reframe

I returned late Sunday night from the AIESEC International 06-08 Transition Weekend. On one level this weekend is the handover of responsibility between management teams, on another it marks two distinct milestones in the journeys of forty-five of the world’s most remarkable young people. For the outgoing members it is the end of the most intellectually, physically and emotionally intense year that most of us will ever experience. For the incoming members, it is the dream-like beginning to a journey that they simply cannot fathom.

To stand in the midst of the 06-08 celebrations was to be in a memory that was almost my own. Two years ago, I stood arm-in-arm with my team, AI 04-05, sharing our final bows together. We were overflowing with the happiness of finishing well, the liberation and anticipation over what will come next, the sadness of knowing that we will now be spread across the globe and that these days of infinite possibility will all to quickly become fond memories.

Two years later another group of young people were sharing these experiences, trying to unravel their plans for the future, celebrating together and handing something precious to a new group- something they had carried close to their heart for the longest twelve-months of their life. It was beautiful to watch all this once more- but now from the outside- as an alumni and friend.

Returning to this space brought powerful reminiscence and reflection of the way that has passed since I completed my role as Director of Western Europe and North America. Here I was called to look at myself with younger eyes, to judge the self with these older expectations and listen to a voice that had hidden in memories too close to hear. I could not have understood the challenges and pitfalls that I would encounter, but neither could I have comprehended the understanding and insight that has been gained through times both dark and light. Finally, the knowledge that the way has been furthered and the direction remains true let me return this judgement of my previous self with a knowing smile, a deeper sense of peace and another degree of closure on this important part of my history.

Many thanks to AI 06-08 for this opportunity, and for all those of who have been inside AIESEC, who have lived and wrestled with it’s very core, I wish you well upon your way in this beautiful struggle.