The Summer University period may be over, but the Summer University Coordination Team (SUCT) is already getting ready for the next hot season. First step – forming a team. Here is where Anna Kotovych from AEGEE-Kyiv comes in. She is this year’s candidate for the position of Project Manager of SUCT and here is what she has to say.
AEGEEan: Tell me a little bit about your experience in AEGEE.
Anna: I joined about three years ago and since that time I have become a true AEGEEan. I started out as a helper in an SU and in a year I was able to experience what it is like to be a participant of one. For almost a year now, I have been the Events Responsible for AEGEE-Kyiv and in this short time I have organized and taken part in numerous events. The biggest for me was this year’s Human Resource European School (HRES) and this year’s SU –”Shoot the moment”.
You have already moved on to the European level as the Public Relations (PR) responsible for the Visa Freedom Working Group (VFWG). What’s next?
I decided that I want to do something more, not only on the local level. As I really like the SU project, I have decided to do more than just to be an organiser of one. I want to give something back to it on the European level.
How do you want to contribute to the SUCT? What are the goals you set if you are elected?
I want to keep the content of the SU project thematic, as it also needs to teach something. Of course, SUs are a great place to party and relax but it is also important to learn something new and improve oneself. This is really a great medium for cultural exchange and we should not forget about it.
What about you? What makes you who you are?
For the biggest part of my life, I have danced. Since I was six years old, to be exact. I have done many types of dances. It all started with ballroom dancing and then, after a small break, I switched to hip-hop and contemporary dance. Unfortunately, I received a trauma and that is actually why I switched to AEGEE. It is true when they say “everything happens for the better.” The disappointment of having to quit dancing was balanced by the excitement of my new AEGEE life.
Is there anything you always have with you, even if you forget your wallet, phone or keys?
Previously, I always had my camera with me. However, as my hobby is developing, I am getting more and more gadgets for my camera, like different lenses. Naturally, it is becoming heavier and heavier to carry. But I am into photography and I take my camera to each of my trips. Apart from that, I always like to travel and to try some new dishes. I am open to trying something new and I like all kinds of different food.
Do you have a motto that you try to follow in life?
I do not have an exact phrase, but I believe that one needs to enjoy life, to do what you want now and never
regret what you have done in the past.
Are you also planning to join the board of AEGEE-Kyiv in the upcoming term? If so, what position? Are you sure you will be able to find time for everything?
I will of course be running for the board of AEGEE-Kyiv. I am not sure if I will still take the position of Events Responsible, but I am keeping it a secret for now. I am also sure that I will be able to combine the responsibilities of a board member and those of SUCT. If anything will need to be sacrificed, it will not be either my AEGEE-Kyiv or my SUCT responsibilities.
With a mountain of experience behind her, Anna is ready to implement it in improving the work of SUCT and making the already great and beloved SU project even better. Let us wish her the best of luck at the upcoming elections.
Written by Olga Volovyk, AEGEE-Kyiv