Who is the AEGEE member of the year 2015? Which antenna, which project was the best? The Golden Times asked more than 50 locally or Europeanly active members. In this second edition: read what said Anna Gumbau, Mateusz Muszalski, Wietske Jousma, Ruben “Harry” Sanz, Romy Cartiere and Michele Minuti said.
Anna Gumbau, Comité Directeur
What was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2015?
There are many, as it has been a really exciting year, full of emotions. I think the moment I will remember most vividly is our teambuilding weekend with the Comité Directeur, with Fabian Brüggemann. I will never forget such an empowering feeling and the sensation of the seven pieces of our puzzle getting together while aligning our vision… and even succeeding together in physical teambuilding exercises!
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2015. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
The Night of the Seven Antennae! I was in Aachen and I remember that moment when I saw for the first time the people in the other six cities on the screen, how I screamed for joy and got excited all of a sudden. It was a: “Yes, it’s happening!”. The seven locals did an outstanding work and I was very happy how much it paid off.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2015?
I would like to take my hat off to Clàudia Nogués from AEGEE-Barcelona, who has succeeded in managing a small antenna which nonetheless organised five European events from Summer University 2014 to Summer University 2015, and has run for president for a second term despite many big challenges on a personal level. AEGEE-Barcelona would simply not be anywhere without her huge efforts! She is simply one of the examples of many people who work really hard at a local level and often are not acknowledged.
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2015?
One of my highlights as Comité Directeur member so far has been the roughly 24 hours that I spent visiting AEGEE-Canterbury. I remember how our jaws dropped in Agora Kyïv, when they were presenting their Activity Plan and all the events they organised so far – the latest ones, a mock referendum on their university campus and a debate with the youth branches of UK’s main parties, including UKIP. It proves that you don’t need a big antenna to organise high-quality thematic activities, but a group of highly motivated members.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2016?
I see three main topics. First of all, the network has shown a big concern regarding the current refugee crisis and the topic of migration, so I really can’t wait to see new initiatives and projects, as well as the upcoming EPM Leiden. Secondly, the Brexit debate. Although there is no concrete date for the referendum, it might happen already in 2016 so it will be time to follow very closely what happens in the UK, and see if they decide to be in or out. Last but not least, I would like to get back to the times where we were anticipating and foreseeing potential big topics, and maybe bring digital democracy and Internet governance on our agenda, with projects such as EUth running. I already have a few ideas in mind!
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2016?
My most important and immediate plan is to make sure that all the things that I as part of the CD committed to are fulfilled. Tough months, many objectives, but I still keep the same enthusiasm as on the first day. After being in the CD, I think it will take me a while before I disappear from AEGEE. I would like to focus a lot more on trainings and internal education, something that I am slowly feeling stronger and stronger about.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
In my hometown near Barcelona, with my family. These last months I had no time at all to spend with them and, having my parents been the biggest support I could have, I would like to spend these holidays as much time with them as possible.
Mateusz Muszalski, Audit Commission President
What was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2015?
I have two personal highlights. Finishing my term in the board of AEGEE-Kraków and being elected as the President of Audit Commission during Agora Kyiv.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2015. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
The first impression are great Agorae. I will also remember the activeness of the AEGEE-Aachen members at Agora Kyiv.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2015?
I would like to mention the whole Civic Education WG team as they are the most visible and probably most active European body at the moment.
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2015?
I am really proud of our newest AEGEE family members on the Isles. Keep going Aberdeen, Canterbury, Durham, Manchester and Newcastle-upon-Tyne! We are all waiting for your contribution on this Eurosceptic land!
What was for you the outstanding European project in 2015?
Agora Kyiv of course and maybe also a bit a personal highlight, but still well deserved – the Network Meeting in Kraków as an example of great logistics, fundraising and social programme.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2016?
The #agoraofthe1000 in Bergamo for sure. I would also like to see how we will combine the time and attention for both drafting the Action Agenda and the refugee crisis during the EPM in Leiden.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2016?
This year I would be focusing on fulfilling all of my Audit Commission tasks, but also I would like to participate in a Summer University as I have never done it before.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
With my friends in Vienna.
Wietske Jousma, President of AEGEE-Enschede
What was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2015?
