Inspiration, conversation, realisation and frustration

No i am not thinking of a career move into rapping...

I guess all of the diverse and powerful things i have experienced this past week in Poland can be summarised under these 4 words. Since i am an optimist i will start with 'frustration', since after that things can only get better :)

Frustration:
Conferences are normally hectic, packed, tiring and confusing. This one takes all of those things to a whole new level. I have had fewer country meetings than previous years, less interaction with my team, and have not been involved in any working groups or committees, yet still i am more tired than at any conference that i can remember. The days are just too full, there is no time to digest, reflect or discuss. Hence the silence on the blog.

This situation also means i do not get the time i want to stay in touch with the outside world. Stefan, i am truly sorry for not being online more often. Only 2 days to go and then we can be together. So much looking forward to that, love you very much.

To the other ppl i haven't been able to speak to:

Mum - thanks again for taking care of everything to do with Cromwell Court. Your stamina, humour and multi-tasking are a continued inspiration to me
Andy - It was really great to hear about the new perspectives you are gaining through your training. Keep up the study and keep asking questions. And don't worry if you uncover more questions than answers :)
CK - i have met your flatmate :) Hope life is treating you well. The Yellow Company made a pretty good impression here...

Conversation:
So many interesting and inspiring people! 2 girls from Eastern Europe and 1 from the US who are setting up AIESEC in JORDAN! A guy from Brazil who used to run his own NGO for community development. My room-mate from South Africa who as well as setting up a new Local AIESEC Committee has his own business. A strong and committed Irish girl who despite facing tremendous work pressure in a hugely under-paid job has decided to make the time to fly to Venezuela to spend time with a close friend.

And of course the wonderful conversations i have had with the 'Swiss' delegates. Bee, Zuzka, Cileia, Chris, Stefan, Aida, Marcel, Dani, Joan, Peter, Verena, Giovanni - thank you for inspiring me again and reminding me why i was so privileged to have 2 years in Switzerland with you all as a part of my life.

Inspiration:
As if the conversations alone were not inspiring enough, consider these basic facts.
I am a part of the largest network of students & recent graduates in the world. I am eating my meals everyday with 500 people from 95 countries. Despite differences in discussion style, working culture, aspirations, expectations, study background, life experience - we are able to come together to create a working environment that is challenging, inspiring, and unforgettable. A working environment that is enabling the development of a new generation of leaders.

I have heard scores of representatives from business, NGOs and government repeat why they value the work that they are doing, why it is so relevant, and why we need to continue and to improve.

Realisation:
1. AIESEC is complex but not complicated. The complexity is necessary to fulfil our ambitious role as an organisation. The complication is produced by over-worrying, over-planning, over-structuring and over-discussing. As i have spent the last 3 weeks telling AIESECers in Thailand, in AIESEC we learn by doing. So let's trust the planning the structures and the discussions that have already happened, and let's do.

2. Defining my role in life and my future contribution to the society in which i live is not something to agonise over or to undermine my confidence or optimism. It is simply a matter of connecting an understanding of what i most enjoy
with an acknowledgement of what drives me and in what field i would like to make a positive difference. Sounds simple? It is. Today i realised what that means for me and my future (if you would like to know then please write to me. I think it is too personal & too special to put on a public blog.)

I had better go now as this is possibly my longest ever post, i really need to go the toilet, and i promised Stefan i would try to buy an international phone card.

Sending you my best greetings from the most incredible place on Earth (no, not Poland, but AIESEC's International Congress 2006) And if you want to see why, check out live.ic2006.pl ;)