The international platform for young people to explore and develop their leadership potiential

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The international platform for young people to explore and develop their leadership potiential

ENJOYING

PARTICIPATIONVOLUME I

ISSUE IV

May 8, 2012

“I ALWAYS WONDER WHY BIRDS STAY IN THE SAME PLACE WHEN THEY CAN FLY ANYWHERE ON THE EARTH. THEN I ASK MYSELF THE SAME QUESTION.”

— HARUN YAHYA

All my life I have lived in Ottawa (with the exception of travelling for vacation with family). Being content with staying in one spot, doing the same old stuff every day, seeing the same old people (I love you all by the way), and not enjoying life around the world.

Even though it took me three years to finally decide to explore the world, I didn’t know what to do or how to do it. My brother kept telling me about AIESEC and experiencing different cultures by travelling abroad while making a social impact. So I thought I would give it a try. I’ve only joined AIESEC for a little less than four months, and I’m already in love with it, but that’s another story.

So here I am, a few days before going on my trip.

I should probably tell you where I’m going if you don’t already know: Kolkata, India and Palawan, Philippines (yea, that’s right, be jealous). While in India for eight weeks, I’ll be working in national parks helping NGOs with environment conservation and dealing with any issues concerning trees. YAY! Sustainability! In Philippines, I’ll be in Palawan (search it, it looks amazing) doing research or experiments on fish farms for better production and growth of fish.

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So here I am, a few days before going on my trip.

I should probably tell you where I’m going if you don’t already know: Kolkata, India and Palawan, Philippines (yea, that’s right, be jealous). While in India for eight weeks, I’ll be working in national parks helping NGOs with environment conservation and dealing with any issues concerning trees. YAY! Sustainability! In Philippines, I’ll be in Palawan (search it, it looks amazing) doing research or experiments on fish farms for better production and growth of fish.

HERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT I HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH WHILE BEING OVERSEAS:

Meet a ton of new people

Make an impact on at least one person’s life per week

Have fun

Experience

See everything, eat everything, touch everything (wait, what?), smell everything

HERE ARE SOME JFDI (JUST FUDGING DO IT) GOALS:

Plank an Elephant

Ride on the top of a train

Pet a tiger (I’m being serious)

High-five a monkey

Pick up an Indian accent

If there’s anything else that I should try, eat or see, let me know!

“WE AVOID RISKS IN LIFE... SO THAT WE CAN MAKE IT SAFELY TO DEATH.”

So this Saturday, my journey awaits me.

Credits: Kevin Ngo

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Turkey is an excellent destination for an internship. Geographically located in between Europe and Asia, it brings forth a mix of cultures, which many interns find to be attractive. Every region has its unique culture, cuisine, music, etc. Despite these differences, one commonality transpires throughout the whole of Turkey— its hospitality. You can recognize a Turkish person by their helpful nature, and by the way they speak to you. You will feel like you’re one of their own siblings— they get attached so quickly and care about you in any case.

In terms of Turkish cuisine, you must not miss out on the Turkish dishes, which have a half chili taste. Apart from these dishes, you can find so many special types of desserts and sweets too. The most famous one is Turkish Delight. Another Turkish distinction is its language. Turkish is different from most of the languages in Europe and the world for that matter. There are some similarities, however, but when you hear it, you’ll for sure find it sounding unfamiliar.

Apart from these perks, AIESECers in AIESEC Turkey are deeply involved and are extremely loyal to their interns and

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By AIESEC Kocaeli5

AIESEC. AIESEC Turkey is well-known for our reception services! Taking part in an internship with AIESEC Turkey, especially with the Kocaeli Local Committee (LC) is a great choice for individuals such as, yourself because you will be in for a culture shock and great hospitality. Turkish people are well-known for their warmness and hospitality. Considering our LC would be a wise decision because the Kocaeli LC won, “The Best Reception Process Award” for the 2009—2010 and 2011—2012 term in AIESEC Turkey. Thus our reception quality is guaranteed. Meaning, we deal with every process for our interns, even airport pick-up.

At our LC, we offer Global Internship Programs (GIP) with the following companies: SANLAB, Polin Waterworks & Pool Systems and Pirelli.

We have five different Global Community Development Projects (GCDP) each year: Myself My World, Break Up the Barriers, Meet My Friend, Dream Together and Business.

Also, we consider ourselves a “giant family”. Why so? Here’s an interesting fact for you. If you rearrange the letters of our LC’s name--Kocaeli -- it spells the word, “KocAile”, which translates to “giant family” (Koca Aile).

For AIESEC Turkey, you can obtain an AIESEC visa from a Turkish Embassy at your country of residence; however this requires an invitation letter from our side. You should pay for a residence permit, which is approximately $150.00- $200.00— every intern applies for this after one month of stay. Speaking of expenses, you do not pay for accommodation because we find the best host families for you, and sometimes even meals are included (from companies or host families).

Fly to Turkey

By AIESEC KocaeliCredits: AIESEC Kocaeli

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Credits: Michael Fragiskatos

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June 8, 2012

Alright, it’s blogging time! This is the very first time I’ve ever done one of these, so bear with me. I apologize for my bugging title, couldn’t think of something witty or clever but that can always be changed when I do get an idea. Anyways, tomorrow night I fly out to Italy for seven weeks on a Global Community Development Program (GCDP) through AIESEC Laurier, the organization I have heavily been involved with for over a year now.

So why am I traveling to work when I could’ve easily stayed here in Canada and worked and saved myself a plane ticket? Simple! I’ve spent the past couple summers working in Canada and frankly, I’m sick of it! I wanted to work in a different environment, with a different group of people. I’ve travelled to Europe in the past, and I can’t get enough of it, so I just couldn’t wait to go back. I’ve gone there in the past to visit family and for sight-seeing. I haven’t had an European working experience yet, and since I have one year of university left before entering the “real world”, now is the time for me to grab that international experience.

When first starting university at Wilfrid Laurier, I knew at some point I wanted to either work or study abroad through the university. So I explored different options that were offered and found many pros and cons with each, but was still unsure. Then one day, I randomly approached an AIESEC Laurier booth and was intrigued, so I decided to give it a chance and attended an information session. I loved that AIESEC offers both international opportunities and leadership opportunities within the organization itself. I needed that experience so I decided to get involved on a local committee (LC) level. After attending my first AIESEC conference last year in May

2011, National Leadership Development Conference (NLDC), I realized how huge and legit this organization is, and I knew I could trust it to offer me what I need. So here I stand now, currently the VP Outgoing Exchange (OGX) at AIESEC Laurier, and about to embark on my own AIESEC internship. After sending many many of our Exchange Participants (EPs) on their own international internships and seeing what kind of an impact it made on them, it’s finally my turn!

I’m not nervous at all about going to Italy. In fact, this would be my second time there. I went three years ago during a two week Euro trip, but I only spent a few days in Italy— it was definitely not enough! I’m quite familiar with the European lifestyle, having been to Italy, as well as Spain, France, and Greece. It is definitely not like Canada, that’s for sure. That said, I know of my expectations, I know what I’m getting myself into, and I am excited for that!

When I’m in Naples, I hope I can make life-long friends with not just the other interns, but with the AIESECers in Naples. I’m definitely hoping to make a positive impact for the kids I’ll be working with at a summer camp. And I would like to make a contribution to AIESEC Napoli Federico II, I want to share with them AIESEC Laurier’s strengths and to learn about their strengths as well.

Wow, definitely did not expect myself to write that much, but I’ll try to be more concise in the next posts. Anyways, I have to finish packing now and get myself organized before I fly away. Ciao!

Follow Michael’s life in the Italian lane at

http://meetmeinnaples.wordpress.com/

Credits: Michael Fragiskatos

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As a member of internal communications, I have the responsibility of creating a first impression of AIESEC to the student body. From this initial exposure, I have helped from the bottom of the food chain to create, and discover great leaders and students who have the ambition to develop themselves personally and professionally. I have created that first step for students, and it will be up to them to realize their potential as they climb higher. Victoria DamAIESEC Carleton

Today a significant portion of our society is so used to consuming that we have lost touch with how to create and innovate. The skills gained in taking initiative, being the master of your own projects, and engagement are not promoted in most university curriculum and a majority of entry level jobs. Helping to promote AIESEC and improve its operations, both in Canada and/or aboard, allows more students the opportunity to develop these skills. In providing these opportunities, students are better prepared to make their own impact on society, and to do so with a global mindset. Sarah GuintaAIESEC Canada

By attending conferences in Czech Republic, Chile and Costa Rica, I have been able to serve as a cultural ambassador for Canada. At these conferences, I can bring back awareness and interest in social projects for our Laurier community to volunteer with. My involvement facilitates the sharing of ideas between young leaders.Carson KolbergAIESEC Laurier

“DO MORE THAN BELONG: PARTICIPATE. DO MORE THAN CARE: HELP. DO MORE THAN

BELIEVE: PRACTICE. DO MORE THAN BE FAIR: BE KIND. DO MORE THAN FORGIVE: FORGET. DO

MORE THAN DREAM: WORK.”

WILLIAM ARTHUR WARD

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By taking on a VP role, I have been able to help my team acquire a new confidence through motivation and encouragement. I believe the lack of confidence often inhibits people from doing things they believe in, as fear of failure closes minds. Challenging my team has helped them realize that they can be better versions of themselves. Increased confidence can help young people become better leaders. By creating better leaders we can shape a better world.Hardeep SidhuAIESEC KPU

Being a VP has helped me develop a team of individuals with strong leadership potential. With my team and I, we are able to give students the opportunity to experience other cultures, and help broaden their awareness of the world and to create positive social changes. Through the global connections I’ve retrieved from conferences, an internship abroad, and a national leadership role for AIESEC outside of Canada, I am able to spread the leadership, personal, and professional skills I’ve taught my own team to individuals worldwide.Michael FragiskatosAIESEC Laurier

Being in a Vice President role, I have the opportunity to help develop my members, encouraging them to develop themselves personally and professionally, and challenging them to new levels at all times. Also, as AIESEC’s focus is on global issues, these students will be the ones who will continue to develop the next generation of global minded leaders.Chungsoon HawAIESEC Laurier

“DO MORE THAN BELONG: PARTICIPATE. DO MORE THAN CARE: HELP. DO MORE THAN

BELIEVE: PRACTICE. DO MORE THAN BE FAIR: BE KIND. DO MORE THAN FORGIVE: FORGET. DO

MORE THAN DREAM: WORK.”

WILLIAM ARTHUR WARD

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My name is Robert Cekan, and this is the final month of my one-year term on the Executive Board at AIESEC Laurier. To say that my experience in AIESEC has been anything less than life changing would be an understatement, because that’s exactly what AIESEC has done for me; it has changed my life. AIESEC has positively altered my perspective of the world and its inhabitants, has given me the opportunity to lead a team, to meet hundreds of individuals from around Canada (and many from around the world!), to take ownership of ideas and projects, build confidence in speaking to others, and positively impact others’ lives.

I am the type of individual that constantly looks for opportunities to improve myself, and I always have to be doing something. This is an attitude I adopted before I arrived to university and has grown with me ever since. My reason for it was discovered during the summer after graduating high school where I reflected on my past four years and realized that I had not been involved at all. Given my awards, grades

and interests, I knew that I had talent but never found an outlet to demonstrate it other than through school. It was at that moment I realized if I wanted something to change, I needed to get involved. And I did. I got so involved to the point that I was committing more hours to clubs than to my own schoolwork in my 1st year of university. However, my membership length with various clubs was short because, yes, they were interactive, but they didn’t develop me in any major way. In my 2nd year of university, I was introduced to AIESEC, and I immediately knew that this was the organization I had been searching for.

