Hell of a freakin semester.
And it is over!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Toughest month of my life.
It's a bit remarkable what a human being is capable of handling in a month.
I hope I can wrap up this semester before I come undone.
I hope I can wrap up this semester before I come undone.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Ohhh Man!
Congratulations! We are pleased to invite you to join the 2008 Teach For America corps and are excited to assign you to teach bilingual elementary school in New York City.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Enseñando en Español?
Dear Applicant,
Thank you for completing the Teach For America bilingual Spanish exam.
We would like to congratulate you on passing the exam and qualifying to teach in a bilingual classroom if you are accepted to Teach For America. Please note that this exam has no bearing on your acceptance to Teach For America. The purpose of the exam was to evaluate your Spanish language proficiency for placement reasons, if you are accepted.
Additionally, if you are accepted to Teach For America, passing the bilingual Spanish exam does not guarantee that you will be placed in a bilingual position since we are also balancing your regional preferences and position availability.
We sincerely appreciate the time and effort you have invested in this process.
Sincerely,
Teach For America Admissions
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Change is in the air
A series of events will unfold in the next month that may determine where I will be for the next two years of my life.
It seems a little early to be making big life decisions for post-graduation.
It seems a little early to be making big life decisions for post-graduation.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
She Stole my Energy drink...so now I have no energy
The past week's taken a lot out of me. A lot of change. A lot of reflection. A lot of questions. I have a lot of thinking to do, and not a lot of energy to do it. A second wind needs to kick in.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
My Brother, The Graduate
Little brother's officially a high school graduate....I'm proud. Come August, he'll be joining us big kids as a college freshman at the UW-Madtown. I've got one year to show him the college ropes...
Monday, June 11, 2007
...And I'm employed!
Just as I was mentally preparing myself for yet another week of tireless restaurant stalking, I received a beautiful phone call informing me that I am now officially employed at portabella's.
After I fill out my paperwork tomorrow, I will allow myself a victory strut down State Street, passing all the restaurants that wouldn't give me the time of day, and I will say...I got myself a job...what now suckers!
After I fill out my paperwork tomorrow, I will allow myself a victory strut down State Street, passing all the restaurants that wouldn't give me the time of day, and I will say...I got myself a job...what now suckers!
Friday, June 08, 2007
I'm Jobless and My Ceiling Bangs
So who knew it was so freaking difficult to land a waitressing job in Madison? It seems like I missed the hiring window when I wisked myself away to Mexico, but come on man! I mean, yes I have no waitressing experience, and yes my only restaurant job is 5 years ago as a perkins hostess, but seriously, I would be the best damn waitress around. I'll even smile and make witty jokes and make you feel loved and that you are my one and only customer that matters. The hiring process at restaurants is not what I would call systematic or organized. They basically can afford to wait til they need someone and hire whoever happens to walk in the door for the 10th time at the moment they happen to be looking...and someone always walks through that door.
And as I'm sitting here, waiting till the hour of 2 so that I can go harrass these restaurants...once again...during their quiet hours, there is an intolerable banging that has persisted for a good 4 hours-since 830 this morning-above my bedroom ceiling. I can't figure it out. Is it furniture moving? Some kind of heavy machinery? A dance troup? Stomp? Whatever it is, it needs to stop. Pronto
And as I'm sitting here, waiting till the hour of 2 so that I can go harrass these restaurants...once again...during their quiet hours, there is an intolerable banging that has persisted for a good 4 hours-since 830 this morning-above my bedroom ceiling. I can't figure it out. Is it furniture moving? Some kind of heavy machinery? A dance troup? Stomp? Whatever it is, it needs to stop. Pronto
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Mazunte and the bedbugs
We had 9 days to travel Mexico. With a vague idea of where we were headed, we flew into Mexico City, took the 6 hour bus to Acapulco, got the hell out of the clusterfuck known as Acapulco, and worked our way down to the Oaxacan province, inching our way toward a gloriously remote beach of no more than 400 inhabitants-Mazunte.
Our 10 hour bus ride from Acapulco dropped us off in the middle of a road in a town called Pochutla at around midnight. No bus station, no lights, just us and the dirt road. Pochutla, a town of about 18,000, looks like a ghost town at midnight, and here we were, trying to make our way to an even more remote beach town in the off-season. We found a cab easily enough, and soon we were speeding down a dark and windy road into the forests of nothingness.
