VOL. 1 ISSUE V
The Student Series
STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE:
Laurier Goes for the Gold!
The international platform for young people to explore and
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The international platform for young people to explore and develop their leadership potential
VOL.1 ISSUE V STRIVING FO EXCELLENCE LAURIER GOES FOR THE GOLD! 2
OR E:
CONTENTS 4
J U M P C O N F ER EN C E D EL EGAT ES: V I C TO R I A L A M M A LLO RY DU R R A N EN A PET ROV I C H
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E XC H A N G E PA R T I C I PA N T: A N C H A L DH I N G R A – G R EEC E
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A I ES EC A LU M N I: G EN E V I È V E DUC H A R M E
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F E ATU R ED D EST I N AT I O N : H O N G KO N G
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PERSO N A L D E V ELO PM EN T QU EST I O N : H OW TO ST R I V E FO R E XC ELL EN C E?
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LC P CA RSO N KO LB ERG: TH E “I“ I N A I ES EC
V P O F C O M M U N I C AT I O N S C H U N G S O O N H AW
DESIGN LEAD T I F FA N Y C H A N
EDITOR IN CHIEF ISHA AN KUKREJA
DESIGN LEAD CAROLINE IP D E S I G N C O N S U LTA N T C L E V E R LU U
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VICTORIA LAM
During the last week of July, six other Canadians and I decided to take a leap, and head off to Costa Rica for an international conference called JUMP. I finally decided to leave my comfort zone and go to a country that is starkly different than Canada. We stayed at the beautiful Barcelo Tambor beach resort and I must say, it was difficult to concentrate during the conference sessions knowing that there was a wicked pool and beach front nearby. Delegates as far as Germany and Holland made it, along with 10 countries from Central and South America. I was proud to represent Canada and to show our culture and our view of AIESEC to the other countries. This conference really opened my eyes to see how other LCs function around the world. One thing I learned was that to fully get the AIESEC experience, I had to commit and be as involved as much as I could be. To see 300 other delegates so passionate for AIESEC really made an impact on how I see this organization, and it made me want more. I expanded my international network, and still keep in touch with people that are thousands of miles away. During the conference, I participated in a leadership
seminar, which helped delegates find their leadership potential. Because of my choice to get involved with AIESEC, I was able to dip my feet into Spanish culture, and even learned some Panamanian slang. After the conference, my host Andrea acted as our tour guide and accompanied us around Costa Rica. We completed the adventure with a ziplining experience, and afterwards opted for some beach time on both the Pacific and Atlantic sides of the country. We even used a day to set foot in Panama, in the beautiful town of Bocas del Toro. I have no words to describe my international conference experience that will do it justice. I would advise anyone that is looking for a true AIESEC experience to set aside doubts and fears, and step into a country that’s different from what you know. My nine days in Costa Rica were definitely a blast, I learned a lot but I also grew a lot too. And I can fairly say that Central and South American people know how to party harder than us Canadians! - Victoria
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The international platform for young people to explore and develop their leadership potential
Going to JUMP for me was exactly what the name of the conference suggests, a leap of faith. Travelling for the first time without my family to a country whose native language I could not speak was terrifying. On the first day of the conference one of the facilitators ran an icebreaker game where we were given a random word. We then had to share with a circle of delegates how that word connected to ourselves, before coming up with a new word for the next person. Naturally, I ended up first and the word I was given was ‘chicken’. In that moment I knew I would have to tell a whole group of international students, many of whom had travelled far and wide, and had even been on internships, that I was a chicken, that I was completely terrified to be out of my comfort zone and travelling without my family. What I discovered, however, is that I wasn’t travelling without family at all.
