AEGEE? What is it? Let’s google it. Wikipedia says it is Association des Etats Généraux des Etudiants de l’Europe. Looks like a fancy name. European Students’ Forum – now it’s more understandable. It is one of the largest cross-faculty student organisations. Now that we got the introduction straightened out, let’s get down to business.
This is an organization which has antennae all over Europe and focuses on four main goals: active citizenship, higher education, peace and stability and cultural exchange. Sounds like they have their priorities set, which makes this the perfect place for an individual to grow.
Many join AEGEE right after high school. They are still so young and so green. With almost no life or work experience young adults decide to dive into the whirlpool in front of them. Moreover, it is one of the smartest decisions to make. AEGEE opens up the grown up world where one has to make hard choices, take on responsibility and come to quick decisions. It’s not easy, but they are willing to help you to make first steps.
Most new members don’t know who they want to be when they grow up. They want to try everything. Choice! This is what AEGEE offers. You can play any role: from a doctor to a lawyer, from a financial director to a PR manager, from a singer to the president. All of it is here. Everyone is willing to help and even to teach. You will not only get the needed knowledge, but you will also get the needed experience to score that first good job of yours. It will be hard, no doubt, but it will pay off in the end.
Hard work means hard choices. Lots of help means great friends. Combined together this is what brings on the real world and makes one a true adult. Sometimes, the toughest choice is to be objective when judging your friends. Sometimes you have to think about the bigger picture and vote, for example, for the “enemy”, just because he or she truly is better. Priorities.
AEGEE life, real life, moment of your life. These are the moments that define you. This is the time when you become who you truly are. Open to new cultures, to different occupations and motivated people. Who knows, perhaps among them you will even find someone more special than everyone else.
Special thanks for the great pictures to Nastia Putilina.
Written by Olga Volovyk, AEGEE-Kyiv