A Half hour later, we're dropped off, again at the side of the road, this time in Mazunte. With no lights or signs of life in sight, the only bit of comfort is the starlit sparkle of a clear midnight sky and the sound of the roaring waves somewhere nearby. We walked down the main road for a bit, desperately hoping for one of the 400 people living hear to be awake...With the eerie sounds of birds and insects and everything else in the great unknown, we had no choice but to make our way down the dark dirt path towards the roaring beach, in hopes of finding an open cabana. Feeling our way through the closed-restaurants on the beach, we headed toward the only dim light we could see, and could make out two figures in the distance. Someone was awake! Rushing toward them, I asked if they had any free cabanas, and for 100 pesos, we were lead to our sleeping quarters for the night.
The next 8 hours consisted of many strange and obscure noises, including hissing, pounding, and a very confused rooster who started his dawn calling at 3 in the AM.
Waking up to the beautiful beach of Mazunte made the last 12 hours worth it. We found a beatiful little hostel where we had a gorgeous beach view, and 5 consecutive days of basking in the sun, dabbling in the waves of the pacific, and eating fresh seafood.
Flying back from NYC this Saturday night, I was greeted by some of my favorite faces. Unfortunatly, come bedtime, I was welcomed by some not so friendly faces...bedbugs! Ya, that's right, I was attacked by bedbugs in the JC, and I am conveniently hyper-allergic to their bites. So now, I sit in the JC with a hand that is twice as swollen as it should be, and an arm three times as swollen as it should be.
Can I rewind to last week when my arms were a normal non-itchy size and I was sunbathing on the remote beaches of Mazunte?
Our 10 hour bus ride from Acapulco dropped us off in the middle of a road in a town called Pochutla at around midnight. No bus station, no lights, just us and the dirt road. Pochutla, a town of about 18,000, looks like a ghost town at midnight, and here we were, trying to make our way to an even more remote beach town in the off-season. We found a cab easily enough, and soon we were speeding down a dark and windy road into the forests of nothingness.
A Half hour later, we're dropped off, again at the side of the road, this time in Mazunte. With no lights or signs of life in sight, the only bit of comfort is the starlit sparkle of a clear midnight sky and the sound of the roaring waves somewhere nearby. We walked down the main road for a bit, desperately hoping for one of the 400 people living hear to be awake...With the eerie sounds of birds and insects and everything else in the great unknown, we had no choice but to make our way down the dark dirt path towards the roaring beach, in hopes of finding an open cabana. Feeling our way through the closed-restaurants on the beach, we headed toward the only dim light we could see, and could make out two figures in the distance. Someone was awake! Rushing toward them, I asked if they had any free cabanas, and for 100 pesos, we were lead to our sleeping quarters for the night.
The next 8 hours consisted of many strange and obscure noises, including hissing, pounding, and a very confused rooster who started his dawn calling at 3 in the AM.
Waking up to the beautiful beach of Mazunte made the last 12 hours worth it. We found a beatiful little hostel where we had a gorgeous beach view, and 5 consecutive days of basking in the sun, dabbling in the waves of the pacific, and eating fresh seafood.
Flying back from NYC this Saturday night, I was greeted by some of my favorite faces. Unfortunatly, come bedtime, I was welcomed by some not so friendly faces...bedbugs! Ya, that's right, I was attacked by bedbugs in the JC, and I am conveniently hyper-allergic to their bites. So now, I sit in the JC with a hand that is twice as swollen as it should be, and an arm three times as swollen as it should be.
Can I rewind to last week when my arms were a normal non-itchy size and I was sunbathing on the remote beaches of Mazunte?
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Between Generations
I keep trying to start this blog and have to start over. I can't find the words to talk about yesterday. It's so surreal to see so many of those who've defined AIESEC Madison for me in the past few years leave the organization. Spending the night before last keeping Katy company as she put finishing touches to the senior banquet video, I saw the word "Alumni" used to describe the seniors, and it felt like someone punched me in the stomach. hard. I knew it was coming, but it finally hit me that it was actually happening.
They are leaving.
I can't imagine the last three years without those who've been there as my mentors, peers, and friends. And I can't imagine next year without you. Looking out over our entire LC yesterday was so powerful; one AIESEC generation leaving, and another ready to step up and build upon the solid foundation that has been left for them. Those graduating took the time to leave their parting messages and advice, while the new generation listened attentively with respect and admiration, knowing they have big shoes to fill, and hearing from the old that they are more than capable of taking on the task of driving AIESEC Madison forward.