There are so many, but actually it is pretty easy. Getting elected as President of Board XXX of AEGEE-Enschede and to get the opportunity to dedicate one year to AEGEE with my team.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2015. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
What I remember every time I attend a statutory event or another event is the power of connecting AEGEE has. Even in the hardest time AEGEE breaks through borders and connects everybody.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2015?
It is so hard to name just some people, because I do not want to let other people down. But I think Paul Smits did an amazing job as President of AEGEE-Europe; however I am very glad to see him more often in our pub in Enschede now. Also he is passionate about his Civic Education Working Group and they made some amazing plans for next year. I can’t wait till we hear more about it. Réka Salamon is for me one of the outstanding members, because she inspires me every single time I meet her. She has a vision for our association and that is something I find really important. Besides that, she can inspire other people wherever and whenever, truly an amazing person! Maarten de Groot from AEGEE-Amsterdam is also one of the most outstanding members of AEGEE, because he shows everyone it is very important to step on the stage and have your voice heard. He gave a sort of training last Network Meeting in Delft which I attended and he inspired with his vision about the future of Europe. It is important to keep a place to discuss several matters and not to avoid the discussion.
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2015?
This is a difficult one! But AEGEE-Kyïv must be mentioned, for giving one of the best Agora experiences in my AEGEE career. But also the EPM in Burgos and the Agora in Oviedo were amazing, so I must give credits to all organizing locals, because of the three outstanding statutory events they organized.
What was for you the outstanding European project in 2015?
The most outstanding European project was for the Election Observation Project. They add very important matters to our association and motivate members to be more interested and be more involved in their project and they do an amazing job.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2016?
The elections of the new Comité Directeur is something I really look forward to. It is always an exciting moment! Also the topic of the EPM in Leiden is very interesting and I am looking forward to all discussions during the EPM.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2016?
My personal plan is to finish my board year as good as possible and enjoy all the moments of AEGEE that will come, whether this is during my board year together with my team or with other AEGEEans during an event. There are already some amazing events coming up. Furthermore, I am the board responsible of the organizing team of ExperiEnschede, the Pre-Event for EPM Leiden. We prepared an awesome programme in which we will show our participants the typical Dutch student culture, I am really looking forward to this event!
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I am still not sure yet! Maybe I will spend New Year’s night in our own pub Asterion, but I have also some plans to spend it maybe abroad, so I am not sure yet. But it doesn’t matter where I spend New Year’s night, it will be an amazing party.
Ruben “Harry” Sanz Martinez, Main Organiser of EPM Burgos
What was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2015?
EPM Burgos 2015, not only for being the first EPM, and the first planning meeting hosted in Spain, which means a lot of responsibility. Being the main organizer has been without any doubt my top highlight in my AEGEE life, I gave to AEGEE all that I have in gratitude for all that AEGEE has given me. And linked to it, the time shared with AEGEE-Burgos and the people from other antennae that helped in the organization of EPM too. I am really proud of all of them, newbies and oldies, we created a big family, more than friends, and that made it unforgettable to all!
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2015. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
EPM Burgos too, to me it was best event ever. And I have never expected to receive so much appreciation after it.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2015?
My top three are: Chema Rueda from Zaragoza, Jorge Ruiz Quintela from León and Álvaro Espinosa from Santander. They are my AEGEE brothers.
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2015?
AEGEE-Burgos, but not only them, as I said our friends from other antennae are included too.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2016?
My personal plans for AEGEE and non-AEGEE are the same: just try to be happy.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I will be in the Easter Island, alone with the Moáis and Rapa Nuis.
Romy Cartiere, Content Manager EPM Leiden 2016
What was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2015?
I will have to say, when the EPM topic I proposed was chosen at the Agora in Kyïv. It was a close call, and my hands kept shaking for quite a while after the plenary!
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2015. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
The Agora in Kyïv overall. AgorAsturias was wonderful as well, but in Kyïv I felt a lot of energy, like a vibe, going through the event. I think it has to do with the current issues in Europe. Once more you see how reactive youth can be, they want to contribute to their future! And this feeling is sparked even more when their future seems unstable.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2015?
