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!:]