So, with that, I want to say thank you. To the generation leaving, thank you for making AIESEC what it is today. To the new generation: thanks for taking on the task of building the AIESEC Madison of tomorrow.
And me? I sort of feel between generations...like I came a year too late, or a few too early, like I'm watching AIESEC generations around me leaving, and watching other ones forming, and I'm one of the few still standing that's a link between old and new. One more semester and it's my turn to say goodbyes.
Until then, a new semester is around the corner. Madison, let's blow shit up.
They are leaving.
I can't imagine the last three years without those who've been there as my mentors, peers, and friends. And I can't imagine next year without you. Looking out over our entire LC yesterday was so powerful; one AIESEC generation leaving, and another ready to step up and build upon the solid foundation that has been left for them. Those graduating took the time to leave their parting messages and advice, while the new generation listened attentively with respect and admiration, knowing they have big shoes to fill, and hearing from the old that they are more than capable of taking on the task of driving AIESEC Madison forward.
So, with that, I want to say thank you. To the generation leaving, thank you for making AIESEC what it is today. To the new generation: thanks for taking on the task of building the AIESEC Madison of tomorrow.
And me? I sort of feel between generations...like I came a year too late, or a few too early, like I'm watching AIESEC generations around me leaving, and watching other ones forming, and I'm one of the few still standing that's a link between old and new. One more semester and it's my turn to say goodbyes.
Until then, a new semester is around the corner. Madison, let's blow shit up.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Monday, April 23, 2007
Luckiest. Weekend. Ever.
After LTM ended on Sunday, it hit me that I dind't have much time left to hang out before my flight and that I just really didn't want to leave.
I call united airlines at 6:30. They told me I can change my flight...as long as I pay a 100 dollars change fee plus the difference of cost between flights...in total, 600 dollars.
I not so politely declined their offer and proceeded to emotionally throw all my shit in my suitcase, say my goodbyes, and run out into my cab to newark airport.
I get to the airport at 7:20 and my flight was scheduled for 8:00. As I'm using the self-check in, I change my mind and decide to try my luck on the nice woman behind the register. Asking very sincerely if there's any way to get onto a flight tomorrow. She looks at me and must have realized my pathetic state of not wanting to leave, and she took it upon herself to help me. Clicking away at her computer, she spoke little, and I waited patiently hoping she'd be able to fenagle a ticket for tomorrow.
It's your lucky day, she finally says, and I begin spewing thank yous her direction before she can finish a sentance. Then she says she has a surprise for me, and hands me a free flight voucher to anywhere in the US! My 8:00 flight was overbooked, and they'd been looking for people to take one tomorrow. She wanted to suprise me because she said I reminded her of her daughter. What a great woman.
So free flight voucher in hand and a grin across my face I hope a cab right back and get a free extra night in the JC with some of my favorite people.
So today, I fly into Chicago and run to my gate to catch my Madison connecting flight, only to hear the ends of another message saying that the Madison leg is over-booked and they're giving out MORE free vouchers...all we'd need to do is wait around another 3 hours to catch the next flight. Why not?
1 extra night in the JC and 2 free flight vouchers later, I meander to the airport chilis to entertain myself with dinner and a drink, and the nicest man starts talking to me about his 7 kids, his grandkids who are my age, his life, company, travels, and inventions. I of course tell about my amazing luck this weekend. At the end of our dinners, the waiter brings out our checks, and this man takes my bill and said he'd like to keep the lucky day going, thanks me for the conversation, and pays for my meal.
so 1 extra night in the JC, 2 free flight vouchers, and a free dinner later, I'm finally home.
I call united airlines at 6:30. They told me I can change my flight...as long as I pay a 100 dollars change fee plus the difference of cost between flights...in total, 600 dollars.
I not so politely declined their offer and proceeded to emotionally throw all my shit in my suitcase, say my goodbyes, and run out into my cab to newark airport.
I get to the airport at 7:20 and my flight was scheduled for 8:00. As I'm using the self-check in, I change my mind and decide to try my luck on the nice woman behind the register. Asking very sincerely if there's any way to get onto a flight tomorrow. She looks at me and must have realized my pathetic state of not wanting to leave, and she took it upon herself to help me. Clicking away at her computer, she spoke little, and I waited patiently hoping she'd be able to fenagle a ticket for tomorrow.
It's your lucky day, she finally says, and I begin spewing thank yous her direction before she can finish a sentance. Then she says she has a surprise for me, and hands me a free flight voucher to anywhere in the US! My 8:00 flight was overbooked, and they'd been looking for people to take one tomorrow. She wanted to suprise me because she said I reminded her of her daughter. What a great woman.
So free flight voucher in hand and a grin across my face I hope a cab right back and get a free extra night in the JC with some of my favorite people.
So today, I fly into Chicago and run to my gate to catch my Madison connecting flight, only to hear the ends of another message saying that the Madison leg is over-booked and they're giving out MORE free vouchers...all we'd need to do is wait around another 3 hours to catch the next flight. Why not?
1 extra night in the JC and 2 free flight vouchers later, I meander to the airport chilis to entertain myself with dinner and a drink, and the nicest man starts talking to me about his 7 kids, his grandkids who are my age, his life, company, travels, and inventions. I of course tell about my amazing luck this weekend. At the end of our dinners, the waiter brings out our checks, and this man takes my bill and said he'd like to keep the lucky day going, thanks me for the conversation, and pays for my meal.
so 1 extra night in the JC, 2 free flight vouchers, and a free dinner later, I'm finally home.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
figuring life out
The last month has forced me to figure out some stuff. When you drop a major that you really hate, but that would gaurantee you graduation by May 2008, and you're left with the possibility of starting from scratch, and having to stay in Madison for 2 more years, and feel stuck and lost with different interests tugging you in all directions, things can get intense.
When you find out your dad's moving back to Madison in May, it gets a bit more intense.
I dropped my economics major and felt lost. I knew what I didn't want to do, which is a start to figuring out what I actually want to do. I knew I lov art, and theater, and also knew I couldn't imagine myself pursuing either of these as a career for the rest of my life. I knew I wanted to be in the place that would let me most effectively contribute something positive to the world.
I know I'm creative, and have been told I'm pretty good at figuring out systems. I also know that I cannot be working a corporate job at a desk from 9-5 for the rest of my life. I know I hate economics, and I know I need to be seeing a direct result of the work I'm doing to feel like I'm making a difference.
That's a start.
So, I left for China giving in to the thought of a mass comm major, which would keep me here another year. I felt unsettled and a bit sick to my stomach.
If nothing else, China trip came at a perfect place and time to figure stuff out. A series of experiences and people during this trip made me figure out where I needed to be and what I was most passionate about and able to contribute to.
I came back knowing what I wanted to do...and simply had to figure out the best way for me to get there.
So I will be graduating in May 2008 with an International Studies and Spanish degree, and pursuing a career in educational policy.
That sounds about right.
When you find out your dad's moving back to Madison in May, it gets a bit more intense.
I dropped my economics major and felt lost. I knew what I didn't want to do, which is a start to figuring out what I actually want to do. I knew I lov art, and theater, and also knew I couldn't imagine myself pursuing either of these as a career for the rest of my life. I knew I wanted to be in the place that would let me most effectively contribute something positive to the world.
I know I'm creative, and have been told I'm pretty good at figuring out systems. I also know that I cannot be working a corporate job at a desk from 9-5 for the rest of my life. I know I hate economics, and I know I need to be seeing a direct result of the work I'm doing to feel like I'm making a difference.
That's a start.
So, I left for China giving in to the thought of a mass comm major, which would keep me here another year. I felt unsettled and a bit sick to my stomach.
If nothing else, China trip came at a perfect place and time to figure stuff out. A series of experiences and people during this trip made me figure out where I needed to be and what I was most passionate about and able to contribute to.
I came back knowing what I wanted to do...and simply had to figure out the best way for me to get there.
So I will be graduating in May 2008 with an International Studies and Spanish degree, and pursuing a career in educational policy.
That sounds about right.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Words and Snow
It is blizzarding. In April. Each snow flake kills a piece of my soul.
But even the weather won't get me down, because life is falling in place pretty sweetly these days.
Looks like I'll be a May 2008 graduate! Saweeeet.
But even the weather won't get me down, because life is falling in place pretty sweetly these days.
Looks like I'll be a May 2008 graduate! Saweeeet.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Musac and Español
Our prof is eloquently enlightening us to the fact that we have been butchering the spanish language for the past 8 years. Awesome.
Faint Music: Piano Man
15 minutes. Students behind whisper about the strange music coming from...? The window? Curious. They ignore it and continue to soak in the knowledge.
20 minutes...Giggling from the back. It's getting louder. Is that...Dylan?
I'm looking out the window, chuckling as well to the now not so faint music that's adding an interesting twist to this Friday's class.
Good taste, I think.
