksenia Lupanova for her incredible amazing creativity that motivates many people like me, and her high activeness, even if she’s so far away from where most events happen.
Which were for you the outstanding antennae in 2014?
Aegee-Cagliari, for organizing such a nice Agora, AEGEE-Kyïv for the high level of activity in their local as well as the good atmosphere that one can see in the pictures they post, and of course AEGEE-Kraków for their incredibly impressive Human Resources management, since they are a huge local and do so many successful activities.
What was for you the outstanding project in 2014?
The Election Observation Project. It is an amazing project in AEGEE and my favourite so far for many different reasons.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
I can see how the Youth UnEmployment project will be kicking it in the upcoming year. And I wish a change in the Working Group format, but I don’t see many initiatives to accomplish this so far.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
This is quite a long list, but to make it short: to develop my contact antenna and to motivate new people to join the association and stand up for a better Europe, to gain at least six new active members for AEGEE-Dresden, and find new board members to make 2015-2016 awesome for our antenna, to organize a Top 10 TSU next summer, to have very successful exchanges with AEGEE-Krakow, AEGEE-Wroclaw and AEGEE-Praha as well as LTCs, and to upgrade AEGEE-Dresden to Antenna as soon as possible!
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
In Moscow! I will be in the New Year’s event “Capital Cities”, organized by AEGEE-Kyïv and AEGEE-Moskva. I am super excited! #HipsterEvent #MoskvaKyïv #NoPoliticsJustFriendship

 

Andrea Ugrinoska, Vice Chair of AEGEE-Europe, President of AEGEE-Skopje

Andrea UgrinoskaWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
My personal AEGEE highlight in 2014 was the happiness I felt when I was elected as a Vice Chair person, and the happiness that I keep on feeling ever since then. Not comparable to anything else.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
I cannot recall anything that left me speechless right now, sorry.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2014?
Uf, what a hard question. There’s no way one could decide. I mean I loved all my people from ES1 in Enschede, and for me it was outstanding to see how all of us are progressing together, and to see how our case studies are suddenly becoming reality. I really just cannot divide names, since for me, everyone that leaves their input in AEGEE is outstanding.
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2014?
I cannot stop being amazed by the Italian antennae, especially AEGEE-Cagliari and AEGEE-Napoli, since I got a chance to see their work on the TSU. Those people have spirit, they truly love what they do and they are so committed. The perfect example of a family. I would also mention AEGEE Enschede, cause those people over there.. they take things seriously. And would it be too much bragging if I add AEGEE-Skopje in the end? I mean the antenna is just blooming.
What was for you the outstanding project in 2014?
I was involved in two projects in 2014, and I think both of them were outstanding and took AEGEE’s project criteria to a whole different level. Y Vote 2014 and Health4Youth.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
Well, it is obviously the 30th anniversary, isn’t it. Woosh, i think it’s gonna be so hugeee and amazing! But I cannot exclude my dear lovely project Democracy in Practice. I think it’s gonna rock!
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
Personal plans? Hmmm.. they are huge, and a lot! For now I am following my Vice Chair person career, my projects involvement, and my presidential mandate in AEGEE-Skopje. And as happy as I am, I still feel eager for more! So I am preparing myself for more, for the cherry on the top, the highest peak of AEGEE.. Hmm, what could it be?
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
Having so many obligations right now, I look very forward to my simple and lovely New Year’s eve, this time. Having my boyfriend Luis here, and all my closest friends and family at one place, makes me feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Couple of drinks, couple of special places, and private home party at the end are what makes a New year’s eve in Skopje special. Less is more, we like to believe.

 

Thomas Leszke, Former CD member

Thomas LeszkeWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
I can’t help mentioning two things. Number one: My bicycle trip to the Agora Pátra from the 2nd till the 30th April, visiting many AEGEE and non-AEGEE friends on the way and enjoying some of the greatest landscapes and best hospitality that Europe has to offer. Number two: the Election Observation Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina from 9th till 13th of October, which restored my faith both in humanity in general and in AEGEE in particular in many different ways.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
Luis’ “thank you” speech in Pátra that moved the entire plenary hall to tears, myself included.
Who were for you the outstanding members in 2014?
Of course this is a very subjective choice, but I have been working closely with three ladies that certainly deserve a lot of praise: Anna Gumbau, for her priceless work in the AEGEEan and her great Agora Inspire speech in Cagliari; Marije Arentze, for her great job as Content Manager at the EBM Lublin; Erika Bettin, for the admirable courage, confidence, and strength it takes to run twice for Chairperson of the Agora, not be elected twice, and still be wholeheartedly committed to our common cause; … and all three for being awesome, inspiring, loving, and hard-working team members in the Election Observation Project!
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2014?
Apart from AEGEE-Pátra and AEGEE-Cagliari, who both did an astonishing job organising their Agora, I would like to highlight AEGEE-Kyïv – not only for their great support with two Election Observation Missions, but also most of all for the strength and courage they have shown all the way throughout the crisis in Ukraine, and for bringing so many things to our attention that we would otherwise never have learned!
What was for you the outstanding project in 2014?
Well, hard choice… our Election Observation Project surpassed even our own biggest dreams! But the best year is still to come. We can’t wait for 2015!
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
Geopolitics. I hope that by focusing on the EU-Ukraine-Russia relations at the EPM Burgos, we can start a dialogue in AEGEE about the future of political cooperation between our countries. It is important that we understand the mechanisms of power and conflict in this world, because without that knowledge, our vision of a peaceful Europe without borders will always remain just a dream.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
To organise lots of Election Observation Missions. And join a few of them myself – hopefully on my bicycle!
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
For the first time in my life I will actually spend New Year’s Eve in the city where I live, Köln, because on 1st of January we are starting an orchestra project here. No pain, no gain!

