Dear Aegeeans, you didn’t need to vote that strongly, but you did anyway (AEGEE Spirit right there)! And with a landslide victory – really, sooo many votes – here you have your Local of the Month: AEGEE-Gdańsk. Their victory is well deserved, for they truly fought until they were down to their last men – literally, they were at the minimum – and now they stand strong with 15! Read the article to know more about this awesome local!
Question: Congratulations on being awarded the Local of the Month! We’d like to hear more about you!
Answer: Thank you very much! We really appreciate that! About us… We have 15 active members. Our main project in April was Getting Ready to Travel in cooperation with the Language Interest Group. During seven weeks, Aegeeans from different countries showed us the beauty of their country, where and when to travel, what delicacies to try, and the basics of the languages. The best part of this project was that, even though the meetings were taking place online, we could still feel the AEGEE Spirit, because we could meet new Aegeeans. Also, after every main meeting, we had a discussion about Focus Areas correlated topics. Every member had a space to share their thoughts. We also had a workshop about Mental Health. From time to time, we brainstorm so that everyone can share their ideas for the projects. A big advantage of the fact that we are a small local is that everyone can find some challenging tasks to do, get experience and develop. I am really proud of our Local because last year we thought we would have to close the antenna, but actually, after some time, we found our chance in the pandemic situation and we used it. I think now AEGEE-Gdańsk will keep on rising and surprise everyone with how prosperous it becomes. That’s also why it means so much that we are chosen as the Local of the Month.
Q: What are some of the most memorable moments you’ve had in your Local?
A: I have been in AEGEE for four years and the most memorable moment of mine is when I coordinated Summer University in 2018 in cooperation with Monika Mojak from AEGEE-Warsaw. It was amazing to be part of it. I also appreciate that AEGEE-Gdańsk organised LTC’s and regular workshops. I need to say that I definitely did develop in AEGEE. As the current president of AEGEE-Gdańsk, I will also definitely remember the success of the last recruitment and meeting new, great people – our new members.
Q: What has been the key to your success? Which areas have you found challenging and how did you overcome them?
A: The key to success was not giving up. I know it sounds really cliché but it’s true in our case. Also, creating a team out of a few creative people has power! Brainstorms where everyone can share ideas and leaders listen to those ideas. In AEGEE we have a variety of people with different experiences and ideas. The key is to combine them into something great! The most challenging thing was not to lose hope when the pandemic started but when you are on board and you have at least one new person in the antenna you just do your best to show how great AEGEE is. I think that was the biggest motivation.
Q: Some words of wisdom to other locals?
A: Adaptation to a new reality is difficult but is really important for success. With a team, you can do more and better. Don’t give up and remember that if you have any problems you can ask other Aegeeans and other antennae for help; either a piece of advice or a joint event. We are in it together and that is what makes AEGEE so amazing!
Q: Any closing remarks?
A: I would like to say thank you to everyone who voted for us! And we hope to see you at the next events we’ll organise. Go Gdańsk! Go Gdańsk! Go Gdańsk, go Gdańsk, go Gdańsk! :D