AIESEC old.
[Vans and I in a "Howie" Photo Op:]
On the heels of an awesome Western Regional I am coming to the sad realization that I am getting really old, more specifically AIESEC old. University life has been virtually only been one with AIESEC, and anyone in my family would second this thought, with my parents at numerous points asking if I had time to do school work or hanging out with old friends (and at times, no, juggling has not been easy and it has come at some sacrifices) since U started I probably had a good two weeks without it.
[Calgary Delegation ... largest, as usual:]
But do I regret it? Of course not! The people I have met, the things I've seen, the opportunities provided, these have all been reasons for why I have stayed and why I have committed so much of myself to the organization. But do I have regrets? ... I won't call them regrets, but I think there may have been opportunities that existed that I could have taken, but chose the "safe" route instead. Namely running for the MC during the 0607 year (which would have came at the sacrifice of not doing Careers Day and growing with one of the best EB teams ever) or even running for LCP (I'm not sure I could handle it, but who knows?)...Typical me, too afraid to step out of my comfort zone ... or is it just making strategic decisions? I honestly don't think that in terms of where I am in life now could have been achieved if I did take on those responsibilities (at the sacrifice of personal growth?...oh crap)
[Men of Calgary, not the best pic, but I love the fuzzy lighting effect:]
So here I am. Last year of school, last year of AIESEC.... and I'm in that contemplative mode of: what's next?. I tease to Vania that I am an alumnus, I know that I am not seeing as I am apart of the MD team (go Jag, you rock!) and go to the office everyday. Puneet said it well in that I am in my "nicotine patch" year, essentially easing myself off of it slowly. And I think that I am helping to create a well rounded "quality" experience, and still having fun at the same time (not having the AIESEC stress is a very nice change). Sooo, how to finish? I as thinking of Facilitating again at NC (maybe like LC Sim this time, but that thing is a gong show! I just might have a heart attack in the process as nothing seems to work as planned when it comes to sim). Or maybe going on a CEED. Or international conference (will someone please tell me of a good one that does not happen during exam times, seriously!). The question on many people's mind is evident ... why not exchange? Well, seeing as I have a work contract committed to September 2008 is a roadblock (and I'm happy with it!) and AIESEC is not all about exchange, I can still develop myself without the exchange part, I have gotten SO much out of this experience that I feel that it really isn't essential, plus I'm not a big go out on my own type person (am I just making excuses?...probably). thoughts? comments? suggestions? ... email me! ... I'm pretty sure it's mainly just Layial who reads this though ... lol..
[HUGE props go out to the OC. I love this group (it's not NC05, but really who can top us?...lol) committed, fun, managed to create an awesome conference regardless of some uphill battles. (thank for letting me crash! I hope I helped enough to make it worthwhile). Naz ... u rock!:]
posted by eLdon @ 8:50 PM
5 Comments
5 Comments:
O...M...G... when did we take THAT picture?!?!?! eeep!!
LoL ... I find it extremely hilarious that you don't remember. Wasn't it from your camera? ... or was it Sashas? ... oh Vania ...
As for actual comments, i think we need to sit down and chat... i think you're on the right path with a CEED and even an international conference I can suggest a bunch but they happen mostly in March. You should apply for the CC in Brazil!! Or else wait until Malaysia and come with me... but with AIESEC i don't think there can be regrets, b/c the only things it offers is opportunities. They might be different opportunities than what you thought about at first, you might need to change your mindset, but in the end the most unexpected opportunities are the ones which make it more meaningful. I agree accounting is probably the most "safe" option, but i challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone, b/c PwC will always be there... having opportunities (e.g. exchange, international MC, MC) with AIESEC won't. But whichever decision you make won't be bad... so trust your gut, but i do challenge you to go beyond what you THINK you're capable of... you'll usually surprise yourself.
From your blog it sounds like you're happy with what you're doing, the path you have taken and will be taking - that is most important. It's hard for me to give advice as you have a much clearer future than what I have, but I do know for a fact that you are always on the right path because you are happy with whatever you choose to do - yes, despite you choosing "safe" options, many others you have undoubtedly stepped out of your comfort zone.
The key thing is to make sure you are happy with the decisions you've made. No matter what there will always be lost opportunity, as I'm sure I have missed a lot going on exchange but at the same time gained much more in other aspects as well - so you never know. I say just do as you've always done - use your resources, talk to the people around you, ask questions, ask for feedback, and then from there you can only make the decisions you think that is best for you - remember it's only life, and this is how life is lived. Don't dread on regrets, cause if you do then obviously act now to change it.
ps. home in 30 days! :( and :)
lol, the nicotine patch? ya... me right now too. so much insight in your blog - you know you can do a short term exchange if you wanted to right? ;) whatever you choose will be awesome!
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