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 third edition: read what Ander Guerrero Ruiz, Deborah Pistori, Marije Arentze, Ivan Bielik, Lia Tuska and Natalia Ivleva said.
Ander Guerrero Ruiz, Financial Director of AEGEE-Europe
What was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2015?
The answer could be quite obvious and fast: be elected Financial Director of AEGEE-Europe. However, this could be leaving much more things without being highlighted: finishing my year as President of AEGEE-Zaragoza, where half of my heart it is still there; an amazing TSU organized between the four antennae Burgos, Leon, Madrid and Zaragoza; my period as CD Assistant; and the first five months with awesome people and awesome friends in the head office of AEGEE-Europe.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2015. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
Agora Kyiv. It meant a lot to me by. I have really close friends in Ukraine and after living with one, Maryana Semenyak, my feelings and my passion for Ukraine it is even deeper. Also, it was already two years after Agora Zaragoza, which still is in my mind, and, last but not least, my first Agora “on the other side” with many proposals and things to be approved… It is difficult to forget such an experience!
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2015?
(laughing) Can I nominate myself? A few people come to my mind but they do not need nor want public recognition. I still want to share with them how important they are to me, how much I am thankful to them and many stories… and with me this question it is answered!
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2015?
AEGEE-Kyiv managed to organized in one year everything… but that wouldn’t be fair towards a lot of locals that every day put their passion and motivation in their work.
What was for you the outstanding European project in 2015?
Not many things come to my mind to be honest, but I would like to remark the Young UA Conference for the idea. As main coordinator Anna Pykhtina said in the closing ceremony, I would like to see this as a tradition and that Agora local organizers manage to put some content before the Agora.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2016?
Many plans, project and events have been launched or they will be launched soon, so it is really difficult to choose: a renovated SU Project, the real working of the Working Groups or projects, the final piloting of the EUth project, and, maybe the best: the AEGEE Day?
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2016?
As Financial Director and one of the fundraisers of AEGEE, after trying to make the finances and fundraising more approachable to people, why not to make something big, something quite crazy but realistic that could change the future of AEGEE-Europe: Let’s crowdfund money from members and locals, ask for support from the alumni, look for partners and let’s buy a head office forever! Stay tuned!
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
This is really easy in my mind: I just want to stay at home, be with my family and relax! No party is wanted this year… I really feel I need to rest and disconnect for a few days to come back to Brussels with new energy and more ideas for the second part of the term!
Deborah Pistori, Audit Commissioner of AEGEE-Europe
What was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2015?
Undoubtedly my personal AEGEE highlight is linked to Agora Kyiv. For the first time in four years I decided to candidate for a position outside the local level of AEGEE and so far it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. It still feels a bit unreal being elected but I have been constantly pulled back into reality because we started working almost immediately after the Agora. I am actually really happy about that because we are working well as a team and even though we are only two members in the Audit Commission, I am confident that we can do a great job.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2015. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
The most memorable moment is the 30th Anniversary Celebration of AEGEE-Europe. 30 years is a great goal for an association and I believe we celebrated in the best way. Re-organizing the “Night of the Seven Antennae” was an outstanding way to remember our founder Frank Biancheri and the initiative AEGEE organized in 1986. The live streaming was a success, it made you feel part of the celebration even though you couldn’t attend it in person. I was also impressed by those locals who organized an event to celebrate the 30th anniversary just because they wanted to commemorate this happening and it felt amazing that everyone was so involved in it.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2015?
Choosing just one is actually really hard for me, because many people deserve this recognition. All active members of AEGEE are outstanding because they put effort, passion and commitment into this association and many of them don’t get enough credit for their work. You may consider someone outstanding because he or she put himself or herself on the line more than anyone else does. But at the end of the day we are all in the same place, because you are always challenging yourself, trying to do your best in every activity you are involved, it’s just not many people do that publicly. I see AEGEE as a big team, we work for the same goal, we develop ourselves and the association from attending or organizing the smallest event to the big European event or Statutory Meeting.
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2015?
Several locals need to be mentioned here. The first one is my own local, AEGEE-Cagliari. After Autumn Agora Cagliari we thought we couldn’t do anything greater, but we wanted to put ourselves on the line once again and we decided to organize an event to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of AEGEE-Europe and the 20th Anniversary of AEGEE-Cagliari. Thanks to one of our Honorary Members, Alessandra, we launched for the first time a crowdfunding campaign. I couldn’t honestly be prouder of my local and its members. The second local who deserves this nomination is AEGEE-Catania, fourth time in a row they win the title of the “Best Summer University”, they were one of the locals who organized the Night of the Seven Antennae for the 30th Anniversary celebration and they organized a wonderful Network Meeting. They are an outstanding local with great people so I wish them all the best to do even greater events in the future – maybe an Agora? The third and last nomination goes to AEGEE-Oviedo and AEGEE-Kyiv. As a former organizer I know how tough it is to organize an Agora and I’m sure they put a lot of effort to ensure a good event for everyone so thank you guys for your hard work!
