Happy Birthday!!

There are some things in life that you will never forget. And my 'AIESEC life' is clearly on that list.

Someone once said that to understand AIESEC you have to experience it.. and I couldnt agree more!

What other way can you explain to other people how much you've learned, how much you've developed as an individual, how much you've grown both personally and professionally just by being part of it?

How else can you explain all the good friends you have around the world; that working non stop for 2 days preparing for a meeting isnt something that difficult, especially if you know the success of it depends on you and your team?

And about trying to explain the role calls, the first tears over "the Big Picture Session" and the strong belief that, together, we can create a better world?

How can you explain the emotions behind talking in front of plenaries with more than 400 people, the Global Villages, the Nutella Nights, the meetings with CEO's and Managers of top companies that you would never ever dream of meeting?

And how about explaining all about the annual planning sessions and the International Meeting overnight discussions about the impact you can create as an individual...

How to explain that "cold water" feeling when you get elected for the position you fought for? The emotions of winning you first "boat race" or "nordic highway"? The sleepless nights, the stolen kisses...

... Just try to explain the stamina that kept you going throughout 5 day long meetings, starting at 9 am and ending way past dinner time... Try to explain how you automatically connect to someone so quickly, when you find out both of you are AIESEC alumni? Or how you feel that you can really change the world and that its your role to contribute positively towards the future of humankind at the 17. Moreover, that the feeling is still there for all those years yet to come??!!

I look back and I cant.
Its just impossible to describe it as real as it is. No pictures do it justice, no blogs, no websites bring it to life as it is.

AIESEC is not about words. Its about living it Its about the EXPERIENCE and taking the best of the opportunities that have been given to you, to me.

'Yesterday' I was just a new member attending a Motivation Seminar, without having the smallest idea of what was in front of me.
Today I wait for my 2nd trainee, who will join my department soon.

The cycle goes on, as it has been for 60 years. As it will for many more years to come. And I smile.

Happy Birthday AIESEC!