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The international AIESEC community is a family of incredibly diverse individuals ready to share knowledge, friendship, support, experience, and a brand new perspective on what it means to be an AIESECer and a leader. I learned from them how to create a great conference agenda, what it takes to facilitate a life changing session, and how to ask powerful questions. Day by day, I began to understand the true power that AIESEC holds. As a very new member of AIESEC (I had only been a member for about three months when I left for Costa Rica) it can be hard to understand the global impact of our day-to-day efforts. Why do we go to networking events? Make difficult cold calls? Spend so much time setting goals and making plans to reach them? Why do we spend so much time convincing our friends that AIESEC is the best international experience? The answer to that, I am sure is different for many. The perspective an international conference brings to these questions is this: We are all bound by a common goal, one set of values, and a shared interest in peace, development, understanding,
and leadership. Wh we can bind toge strong, common barriers of languag religion, and expe Any international e great, but only AIE 60,000 lives to shar and make a differen Standing in the airp in fear before my international advent have imagined how in Costa Rica wou change me. As AIESECers we lite of opportunities to g change ourselves a tips of our fingers Taking that leap o to an internation worth every minute unknown, it turns o way to enjoy expand
hen, as students, ether on such a foundation, the ge, culture, race, erience disappear. experience can be ESEC can give you re your experience, nce with. port, knees shaking first independent ture, I could never w much ten days uld teach me and
terally have a world grow and learn, to and others, at the every single day. of faith and going nal conference is e. JUMPing into the out, is an amazing ding what you know. - Mallory
enrich their lives and the lives of those around them. Overall, JUMP 2012 meant new friends, opportunities, adventures, and broadening my skills by putting myself outside of my comfort zone - Ena
An international AIESEC conference is something that every member should experience! JUMP 2012 gave me the opportunity to see what AIESEC does on an international level and talk with other AIESECers from all over the world about their realities. I was able to learn from AIESECers in different countries such as Costa Rica, Panama, Germany, & Peru‌just to name a few! JUMP brought together over 13 countries and 300 members to share their best case practices and learn from each other. I was part of the Leadership Development Seminar throughout the four day conference, where I was able to expand my leadership skills, learn more about myself and what I want from AIESEC. I had the opportunity to hear many keynote speakers, about their experience in AIESEC, where they have travelled to, and what they are currently doing through AIESEC to
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The international platform for young people to explore and develop their leadership potential
GREECE EXCHANGE
W
hile walking around campus early April, I came across a poster that caught my eye. It said “Do you want to go to India, China, Brazil or Czech Republic this summer?” I didn’t have any plans for the summer yet so I decided to check out the information session. In just a few weeks after that, I went from not knowing what AIESEC was to being an Exchange Participant in Thessaloniki, Greece with the largest international student-run organization in the world. I participated in the Global Community Development Program which provides internships that focus on personal development. My specific internship was marketing based, and I worked for an NGO that focuses their efforts on helping less fortunate children as well as disabled adults. Some of my responsibilities included updating the website, creating a blog, managing the social media, and planning the events. There was also a journalism aspect involved as well, as I had to attend the
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events and later write articles about them to be published in the local newspapers. I learned a lot about working with nongovernmental organizations as well as about marketing, which is the field of business I hope to specialize in. I mostly took away from working with disabled people as they were so happy every time we showed up to do activities with them, regardless of how simple the activities were. Working with these adults taught me to enjoy the simple things in life and to always be happy no matter what. Life is too short to waste time being upset of to have regrets when there are so many people less fortunate than you who can still find ways to be happy. I’m glad I chose to do this internship through AIESEC as there were many benefits of doing so. Firstly, I became good friends with the AIESEC members at the local committee in Thessaloniki and they all took care of me and showed me a good time. Secondly, I was able to become a member of AIESEC University of
Macedo a lot a helped Lastly, I and am Corpora I am co and ga skills th provide opportu to their was cha be mor and fle in other here in my com immers grow so people of a sum or learn stand o yourself
ANCHAL DHINGRA
onia while I was there and learned about how AIESEC works and contribute to their committee. I developed a passion for AIESEC m currently a Team Leader for ate Relations at AIESEC Laurier. ontinuously learning new things aining personal and professional hat no other organization can e. AIESEC gives everyone an unity to be a leader and develop r full potential. This past summer allenging at times, but I learned to re accommodating, open-minded exible, especially because things r countries work differently than Canada. By stepping outside of mfort zone, I was able to fully se myself in the Greek culture and o much as a person. Most of the I know did not have as amazing mmer as I did, and did not grow n. Why not challenge yourself to out from the crowd? Challenge lf to go from good to great. -Anchal