Florian Hauger, together with his antenna AEGEE-Heidelberg. I think it took a lot of courage to carry through with the statement they made at the Agora in Kyïv about the refugee crisis. I believe it encouraged other locals to take a stand as well.
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2015?
AEGEE-Istanbul, AEGEE-Moskva, AEGEE-Eskişehir, AEGEE-Sankt-Peterburg, AEGEE-İzmir, AEGEE-Samara, AEGEE-Çanakkale, AEGEE-Voronezh, AEGEE-Hatay and AEGEE-Ankara. For their message of peace, stating that the tension between Turkey and Russia did not affect their personal relationships. They are a great example of how we should interact with each other: leaving behind our nationalities.
What was for you the outstanding European project in 2015?
The Election Observation Mission. I hope they can carry on their work! Fair elections are one of the very few tools citizens have to have an actual say about their country’s future. And I think the EOM still has room to grow, which is very exciting!
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2016?
I think AEGEE can make a difference regarding the refugee crisis and the additional Europessimism. It is great to see that many initiatives have been set up already. Hopefully we can carry on this chain of actions, with the help of the EPM for instance. And of course I hope that despite all these issues, which can be a bit distracting sometimes, we can pen down a clear and well thought-out Action Agenda.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2016?
Organizing the Pre-EPM event “I’ll be AmsterDamned!”, which will be awesome, by the way! As content manager of the EPM in Leiden: set up a thought-provoking conference, together with the other content managers Joanna Pankowska and Daniela Poddesu. Run for delegate for the Agora of the 1000 in Bergamo, and hopefully participate in the Agora in Chişinău! There are many other, smaller activities I’ll be involved in, but these are definitely the highlights.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I will spend it in Wrocław, where I will rock into the new year with other AEGEEans! Directly afterwards I will hitchhike all the way to Peiraias to participate in their interesting sounding event: “EU debt & refugee crisis: How successfully does the EU manage? Will the EU survive?” I can’t wait! Happy new year everyone!
Michele Minuti, Treasurer of the AEGEE-Academy
What was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2015?
My personal highlight in 2015 was from January to April because for some juridical issues I became Interim Speaker of the Academy. We were having a moment of transition and it was difficult for me. Fortunately I had good board members in the past who taught me a lot, especially Maartje Natrop and Patrick Scholz. At the same time I was President of AEGEE-Brescia. I have to thanks Rizzo, Federica, Alessandra, Testa, Scandi, our three Giulias, Tono, Ferro and the other members of my local because they supported me during those challenging months.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2015?
Mario Galea for sure. He deserves the award “Member of the year”. He was the Netcommie of the famous “Rainbow area” and speaker of the Network Commission. Unfortunately he wasn’t understood by a few people but he never gave up and he strived for a better communication and work with his locals and the network in general. I encourage the new Netcommies to continue their work according to Mario’s vision. Even if he wanted to kill me many times, also during the Network Meeting in Firenze, I still believe Mario was one of the best, or the best Netcommie ever of Italian locals and Valletta. Furthermore I bet on a new important guy for our network. I am sure he will give his contribution for the future: Luca Bisighini. Stay tuned on him!
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2015?
Last year I nominated AEGEE-Verona and AEGEE-Torino. They grow up and they are still amazing locals. This year I nominate AEGEE-Mağusa. This year I attended their Summer University and it is a pity they didn’t win the award of “Best Summer University”. They provided me tasty food, clean accommodation and amazing logistic solutions. I was very impressed about the mix of Turkish and Greek culture all together of both Cyprus. AEGEE-Mağusa is a small local but I am sure my new amazing “gardash” will be famous one day.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2016?
I really like AEGEE talks and take care of the refugees’ problem because the world is heading towards many changes. The numbers of the wars is rising in the world. I am so sad for the situation.
Children and young people are not having any form of protection and they are uneducated. They are not having the right for knowledge to build a better world.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2016?
At the moment I have to finish my term as Academy member. It is a challenging year but it can be prolonged, because I am considering another year in the Academy Board. First I have to respect my last election promises.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
Last year I spent my New Year’s night with my Balkan friends in Beograd. They organised an amazing event and I wish the best to them. This year my super smily girl will come in my city and we will spend the night with my non-AEGEE friends. We will eat and talk a lot. Food is coming…
