AEGEE is all about multitasking. All of us try to balance a bunch of tasks at the same time and enjoy it as well. Perhaps it is because we all value time and want to get the most out of what we have. This is definitely true for one of our NetCom candidates, the current Treasurer and SU coordinator of AEGEE-Kyiv – Olga Yushchenko.
AEGEEan: Let’s start with a basic question. You and AEGEE. How long has this love-hate relationship been going on?
Olga: AEGEE has been in my life since forever. – she says with a laugh – Officially, I am a member of AEGEE for three years, but my life here started much earlier. My older sister was in AEGEE, so I’ve been hearing about it since I was 14 years old. In other words, you can say that AEGEE has been living in my life for more than five years.
Why did you decided to apply for the NetCom position? Are just climbing up the AEGEE ladder or what?
I decided to join the NetCom commission because I really like what it stands for. They are close to the people. It’s not just about a bunch of documents or project management. You really do have to communicate all the time. It is connected with amazing people and I really want to spread the amazing AEGEE spirit we have to other antennas, locals and involve them as much as I can.
What makes you appropriate for the NetCom position? You have mentioned your connection with finance and being responsible… What else?
I am really motivated for this job. I really want our network to become stronger and more active. It is really motivating to know that there are other people supporting and helping you. That’s why I want to take part in this big idea. I am good for this position because I’m responsible, friendly, and not lazy to do what I have to do. Besides, it’s not that I just have to do it; I truly want to do it.
So you’re responsible, active, friendly, and not lazy. Sounds almost perfect. But what are you downsides?
Hm… difficult question… I’m lazy to wake up early in the morning. But that really is not a problem if everything is done on time. I can also be a bit too talkative. Sometimes people suffer from me talking too much and hearing my voice all the time. Although this can also be a good thing when communicating and motivating others. What else? I think I am too AEGEE crazy. For people who are not part of AEGEE this might seem strange, but for us it’s just how it is.
Do you have some kind of motto you try to follow through your life?
Yes. Two. One is actually a phrase I’m sure almost everyone knows. It’s a line from Bon Jovi’s song “It’s my life. It’s now or never”. I truly believe in this. This is why I had initially applied for this position. I was thinking when to do it since this is the last year of my Bachelor’s degree so I’m really busy as it is, but I thought “When else?”, and decided to apply right away. My second motto is “Those who want, look for opportunities, those who don’t want, look for excuses.” It is closely tied with the first and I think it’s basically clear for everyone.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
The first thing is most definitely my antenna. It really is a great one. AEGEE-Kyiv has great people, opens great opportunities, gives great experience or just simply said – it is awesome! The teachers that I’ve had are the best of the best. With their enthusiasm, I feel like there’s nothing I can’t do. That is why I’m even now juggling my university, SU organization, Action Agenda, and applying for the Netcom.
Apart from this, I was the first to apply for the position. I think not pushing those last deadlines and knowing what you want ahead of time is something definitely good. And last but not least is probably my dancing experience. It really taught me the power of will. If you want something, you have to fight for it. And of course it gives me the needed skills to dance till morning with any AEGEE antenna.
Is there anything you want to say to our readers?
Sure. Read The AEGEEan! Really! It’s a good chance to learn about everything going on around AEGEE-Europe and catch up with anything you must have missed.
Even though it may not seem so from the interview, I was shocked at how fast we managed to get through my list of questions and how fast Olga was able to answer them. She really has it all clear. She is sure of what she wants and why she wants it. This plain confidence, at least, is enough to get me to vote for her.
Written by Olga Volovyk, AEGEE-Kyiv