 

Lisa Gregis, President of AEGEE-Bergamo, former Netcom Subcommissioner

Lisa GregisWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
For sure it’s when I realized that I was ready to candidate as president of my antenna. I think that the presidency is not an easy thing and you have to be ready to lead a group of people, to deal with criticisms, to see the antenna as a whole and to make it better for the next term, because AEGEE is not ours, AEGEE belongs to everybody: the present and the future members, and we have to be very forward-looking to really take care of this association. In addition, a president must understand that he or she can change the life of the people for the better, and that’s why we have to give the chance to young people to participate and to let them shape the antenna, and AEGEE as a whole as well, like they need and want, and not like we want them to. That’s why it is not an easy thing.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
For me it was for sure when the Agora in Cagliari recited the Statement of Principles out loud. I know it’s not like a project or a big achievement, but I think it was a very emotional moment and it made me feel even more part of a big community of youngsters that believe in something that is more than what we usually think. At that moment I was thinking at all the members at their first Agora, and I was very happy for them to live such a great moment.
Who were for you the outstanding members in 2014?
There are two people that I can name: Mattia Abis for having made such a good job as Netcom of the Rainbow area. I cannot stop to repeat it, because if we are what we are now it’s also because of him. And Silvia Cannarozzi, the AEGEE-Bergamo Summer University main coordinator, because she was able to organize the event in a very professional way, but mainly because she created a very good and healthy group spirit between the organizers, and we can bring it in this new term.
Which were for you the outstanding antennae in 2014?
AEGEE-Cagliari of course and I don’t need to say why, because it’s crystal-clear. Also AEGEE-Bergamo, first because it’s my antenna and then because I would be very mean if I weren’t able to recognize the hard work of these people. And also AEGEE-Torino, because it was able to flourish again from its ashes.
What were for you the outstanding projects in 2014?
Europe on Track and Y Vote.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
For sure the 30th anniversary will be the leitmotif of the next year, but I hope that those celebration won’t make us forget what really matters now: peace in Europe, social justice in all the EU countries and youth participation in these topics.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
For sure most of the months will be occupied with the presidency, my term will end in September. I want to attend NWMs, Agorae, and a European School, but I’m ready to welcome some surprise. And who knows what can happen after September?
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I will spend my New Year’s Eve in Siena with some other AEGEE friends. I can’t wait! I wish to all the new and old AEGEEans a happy and passionate new year!

 

Matthijs Overhaal, Health4Youth Project

Matthijs OverhaalWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
I’m not a fan of speaking about highlights to be very honest, since I enjoy processes and growth much more. And therefore I would like to choose this one: I highly enjoyed the slow realisation that the Health4Youth project will be taken care of by others. I am sure they will do their absolute best to make more out of the project than I can imagine. It was and is very pleasurable for me to see that young people share the same passion you have and are willing to take responsibility.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2014. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
That is a very easy question for me. I was astounded by the AEGEE-Europe video made by Tom, Gerardo and Ksenia when I saw it for the first time. They may themselves not realise it, but it inspired me to work harder for what I love doing. The applause after the first showing in Agora Cagliari sounded like everyone really appreciated this work, instead of just clapping out of politeness. It gave me chills on my spine.
Who were for you the outstanding members in 2014?
Way too many people to pick only a few! I could make entire eposes for everyone of them but I am going to keep it short and mention three. Antonija Parat: It is funny how we turned out after Agora Patra. She is an inspiration for her current hard work and ass-kicking while at the same time being a listening ear and joke-machine. Ivan Bielik: Do I really need to explain this one? Well then. I love his ideas for this association and sharing my thoughts upon them as well. His work of late is very essential and basic for the organisation and he has the results to show for it. Mayri Tiido: That will be no surprise to anyone. But having to deal with me is no easy task at times, while also being under high voltage of CD life. Also in our time in the Netherlands she was a true support for our relationship and I am ever grateful for that.
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2014?
It is very hard to follow their work at 2000 kilometers distance but the hard work in AEGEE-Tartu is slowly paying of. I’m really sad that I cannot be involved there at the moment because these Tartunians Push Their Limits!
What was for you the outstanding project in 2014?
One of our youngest projects, the Election Observation Mission. They understand how simple a project can really be, not trying to improve the entire world at once. And I believe that the project is very successful in terms of radiating what AEGEE-Europe is and should be all about.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2015?
That would be reviving the memories of AEGEE-Europe from the past 30 years, or in short AEGEE-Europe’s 30th anniversary. I hope that we can use the possibility to learn from the past and what kind of activities were undertaken back then. This way, I also hope that we can revive a bit this spirit of believing in Europe in AEGEE.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2015?
There is only one plan absolutely certain and that is the fact that I will go to Ankara for the European School 2. Next to that I aspire to be more involved in a lot of trainings, either online or at events. I also hope to be of useful assistance for the current Comité Directeur, either in work or in personal life.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I have this plan that I want to hitchhike from Brussels to Estonia in order to celebrate Christmas and New Years Eve there. I just have to figure out a way to tell my mother…

 

Urša Svetelj, HR and External Relations of The Academy

Ursa SveteljWhat was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2014?
I would mention two highlights: being training manager of the ES1 in May, where I learned a lot, and meeting amazing participants at the Improve Yourself Summer Course in July.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2014?
Well… I must say I don’t have an overview of AEGEE in general, but in Academy terms I would say Maartje Natrop, our former Academy speaker, that lead the most productive Academy board ever, and Zsófia Komaromi, training manager of the PRES, who exceeded all our expectations regarding her work.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
Omg, I have no idea!

Read all articles: