“A mind or a horizon once enlarged, it can never get back to its original dimensions. Educate … and you can change the world”
1) What made you join AIESEC and how has that decision influenced your future?
When I joined AIESEC (in the beginning of my second year of university studies) I was in a moment of searching something new for my life. I assisted a Big Picture presentation in the Aula Magna of the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest, and the energy, the friendship, the passion, the internationalism I have seen among the members of this organization convinced me to be part of it. That time I did not have too much self confidence, so I just hoped that I will be accepted by this organization throughout the interviews and tests. I made it through, and this way I started the most intensive process of self conquering and mind expanding of my life. Only after 6 months of hard working in AIESEC, as a team member for a department and several projects, after attending local and national conferences, I realized that I will never ever be able to go back to a normal student life. I also realized that the more you give in AIESEC, the more you get in terms of personal and professional development. That was just the beginning, since the next 5 years in AIESEC gave me much more: the believe that I can really achieve anything I want in life, the confidence of talking one to one with senior managers from companies, the experience of living and working abroad, all the professional development and the relevant CV experience that allowed me to get easily hired in multinational companies. In the first job after AIESEC – with Procter and Gamble – I became a middle manager, even though I was the youngest among the team members that I was coordinating in 3 countries. But more important than anything, in AIESEC I have met a very special AIESECer that over the years became my wife. I would say that this is quite an influence over my life.
2) Can you describe how you have progressed as a member in this organization?
On short, I was a member of the AIESEC Bucharest for a year, than I was elected as a vice-president in charge with Talent Management, I had an almost 2 months international experience in Adana- Turkey, a year later I was a trainer in the National Trainers Team, then joined for 2 months an AIESEC local committee from Brussels, another year later I was elected as National Vice-President of Talent Management in the National Committee of AIESEC in Belgium. Then upon my return to Romania, I became proud alumni.
3) How can you define a progressive generation?
I would define it as a generation that is motivated and committed to question the current status quo of the world, and to move it forward to another level of thinking. A progressive generation is challenging the current reality, especially the downsides and is active involved in generating a large movement, a powerful mind shift – which is usually affecting NGOs, companies and governmental institutions. During the time of the progressive generation, the whole world is moving forward. I believe that no progressive generations is born in good times, when the young members of the society are happy with the reality, they join jobs in companies and have a comfortable live. I believe that progressive generations are born in times of hardship, during crisis periods: economical crisis, resources crises, water crises, environment crises, but most important moral crises (sounds familiar?). Such a period becomes the best cradle for a PROGRESSIVE GENERATION.
Stefan Palarie,President of School of Values
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