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.
4 comments:
The links are the most important part. They're what keep us motivated and help us learn from the past and envision what the future could be.
Thank YOU, Sara. :)
I know the "in-between generations" feeling...I went through a little of the same last year. After only a year in @Madison, a part of me was reluctant to leave, knowing how much potential there was for the following year, feeling like I was missing out a little by not being there to share in the experiences. Consider yourself lucky chica, because you get to work with both of these amazing generations.
I say thank you to you. If it wasn't for the connecting generation, the org would continually die. I think that everyone feels like this once in a while, or at least they should. Sad to see the present slip into the past, but excited by the future. This is the AIESECers constant dilemma.
i get all twisted up inside trying to get control of my emotions this time of the year. The feeling of future possibility mixed with the pains of sending off those so close. Then i step back and think of the reasons I have these feelings, and I smile.
Post a Comment