The prof stops. Asks us in his british accent what's so funny. Someone explains about the musac coming from...the window? An ipod? Does anyone have an Ipod?
Me: (thinking outloud). I have an ipod. Is it mine? Eh, let me...check. er... yep, sorry guys! It's mine...errrr. Awkwardddd. These two chuckle.
Prof: It appears they didn't take to your taste in music.
Faint Music: Piano Man
15 minutes. Students behind whisper about the strange music coming from...? The window? Curious. They ignore it and continue to soak in the knowledge.
20 minutes...Giggling from the back. It's getting louder. Is that...Dylan?
I'm looking out the window, chuckling as well to the now not so faint music that's adding an interesting twist to this Friday's class.
Good taste, I think.
The prof stops. Asks us in his british accent what's so funny. Someone explains about the musac coming from...the window? An ipod? Does anyone have an Ipod?
Me: (thinking outloud). I have an ipod. Is it mine? Eh, let me...check. er... yep, sorry guys! It's mine...errrr. Awkwardddd. These two chuckle.
Prof: It appears they didn't take to your taste in music.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Making Some Changes
During freshman and sophomore year, it feels like you're going to be in college forever; that you'll have all the time in the world to explore classes, majors, departments, and really find what's right for you. Then all of a sudden you're a junior, and you're constantly getting messages that you're steps away from graduation; that you should already clearly know what you want by now.
I was doing my best to just follow the path that lay ahead of me, and force my way to graduation, without really being happy with what I was studying, or really having a concrete reason as to WHY. I had lost sight of what I'm naturally good at, what I have naturally gravitated to throughout my whole life, and I was forcing myself into a career path that isn't what is best for me.
I still have a lot of unanswered questions, but I've taken some time to think about what things REALLY make me happy, and...well... I'm doing those things.
One thing I do know: this will be my last econ class. Ever.
That feels good.
I was doing my best to just follow the path that lay ahead of me, and force my way to graduation, without really being happy with what I was studying, or really having a concrete reason as to WHY. I had lost sight of what I'm naturally good at, what I have naturally gravitated to throughout my whole life, and I was forcing myself into a career path that isn't what is best for me.
I still have a lot of unanswered questions, but I've taken some time to think about what things REALLY make me happy, and...well... I'm doing those things.
One thing I do know: this will be my last econ class. Ever.
That feels good.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Squeaky Clean
I need to invite this kid over for mac and cheese more often. My kitchen is squeaky clean.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
The Grey Area
-I really like smoking. Can I smoke even when I'm praying?
-Of course not.
-I really like praying. Can I pray even while I'm smoking?
-Why of course my son.
This amongst other scenarios articulated by Mahmoud El Gamel at an Islamic Banking seminar has been tossed around in my mind in the past few days.
-Of course not.
-I really like praying. Can I pray even while I'm smoking?
-Why of course my son.
This amongst other scenarios articulated by Mahmoud El Gamel at an Islamic Banking seminar has been tossed around in my mind in the past few days.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Dive into the Deep End
Dove right into a vulnerable place in coach groups today: tuna fish monologue. Haven't pulled that baby out in three years, and it scared the crapola out of me, but I think it set a good tone. Let yourself be exposed, vulnerable. Show those around you who you are without wasting your first encounters discussing surface issues. Share your passions, and don't be afraid to dive right in, as scary is it might be.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Happy Post Middle of February Day
Looking at a GMM of 80-90 people is pretty mindblowing. It's like the product of everything we've been building up to in the past year is finally tangible. visible. real. We've planned and planned and now it's time to act. This requires that every single member in the LC step up and take it upon themselves to enable themselves and others around them to be both leaders and mentors.
It's pretty empowering, after weeks of:
goal setting
planning
Marketing
info sessions
IT kinks
applications
floods of emails,
4 nights of interviews
and a few hours of slap-happy hysteria
to finally see the culmination as 40 unsuspecting newbies walk into their first GMMs.
This weekend: ROKS Spring 2007.
230 Rowdies will gather.
60 will be wearing RED.
It's pretty empowering, after weeks of:
goal setting
planning
Marketing
info sessions
IT kinks
applications
floods of emails,
4 nights of interviews
and a few hours of slap-happy hysteria
to finally see the culmination as 40 unsuspecting newbies walk into their first GMMs.
This weekend: ROKS Spring 2007.
230 Rowdies will gather.
60 will be wearing RED.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Holy Buttload
It's 1 in the AM. I haven't even started the spanish that's due at 8:50 AM. But all I can think is: HOLY BUTTLOAD.