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Youth Agent for the Collective Entrepreneurship Fédération des coopératives québécoises en milieu scolaire AIESEC helped me become the person that I am today. My involvement boost my self-confidence, gave me strong values and a different perspective of the world. That’s how I found myself today engaged in the education field, dedicated to improve the youth’s future. Before joining AIESEC, I was a girl filled with ideas and initiatives but stayed away from the limelight. As a student at Hautes Études Commerciales (HEC), I wanted to become a member of a student organization in which contribute to the student life and have an impact on others. So, I had two leadership roles: Vice-President Member Development and Vice-President Exchanges. In order to do well my role, I had to get out of my shell! As soon as there were more than ten people that were listening to me, I was terribly shy to speak. Since AIESEC was there to help us develop our potential and get out of our comfort zone, I, after leading a few recruitment and training sessions and with the useful tips of my colleagues, developed my ability to speak in front
of an audience. I use it now daily in the course of my work. My AIESEC experience also helped me to discover parts of the world that I would have never visited on my own. I had the chance to take part in conferences in Ecuador and Costa Rica. I also went on a 7-month internship in Senegal during which I truly evolved as a person. With this experience, I now see the world with a different perspective. The hope and vision that Africa brought me contribute today to being a better citizen. With AIESEC, the shy and secluded leader that I was became a confident and replenished person who now truly believes in empowerment and personal growth. AIESEC changed my life and I hope that other students will take advantage of it during their studies to develop their skills and abilities required to be a good leader. Thank you AIESEC! Source: http://aieseclaurier.wordpress.com/2012/03/18/ genevieve-ducharme/
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The international platform for young people to explore and develop their leadership potential
Whether flying into the vast, ultra-modern Chek Lap Kok Airport and being whisked into the city center on the high-tech, ultra-fast Airport Express, or arriving by boat at the China Ferry Terminal, Hong Kong, with its population of seven million, never fails to impress. You instantly know you’re somewhere special, particularly the first time you lay eyes on the spectacle of the skyscraper-filled island from the Kowloon side. Hong Kong is a place where even the mildest exploration can offer stark contrast and both traditional Chinese and colonial history lurk beneath the city’s slick modern exterior. Whether swimming in the sea or hiking an island trail to a small shrine through lush tropical undergrowth on one of the outlying islands, it’s difficult to imagine that the gleaming skyscrapers are only a short boat ride away. For such a small place, Hong Kong has an amazing array of sights, ranging from the ultra-modern Symphony of Lights show which illuminates the harbor every night at 8 pm, to historic temples, colonial remnants and nature’s own attractions, including some fine beaches. With so many things to see, it can be difficult to know where to begin, but the good news 12
is that even getting there is often part of the experience in Hong Kong. Whether riding the historic Peak Tram or crossing the harbor on the Star Ferry, the incredible skyline dominates. What’s more, the territory’s small size and excellent modern transport connections make seeing a lot in a short space of time perfectly feasible. If you have limited time, then it’s worth starting with the triplestarred attractions, but if you have a longer stay you can pick and choose to suit your tastes, mood and the weather! First impressions of Hong Kong are of the spectacular skyscrapers, the scenery of the harbor and the hustle and bustle of its neon-clad streets. But to really gain some insight into the contradictions that typify the territory you should take a trip to the south of Hong Kong Island or, if you have more time to spare, go over to one of the Outlying Islands or into the New Territories. AIESEC in Hong Kong has proved to be one of the most diversified as it sits in the business hub of Pacific Asia. With many opportunities in the GCDP and GIP sectors, it has proven to be a hotspot for attracting international talent, as it is earily accessible and its similarities to the western culture.
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The international platform for young people to explore and develop their leadership potential
HOW TO STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE? BE PROACTIVE Your decisions are the primary factor in your success. Recognize and take responsibility. You’re largely the product of your own choices, and there are many choices to be made in an online world of both tools and time-sucks. If you want to be effective, you have to recognize the need to actively take the steps to get there. Strategy: Determine your
BEGIN WITH “Circle of Concern,” the things you’re interested and care about, and your “Circle of Influence,” the things you can really do. Be self-aware, and always build your content around that intersection. If they don’t line up with where you want to be, make actual changes. Striving for excellence starts with being organized and prioritized - go for the gold!