What was for you the outstanding European project in 2015?
As I have already mentioned the 30th Anniversary celebration I would like to mention here the Election Observation Project. They did many Election Observation Missions trying to involve as many AEGEEans as possible and they are keeping to work and grow. I believe it is one of the most outstanding projects AEGEE has ever had. I would also like to mention the “Key to Europe”, one of the best editions I have seen in the past years, great graphics and interesting content. The team made this 30th Anniversary edition something to look up for the future.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2016?
The next EPM in Leiden is something we should look forward to. The topic chosen at Agora Kyiv, concerning the situation of refugees and migrants is something that needs to be discussed. Not many people are aware of the meaning of these two terms and are often used inappropriately. Misinformation and misunderstandings on the topic are widely spread and create an environment of fear and xenophobia. AEGEE has all the means to make people aware of this issue and we should all try to create a better environment. To do that we need to be able to open our minds and get as much informed as possible. For this reason I’m sure that the EPM Content Managers will do a great job.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2016?
I will focus on my job in the Audit Commission till the end of my term, attend Agora Bergamo and Agora Chisinau and then who knows…
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
I know for sure that I won’t be able to attend any New Year’s event this year, but honestly I have no idea on how to spend New Year’s night… I am kind of a late planner when it comes to this kind of events so I will probably decide on something a few days before 31st.
Ivan Bielik, former CD member, CD Advisory Board
What was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2015?
Approving the reform of Working Groups and the strategy for learning and training at Spring Agora Oviedo. These are the most important personal results of my CD term.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2015. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
EPM Burgos.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2015?
I appreciate those AEGEE members that are active in their locals and do not have a big PR for their achievements.
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2015?
To stay consistent with my previous answer: AEGEE-Burgos.
What was for you the outstanding European project in 2015?
Summer University is still a European project, so I choose that.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2016?
I wish it is education and its different forms. But that is too idealistic to expect.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2016?
To be available for the Advisory Board of the Comité Directeur and AEGEE-Brno members. And then: farewell!
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
In Zagreb, with my girlfriend.
Marije Arentze, AEGEE Election Observation & Liaison Officer towards OSCE
What was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2015?
My personal AEGEE highlight was visiting Belgrade again this summer. Belgrade is where it all started for me; back in 2011 on the Summer University, my first AEGEE event. This summer I went back for the first time to spend two days with Miljana Vulevic and her mom as a cherry-on-top after three weeks in the Balkans, my first solo travel experience. They made me feel so at home that I realized, right there on a bench on Kalemegdan, how much AEGEE has enriched my life and that it turned me into a true cosmopolitan. AEGEE gave me the confidence that wherever I travel, I will never feel lonely.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2015. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
I really liked the #AEGEE30 conference in Brussels and I was impressed by AEGEE-Burgos’ EPM. But I have to mention Agora Kyiv as my favourite. I wasn’t even there, but still I am so proud that AEGEE made this happen. That we showed Europe that we are not afraid.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2015?
The previous CD! I was not present at Agora Kyiv, but I hope they got the standing ovation they deserve. I cannot remember another CD as involved with the network as they were. They were always listening, never imposing things, everything was open to discussion. It was like they shook the network awake and let a new, fresh wind blow through the organisation. They did some pretty cool stuff, I was especially impressed by the Working Group Reform proposal. They were a true example of a great team, a warm group of people and most importantly so much fun to be around!
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2015?
AEGEE-Leiden. Learning the news that we finally got the EPM was one of my absolute highlights this year. I think we first started dreaming about organising a statutory event 3.5 years ago. Back then, almost no one in our local thought it would ever happen. I am not officially involved in the organisation, so Boudewijn wasn’t allowed to tell me when they got the news, but he called me immediately anyway and it was an amazing moment. AEGEE-Leiden deserves it so much and from what I hear, the organisation will be excellent.
What was for you the outstanding European project in 2015?
AEGEE Election Observation! Over the summer, almost our entire team got renewed and the team we have now is better than I could have imagined. We made a big step in professionalism and I am learning new things from my team mates every day. I am very proud of everything we have achieved so far, and it is very exciting to realize we haven’t by far reached our potential yet. I can’t wait to see what the new year will bring us.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2016?
Autumn Agora Chisinau 2016. I am absolutely thrilled about a Moldovan Agora!