Just finished off our recruitment drive.
Three info sessions this past Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
137 potential members attended in total.
97 are now somewhere in the process of completeing their applications/registering for interviews.
Wow.
This is the beginning of something big.
Just finished off our recruitment drive.
Three info sessions this past Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
137 potential members attended in total.
97 are now somewhere in the process of completeing their applications/registering for interviews.
Wow.
This is the beginning of something big.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Belated Thoughts
A bit delayed, I know, but it's finally time for my WSC reflections...
I've never been more proud to say that I'm a member of AIESEC Madison. With carloads of 17 people driving anywhere between 14-18 hours to get to the glorious town of Spartanburg, South Carolina, we started off the conference strong and ended stronger.
WSC was definitely a chance to pause and look back on the past year in AIESEC, and the progress we've made both locally and nationally. This semester has been truly remarkable. After a few years of completely turning our LC's structure upside down, trying new things, failing, trying newer things, succeeding, I think we finally are at a point where all the pieces are in place and we are already starting to see results.
Looking around at our delegation at WSC, I saw 17 individuals that are all leading our LC. They may not have VP positions or fancy titles. That's unimportant. What they do have is a passion, drive, and commitment to making AIESEC's vision become a reality. They have the ability to empower others, and they have what it takes to blow shit up in Madison this next year.
I'm also incredibly proud of AIESEC US right now. I have learned and grown so much from working with the subgroup this past year, and I'm so proud of the progress made and where we are as a nation right now. I owe Luke a pretty freaking huge THANK YOU for taking on the monumental task of facilitating the work of the subgroup, for always being there to bounce ideas off of, and for being an incredible friend. Also, for looking way crazier than me on dress your P night.
At WSC, I felt my first pangs of pain at the thought of all the AIESEC Madison members who will be graduating in May...Some of these individuals sucked me into the organization as an unsuspecting freshman, others I've grown to depend on in the past semester. They have been mentors and friends, and they continue to challenge me every day. And, although I have been been conveniently avoiding the reality of their graduation, and will continue to do so for a good bit... for now, I'll just say that you folks have played a bigger part in my life than I think you know, and for that, I'd like to thank you.
So.. I have officially stepped into my LCP role, and I can finally say that I am confident enough to take this on; to take on the challenge of leaving AIESEC Madison better than I started it; to enable individuals to do the job of running, building, and growing AIESEC Madison better than I could ever do it, and well, basically... to blow shit up.
I've never been more proud to say that I'm a member of AIESEC Madison. With carloads of 17 people driving anywhere between 14-18 hours to get to the glorious town of Spartanburg, South Carolina, we started off the conference strong and ended stronger.
WSC was definitely a chance to pause and look back on the past year in AIESEC, and the progress we've made both locally and nationally. This semester has been truly remarkable. After a few years of completely turning our LC's structure upside down, trying new things, failing, trying newer things, succeeding, I think we finally are at a point where all the pieces are in place and we are already starting to see results.
Looking around at our delegation at WSC, I saw 17 individuals that are all leading our LC. They may not have VP positions or fancy titles. That's unimportant. What they do have is a passion, drive, and commitment to making AIESEC's vision become a reality. They have the ability to empower others, and they have what it takes to blow shit up in Madison this next year.
I'm also incredibly proud of AIESEC US right now. I have learned and grown so much from working with the subgroup this past year, and I'm so proud of the progress made and where we are as a nation right now. I owe Luke a pretty freaking huge THANK YOU for taking on the monumental task of facilitating the work of the subgroup, for always being there to bounce ideas off of, and for being an incredible friend. Also, for looking way crazier than me on dress your P night.
At WSC, I felt my first pangs of pain at the thought of all the AIESEC Madison members who will be graduating in May...Some of these individuals sucked me into the organization as an unsuspecting freshman, others I've grown to depend on in the past semester. They have been mentors and friends, and they continue to challenge me every day. And, although I have been been conveniently avoiding the reality of their graduation, and will continue to do so for a good bit... for now, I'll just say that you folks have played a bigger part in my life than I think you know, and for that, I'd like to thank you.
So.. I have officially stepped into my LCP role, and I can finally say that I am confident enough to take this on; to take on the challenge of leaving AIESEC Madison better than I started it; to enable individuals to do the job of running, building, and growing AIESEC Madison better than I could ever do it, and well, basically... to blow shit up.