After a few months of becoming a general member, I realized that while AIESEC had enormous potential, AIESEC Laurier at the time had a lot of inefficiencies and room for improvement. Over the summer, I was approached by the President who informed me that the former Vice-president of my portfolio had resigned due to personal issues and that there was an opening for a leadership role. Hesitant at first, I convinced myself that if I was to ever get

the personal development experience I was looking for, now was the time. I accepted the offer, quit many of the clubs I was apart of and focused my efforts on being the best Vice-president of Talent Management that I could be.

If I was to summarize what Talent Management does, it’s that my portfolio ensures AIESECers are receiving the best experience we can deliver— from as early as recruitment to their alumni stage, with particular emphasis on their duration as a member. Talent Management’s focus areas are learning development (training, mentoring and coaching), event planning and membership management. I have committed so much time and effort into each of these areas, ensuring that any of the previous inefficiencies were removed and that everything within the job roles holds value. I have witnessed drastic redesign and improvements in the way my portfolio is run, to the point that I have been showcased at a national level at recent AIESEC conferences— describing my management processes

Robert CekanVP of Talent Management

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to large groups of young leaders.

AIESEC Laurier’s Talent Management is now known as one of the strongest in all of AIESEC Canada’s 28 local committees. It seems that I have found the talent outlet I spoke of earlier. It is not a coincidence that my greatest period of self-improvement has been during my membership at AIESEC Laurier. I have come closer to discover who I am and have begun to pave a path for who I want to become. The fact that my efforts have been noticed by so many, and that I can share my success with others around the nation is a feeling I cannot express in words. It also warms my heart to know that the members I manage in my own portfolio have gained something valuable under my leadership. I owe a lot of my self-discovery and recent success to AIESEC, as well as inspiration for the four-month exchange I will endeavour in Marseille, France this August. If you haven’t already joined AIESEC or been part of the executive team, then I challenge you to do so; it will be one of the greatest decisions you’ll ever make in your university career.

Robert Cekan

Credits: Robert Cekan

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When most of us think of Paris, we envision cafés filled with people engaged in lively, intelligent conversation. I am lucky to be among this crowd, and better still that my coffee buddies are people from all over the world who share a common past: AIESEC. And to think it all started in Edmonton.

I joined AIESEC in the fall of 1996 at the University of Alberta. I immediately attended the Western Regional Conference where I felt part of a unique AIESEC spirit. Growing up in a home with three combined nationalities, I was excited by the idea of working with people from abroad. Our local committee had more interns that year than any other AIESEC office across Canada, so there was a need to improve the efficiency of internal communication among members, interns and business partners. Having a passion for the internet and computers, I designed a website and e-mail distribution system at a time when both tools were still quite new.

Cyril KunzleProject ManagerTop Image Systems

“Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help.

Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget. Do more than dream: work.”

- William Arthur Ward

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I was a pioneer of sorts and would later learn that it wouldn’t be the only time in AIESEC I would need to rely on creativity and self-reliance to overcome challenges. My work in this area helped me land the position of Vice President, Information Systems for my local committee.

The international scope of our intern program made it easy for me to befriend several students who came for short and long stays in Edmonton. It was a blast for me to help out, interact with them and to show them around my city. I was left with a taste for going abroad myself. So during my graduation year, I applied for an internship and was selected for a Cultural Exchange Development Envoy (CEED) in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. This life-changing experience forced the pioneer spirit out of me once again. While pre-departure briefings helped somewhat, nothing could have prepared me for the challenges I would face – malaria, a mugging incident and several 8-hour coach trips across the country to name a few. It took two months of my three-month stay before I felt integrated in the culture. After my return to Edmonton, one would think from my experience that I would never

entertain going back! But what drew me back is the bond I made with several AIESEC friends and the opportunity to use my experience to help create exchanges between Canada and Cote d’Ivoire. So I returned the following year for the Africa EXPRO conference and then became involved with Insight International, which organized the launch of the AIESEC online exchange information system.

