Despite the presence of the Covid-19 pandemic, for the very first time in its history, AEGEE will be organising an Online Agora. Like every year, different members have applied to different positions. In this series, we interviewed the candidates of the new Network Commission that will work in each part of Europe. One of these candidates is Hicham from AEGEE-Enschede.
Good morning, Hicham, and thank you so much for accepting our invitation. Firstly readers would like to know a bit more about you. Could you please introduce yourself?
Hello AEGEE people! My name is Hicham and I studied in the beautiful city of Enschede. I’m a civil engineer, I specialised in traffic engineering and construction management. I joined AEGEE 4,5 years ago and I would describe my AEGEE experience as a great journey. It started as a way to engage in activities besides my study, but it grew as something more than just that. In my very active years in AEGEE, I’ve organised and participated in many activities/events. The most iconic ones I’ve organised were being a social program organiser of Agora Enschede 2017 and organiser of the Summer University in Enschede & Amsterdam 2019.
Something more about my hobbies, one of them is of course travelling. I’ve seen the majority of European countries and still have a few I need to see. I love to meet up with friends, but also to meet new people, go out and have fun. I like to listen to music all day, besides that, I try to make music as well. Lastly, I enjoy to work out, I’ve been boxing for some years now.
You have been a member of AEGEE since 2015 and you have participated in many different statutory events. What is the most important one for you, that one in which you decided that one day you would like to be a Network Commission member?
During Agora Salerno, I got really inspired during the NetCom Area meeting. I had the opportunity to meet the locals I was working with during this year. It was a great experience and also rewarding to see all the inspired and motivated faces. That was the moment I started to consider and believe I could run for NetCom at the upcoming Agora.
Is there any special field you want to focus during your period as NetCommie?
I believe communication is key and developing a relationship with a local should form as a catalyst to great cooperation. During my times as a NetCom SubCom, I noticed a connection with a local is crucial in order to help ensure the smooth functioning of it. Personal connection is important to instil trust and understanding. When there is a connection established, I believe a local is more likely to request help, state where they need help at and accept the help. From there on, I believe I can help, support and motivate the locals for them to strengthen and develop.
Going to your programme, what are the main objectives you want to reach during your period as a Network Commission member?
As I wrote in my candidature, my main objectives are to strengthen the locals and unlock their potential. My goal is to bring locals to a new level. I learnt that many locals have a lot of potential, the needed enthusiasm and they share the common goals of AEGEE. I learnt that locals face different struggles, needs or in a different way. Some locals need proper guidance, tailor-made support and a friendly push. Some are more independent and need a different approach to stimulate and challenge.
This specific approach per local is based on the state of the local. Based on that, the objective is to determine their needs, struggles, issues, problems, goals, wishes, etc. in order to better serve them in this term. The earlier mentioned establishing of connection will be a very important step to determine it.
Lastly, something I would like to add is the current situation we are in now. The effects of the pandemic have limited our network in multiple ways. It is going to be a difficult year for the locals and the NetCommies. I believe the NetCom can have a major role in helping to ensure that the network does not lose their connection with each other. I view this as a main objective too.