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2016?
I will continue as external relations responsible of the AEGEE Election Observation. In January is our team meeting in Warsaw, where we will meet up with the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, a department of OSCE, and finalize our calendar for 2016. I hope we will continue for a second cycle after Agora Chisinau. I also took over from Julia as Liaison Officer towards OSCE. For the rest: I’ll see what comes along!
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
Probably just meeting up with some friends, strolling the city without a plan and see where we end up. Exactly how I like it!
Lia Tuska, Secretary of the Agora/EPM 2016, Project Manager of Democracy in Practice
What was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2015?
2015 is a year full of personal successes for me in and outside AEGEE. In April, after two years of thinking about it, I organised as Network Commissioner a Network Meeting with the local where everything started, AEGEE-Kastoria. Later this year, I was elected Project Manager of Democracy in Practice. Also, a dream that I had for a long time came true: I got elected Secretary of the Agora and EPM. Last but not least, one year after the Youth Trainers Academy, thanks to AEGEE, I achieved more goals as a trainer than I expected last year.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2015. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
I still remember the Night of the Seven Antennae. I was in Sofia with the AEGEE family I have there, but it felt like I was with everyone I know from AEGEE. I didn’t have Internet access during the live streaming, but as soon as I had, I received lots of messages from friends that watched me.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2015?
All those AEGEEans that have a dream, any dream, like improving themselves, changing the world, striving for a better and more united Europe, those AEGEEans who believe that joining AEGEE was one of the best choices they made in their lives.
What was for you the outstanding European project in 2015?
Election Observation because they managed to achieve missions in different countries with enough participation; and Democracy in Practice because we inspired 21 locals to organise activities on the Human Rights Day.
What do you foresee as a highlight or big topic in AEGEE in 2016?
I am really curious about the position paper of AEGEE-Europe on the refugee crisis. I wish AEGEE will tackle the topic of refugees more actively, maybe by Case Study Trips which don’t happen in AEGEE lately. I recently visited an exhibition in Sofia by a painter and a photographer that have visited refugee camps over the last two years and have workshops with children. Most paintings and photos were made by those children. I felt so emotional. It would be one of a kind experience to visit a refugee camp, come across their everyday life, take part in their activities and remind them that we are all humans that care for our fellows.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2016?
Most of my time in 2016 will be split to my tasks as Secretary of the Agora and EPM and Project Manager of Democracy in Practice. I will attend the event “EU debt & refugee crisis: How successfully does the EU manage? Will the EU survive?” by AEGEE-Peiraias in collaboration with Democracy in Practice. I will be at EPM Leiden and right after I have the live meeting with the Democracy in Practice team, where we will have teambuilding and some final changes in the Project’s outline. I will be at Agora Bergamo and Agora Chisinau to take care of the minutes. Hopefully, I will spend another summer as a trainer of a Democracy in Practice Summer University. I have plans for Democracy Day on 15th of September. In December – maybe on Human Rights Day – we are going to have the closing conference of Democracy in Practice.
Natalia Ivleva, former NetCom, Visa Supporters Responsible of the Youth Mobility WG
What was your personal AEGEE highlight in 2015?
I had a moment when I’m realized that I have a lots of friends all over the AEGEE who will support me with any of my decisions.
AEGEE-Europe had many memorable moments in 2015. Which one do you remember most vividly or was outstanding?
When Anna Smailikova named all the city names of the #AutumnAgoraKyiv2015 organizers at the closing plenary. And of course standing ovations after that. It is a really incredible feeling when you see it from the stage.
Who was for you the outstanding member in 2015?
Those people who were coordinating the greatest events of this year. Ruben from AEGEE-Burgos: I still don’t know your surname, but I really love you and miss you! Alberto Cuesta Noriega from AEGEE-Oviedo. And Anna Smailikova, AEGEE-Kyiv. I was telling it to her right after Agora and will repeat it again and again: You are my Hero!
Which was for you the outstanding antenna in 2015?
For sure, the locals which organized the statutory events. AEGEE-Burgos for the amazing EPM, AEGEE-Oviedo for a great AgorAsturias and of course my beloved AEGEE-Kyiv for giving me the possibility to be a part of the SuperOrg team of the #AutumnAgoraKyiv2015. I was always impressed and inspired by the Agora organizers, but only when I became an organizer too I realized how all those people are really great and which huge work they are doing to prepare the best Agora or EPM for all of us.
What are your personal AEGEE plans for 2016?
First of all I would like to continue my work in the Youth Mobility WG regarding the visa process, problems and issues. And then Agora Bergamo will show what is next.
How and where will you spend New Year’s night?
This New Year I will celebrate with my friends in Voronezh.