It would be natural to say I landed in France because of my French passport. But while this was my ticket into the country, I needed to make the decision first that I was going to leave my home country and try my luck at a career in a foreign one. The confidence and global mindset I developed while in AIESEC gave me the guts to make this initial step. And now I am working for an international software company and have met several friends through an AIESEC alumni group in France. I am reliving some of the best memories I have from my time in AIESEC – spending time with people from different countries, exchanging ideas about how the world works and learning about and from each other. It makes me want to grab a coffee.

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“You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.”— Zig Ziglar

Follow in the footsteps of a winner. Don’t wake up at seventy-five years of age, sighing over what you should have tried. Just do it, and be willing to fail and learn along the way. At least you will know you gave it your best shot.

At the end of the day, whether you choose to go with it, flow with it, resist it, change it, or hide from it, life goes on. If what you did today didn’t turn out as you hoped, tomorrow is a new opportunity to do it differently, or to do nothing at all. What’s important is to realize that you have a choice. Here are 12 choices winners make every day:

They don’t give up on the things they believe in.

They endure the pain.

They maintain a positive attitude.

They work with, and spend time with, the right people.

They concentrate on the present.

If J.K. Rowling stopped after being turned down by multiple publishers for years, there would be no Harry Potter. If Howard Schultz gave up after being turned down by banks 200+ times, there would be no Starbucks. If Walt Disney quit too soon after his theme park concept was trashed by 300+ investors, there would be no Disney. One thing for sure: If you give up on your dreams too soon, you will miss out on seeing them become a reality. Read Quitter.

Only you can change your life, no one can do it for you. Happiness always comes from within, and it’s found in the present moment by making peace with the past and looking forward to the future. Each morning when you open your eyes, think only three things first: Thank you, thank you, and thank you. Then set out to make the best use of the gift of this day that you can.

Maybe there’s something you’re afraid to say, or someone you’re afraid to love, or somewhere you’re afraid to go. Maybe it’s going to hurt. Maybe it’s going to hurt because it matters, and because it expands your horizons. Remember, pain isn’t always a bad thing; sometimes it’s just another step toward personal growth. Read The Road Less Traveled.

Unless someone has walked in your shoes on the same path that you have traveled, and lived through all of your ups and downs alongside you, they have no right to judge you. Unless they can look into the core of your heart and see the degree of your passion, or look into the depths of your soul and see the extent of your will, then they have no business telling you who you are or what you can or can’t achieve. Everyone has a story. Everyone has unique gifts. Unless that someone is YOU, their opinion of you means nothing in the long run.

A day spent with the right people is always a day spent well. Sometimes the most ordinary ideas and projects can be made extraordinary, simply by discussing them and doing them with the right people.

Remember, you can’t reach what’s in front of you until you let go of what’s behind you. Today is a new day. Don’t let your history interfere with your destiny. It doesn’t matter what you did or where you were; it matters where you are and what you’re doing now. Never give up on yourself, and never abandon your values and dreams. As long as you feel pain, you’re still alive. As long as you make mistakes, you’re still human. And as long as you keep trying, there’s still hope.

They ignore the naysayers.

12 Choices WinnersMake Everyday

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“You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.”— Zig Ziglar

Follow in the footsteps of a winner. Don’t wake up at seventy-five years of age, sighing over what you should have tried. Just do it, and be willing to fail and learn along the way. At least you will know you gave it your best shot.

At the end of the day, whether you choose to go with it, flow with it, resist it, change it, or hide from it, life goes on. If what you did today didn’t turn out as you hoped, tomorrow is a new opportunity to do it differently, or to do nothing at all. What’s important is to realize that you have a choice. Here are 12 choices winners make every day:

They accept 100% responsibility for their current situation.

They take action and plant the right seeds.

They make a positive difference.

Every human thought, word, or deed is based on fear or love. Fear is the energy which contracts, closes down, draws in, hides, hoards, and harms. Love is the energy which expands, opens up, sends out, reveals, shares, and heals. The only question is: What choice will you make today?

The next five years can be the best five years of your life, or just another five years. The decision is yours. The best part of your life will start on the day you decide your life is your own— no one to lean on, rely on, or blame. It takes courage and strength, but you need to say it: “The gift of life is mine, it is an amazing journey, and I alone am responsible for the quality of it.”

