I’m an Alumnus

Starting with 23rd of November 2007 I am an official AIESEC alumnus.

In a small ceremony organized by AIESEC Bucuresti I was offered a diploma that has a huge symbolic value to me. After exactly 6 years I finished my AIESEC experience with high hopes to be more and contribute more. For the past 6 years, my life was strongly related to AIESEC: member in AIESEC Bucuresti, Regional Coach and MC member for AIESEC Romania, MC Member for AIESEC Norway and part of AIESEC International. I’m grateful for all the moments of joy and sadness, for all people that influenced my life until now, for all the friendships that are enriching my life every day, for all the deep conversations that reshaped my perspective on world and the list can continue.

These years were so intense that after this continuous running game I felt the need to stay still and get some answers. The months that I took off after the AI term brought several truths about what I need and want. As a results I chose not to continue my AIESEC XP with an internship but instead accept a permanent contract abroad. There are maybe not so many differences between the job roles that I could have but for sure lots of differences in regards of the life style and the way I want to live my life. For the last 2 years I’ve been a typical expat that barely speaks the language of that country, has a limited interest in contributing to the local community and is immersing into his/her job.

Now I want a different perspectives. I want to have the option to stay to a place more then a year, I want to understand what people say on the street and I want to get involved in the local community. I’m exploring different ideas from human rights NGOs to volunteer work at the embassy and consulate to involvement with some social enterprises. I haven’t decided but I know that something additional to my job is required. Cause otherwise, what is the difference between me and any other career focused person at my age? I don’t find sufficient 8-10 hours at work being enough to make a true contribution. At least not after 6 years of believing that we can change the way things are.

But then again, everyone has to find his/her own balance. I know that mine has to be beyond my job.