While the Golden Times is getting close to the magical number of 1000 fans, let’s look back and present the AEGEE member, who was the 900th fan: Tim Valbert from AEGEE-Aachen. Being 31 years old, Tim is among the more experienced members of the organization, but still enthusiastic: “The ES1 will be in Aachen this year, and I will be helping once again”, he says. Find out more about Tim, who was the AEGEE-Aachen bear and has baking and watching “Games of Thrones” among his hobbies.
Golden Times: Tim, you are the 900th fan of the Golden Times! Congratulations! How did you hear about the Golden Times? Do you read it regularly?
Tim Valbert: I first read the Golden Times on Facebook, where it was linked from some other AEGEE readers. During the Agora in Enschede I read it fairly regularly, because it was a good way to get all the exiting information with a nice point of view.
Golden Times: Tell us about yourself: how old are you, what did you study? And what do you do at the software company where you work?
Tim: I am too old to die young, so that’s 31. I am still studying linguistics and economics and economic history. At the software company I am creating the user manuals and the help files for our programs. Also I design most of the publications like the printed newsletter and some other stuff.
Golden Times: How and when did you join AEGEE-Aachen?
Tim: If I recall correctly, it was in autumn 2005. At least that was the first time I attended a social meeting and became a member shortly afterwards.
Golden Times: What have you been doing on local and European level so far? I saw that you were board member twice, in different years…
Tim: Well, at the local Agora in 2005, I became a board member. I was not aware, that when the suggestions for the new board are made, you have to scream “STOP!”, otherwise you might get elected. At least, that is how I remember it… So after joining AEGEE two months before, I got to be on the board as a HR Responsible and stayed for one year. When the next board decided to organise the Agora in Aachen, I decided to candidate for board again, since all the former board members resigned to be on the Agora team. That was in 2007, I was Secretary till end of 2008. Actually, I was not so active on the European level, if you don’t count attending events or Agoras.
Golden Times: You mentioned the Agor Aachen in 2008. What are the best and worst memories from the Agora organisation?
Tim: Oh, where to start? This time was so full of work and memories, but because of sleep deprivation I cannot remember all of it clearly… One of the best memories would be attending the European night as the AEGEE Aachen bear, that was real fun! And of course working with this amazing team, we really grew close during the 4 days of the Agora. Worst memory? Since I was also the responsible for food and logistics, maybe the problems with the gyms at the first day. You cannot imagine what a disaster a wrong key can be! And the dancing class, which would not leave the booked gym…
Golden Times: What was the best event you’ve visited so far in AEGEE? And the best you organised?
Tim (smiles): The Agora in Napoli was kind of special, even if there were some problems. But the AEGEE spirit was really great there. For the best one I organised, maybe the members’ weekend in 2006. Or one of the countless summer universities, which I didn’t organise, but had the pleasure to assist.
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Tim: To Aachen! The ES1 will be in Aachen this year, and I will be helping once again!
Golden Times: Did you follow the news about Agora Enschede? Which impression did you get from the Agora?
Tim: I followed the news – thanks to Golden Times! – and I had the impression, that there were big communicational problems, which should not happen in a CD or even a local board! And also I have much respect for the organisers, they did a great job! I know how hard it is, if the plenary goes on and on, but the meals are ready…
Golden Times: Please complete the sentence: “AEGEE is for me…”
Tim: …all about the AEGEE people!
Golden Times: What other hobbies and interests do you have aside from AEGEE?
Tim: With my motorcycle I go on tours, like this year to Switzerland. And I enjoy a good beer with friends, but actually, this is not really aside from AEGEE.
Golden Times: I saw that you are very much into fantasy films and shows, such as Game of Thrones? How come and what do you like about it?
Tim: Uuhhh, I love Game of Thrones! It is such a good story, and the books are even better! The different points of view within the narration are great. And it is not all good or evil, black or white, there are all shades of grey in between, so it is a quite complex story.
Golden Times: As a child, what did you dream to be your future job after growing up?
Tim: Pirate! But I could not find a parrot…
Golden Times: You studies in Aachen, work in Aachen and grew up not far from there. What do you like so much about Aachen and the area? Will you stay there forever?
Tim: Well, I grew up in a very small town, with about 30 residents. When I moved to Aachen, it was a big city for me – that changed in the last few years. What I like is that nearly everything is in walking distance. Or you can take the walking bus. But honestly, I am not sure if I will stay in Aachen forever, most likely not.
Golden Times: What’s never missing in your fridge?
Tim: Bacon.
Golden Times: How would you describe yourself in five keywords?
Tim: Just one: Awesome. And: Fantastic baker.
