This is the beauty of this organization: it's ability to connect people. It is so fascinating to hear the stories of individuals that have come from a completely different reality. It is so interesting to hear how different life is other countries. But most of all, it is intriguing to see that regardless of ethnicity, language, or culture, we are all fundamentally the same. We share the same emotions. We have a common passion, excitement and curiosity for the world. We share in the glory of personal success and in the sadness of personal failure. Our definitions of these things may vary, but beyond all of our cultural upbringing, we share a common humanity.
Conferences are an incredible experience. The energy, the passion, and the enthusiasm, have never quite departed me since them. My first conference, the Ontario Regional Conference, opened my eyes to how for the past 60 years, AIESEC has inspired young people to step outside of their comfort zones and become leaders. Cultural barriers are broken, and individuals from very different realities can come together and affect change. In my last conference, the National Congress in Vancouver, I met with so many intelligent individuals from around the world, and now more than ever I am aware of my immense passion for people.
Having lunch today with our Colombian intern Elkin, and Ian, a friend from AIESEC in Brasil, I realized how much of a difference AIESEC has made in my life. It has allowed me rediscover the importance of relationships and those deep human connections. Too often, we become distracted, with trivial, material things. I'm not suggesting that material things do not matter. What I am suggesting is that sometimes, we ought to go back to basics. We ought to cherish our family and friends, for ultimately, these relationships are the ones that will define our life experience.
"They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel." - Carol Buchner
Cris,
ReplyDeleteI understand how you feel, and how excited you are for AIESEC, as you said we share the same emotion, and your passion for people is just wonderful.
What’s life without all these experiences? Discover a new world that you couldn’t think that exist before, meet interesting people from everywhere like you; that just show us, that our lives begin to make more sense, and the best of all of this is that born a new passion for the people who make us feel alive and fortunate at the same time.
Thanks for share your feelings with us, I really enjoy reading.