Many great things can be done in a day if you don’t always make that day tomorrow. Take positive action and plant the right seeds in your life right now. Nature herself does not distinguish between what seeds she receives. She grows whatever seeds are planted; this is the way life works. Be mindful of the seeds you plant today, as they will become the crop you harvest in the future.

There are two things you shouldn’t waste your time on: things that don’t matter and people who don’t think you matter. Remember, sometimes in the midst of all the commotion and negativity swirling around, life will force you to make a choice between losing yourself and losing someone or something else. Regardless of the situation, don’t lose yourself. Stay true to your path and keep moving forward.

Let a person’s character be their currency and you will sadly find that a lot of rich people are actually bankrupt. Being the richest man or woman in the cemetery doesn’t matter; going to bed every night knowing that you’re making a positive deference in the world is what matters.

Sometimes people throw away something good for something better, only to find out later that good was actually good enough and better never even came close. Stop long enough to appreciate things. When you appreciate what you have, what you have appreciates in value. When you truly appreciate your life, you’ll find that you have more of it to live. Read The Happiness Project.

They live through love.

They don’t lose themselves in the commotion.

They appreciate what they have.

© 2006-2012 Marc and Angel Hack Life <http://www.marcandangel.com> <marc@marcandangel.com>

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For me, “enjoying participation” means immersing myself in a new culture and getting involved with something I have never done before. This is what AIESEC is all about.

AIESEC Karlsruhe in Germany hosts a weeklong international conference every year that concerns a different social topic. This year, I was one of forty delegates who came from around the world to discuss “social entrepreneurship”. As a representative of Canada, I brought in ideas to discuss the norms of North American entrepreneurial activities. Not only was the theory behind this concept discussed, but AIESEC Karlsruhe displayed real-life examples. Three different German Social Entrepreneurs shared with us how they were able to create such a business model, which

dealt with solving social problems before Attending to personal profitability. These entrepreneurs are active participators and enjoy what they do— by doing things against the grain, and speaking out against problems existent in today’s society.

Personally, this was a life-changing experience. It was my first AIESEC conference and I am fortunate to say it was an international one. I met amazing individuals and made connections with people whom I would never have had the chance to interact with, if not for this AIESEC conference. More importantly, I learned so much about, not only German culture, but the Brazilian, Chinese, Iranian, Romanian, Russian and Serbian culture, just to name a few!

ENJOYING PARTICIPATION @ TWIN CONFERENCE 2012:SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP CONFERENCE

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Due to this conference, I am more motivated to encourage others to gain international experience and embark on their own journey with AIESEC. AIESEC’s unique culture instantly connected everyone on the first day of the conference— through the dances, cheers and AIESEC lingo— it felt like we had all known each other years before. I strongly encourage you to speak out, step out and truly live life to the fullest-- participate in new activities, and I am sure you will enjoy it! Make connections with others now, because it will only change your perspective on daily life for the better. Not only does a conference, such as this one, encourage an individual to be away from everyday life at home, but it tunes you to become more adaptive to other cultures. This means the world is no longer a stranger to you anymore– you become a global citizen and a participator, which is the motto I live by.

If you have not attended an international conference yet or are not yet apart of your local AIESEC chapter, I encourage you to do so, and be the individual in your network who people look up to for a global perspective. The result of only one conference has completely changed my perspective on AIESEC. I can go on forever about how this conference has changed me, but I can comfortably speak on behalf of my fellow conference delegates, that AIESEC needs to be apart of every student’s life in one way or another.

Enough talking, and more doing— discover how you can get involved with AIESEC and attend your next conference. If you would like to relive the conference with me, log onto: www.facebook.com/ikukrejaphoto to view media from this year’s TWIN 2012:Social Entrepreneurship Conference. Be different. Speak out. Participate!

- Ishaan Kukreja

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PARTICIPATIONPARTICIPATIONCOOPERATIONASSOCIATE

Credits: Ishaan Kukreja

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The international platform for young people to explore and develop their leadership potential