SHARPEN TH
THINK WIN-WIN Understand that the best solutions often involve mutual benefit. Mindfully aid the work of others. Why everybody needs to develop this habit: Competition is important in the marketplace — you want your company to succeed. Cooperation, however, is important in the workplace of journalism. In the long run, if you
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Envision the idea you want to be a want to do. Let th If you’re in the jo probably have a being there. It’s a desire to share help better peop society. When it’s
do everything to assist the individual endeavors of your co-workers, you “win,” too. Strategy: Think mutual, think how you can benefit by benefiting others, even competitors, because striving for excellence means working with the wellestablished. Go gold or go home!
Balance your ac energy and gener fortify your prod needs to deve school-life isn’t j do, and taking a your life in othe be more product role you play on
“
THE ILLITERATE OF THE 21ST CENTURY WILL NOT BE THOSE WHO CANNOT READ AND WRITE, BUT THOSE WHO CANNOT
”
LEARN, UNLEARN, AND RELEARN.
- ALVIN TOFFLER
H THE END IN MIND
al characteristics of who and what you ultimately hat guide all your action. ournalism business, you a purposeful reason for likely some variant of e truth with others and ple’s lives or the greater s so easy to comment on
anything and get caught up in pageviews, however, it’s best to start any content production by keeping in mind the end you’d like to achieve. Begin with the end in mind, that’s what can let you strive for excellence, and stay excellent. Strategy: When you’re struggling with what angle to take, or what tool to best convey a story, go back to the basics: what’s the
most important thing driving the work you do? Keep that answer in place so you can see it regularly, like on your desktop background, and work backwards to decide how your current project aligns in content, platform type, length and distribution method. In interviewing, it’s always good to ask “why.” It does equal good to routinely ask the same of yourself.
responsibilities in your job itself, making continuous improvements in your own physical, spiritual, mental and social/ emotional dimensions is important and prevents against burn-out. Tool: Calendar reminders, like those in Google Calendar, which can remind you of meetings but can also help with other areas of life, like exercising. Strategy: Use workplace
processes at home, too. If you need reminders and to-do lists at the office, they will likely help in all dimensions of your life. Striving for excellence means a well-oiled machine. If you can run day-today smoothly, then everything else falls into place. Hard work pays off in the end, being an AIESECer makes it that much more fun!
THE SAW
ctivity to maintain your eral well-being. Let order ductivity. Why everyone elop this habit: Your just the homework you active steps to improve er areas allows you to tive in your job and the a team. Like balancing
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The international platform for young people to explore and develop their leadership potential
AIESEC has been defined as “an international platform for young people to explore and develop their leadership potential”. This may sound like a fancy mission statement you would find as an example in your Intro to Business textbook, but let’s break it down.
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AN INTERNATIONAL PLATFORM I won’t bother to tell you the current number of AIESEC members because I couldn’t give you an accurate number. When I joined AIESEC, two years ago, there were about 50 000 students involved in over 100 countries. There were approximately 400 conferences being held per year, and about 12 000 students embarking on an international exchange experience. So what? Is this a marketing pitch? These numbers are irrelevant if they remain as numbers. Human beings like yourself are changing their lives and impacting the lives of those around them. They go to AIESEC conferences, they host conferences, and deliver conferences. They go on exchanges. They have life changing experiences. An AIESEC member boards an airplane every 40 minutes for an international experience. At any given moment there is an AIESEC member in the sky.
India, Oman, Kenya, Czech Republic, Puerto Rico, Chile, Costa Rica and Brazil were life changing, that is no doubt, but some of my most intensive experiences happened in Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto, Guelph, Edmonton, Calgary, and Waterloo during this AIESEC adventure. Give up the “I’m busy and can’t leave town” excuse and go explore. DEVELOP YOUR LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL When a baby eagle explores the edge of the nest and looks below they often get a swift kick from their mother. Why? Because even eagles need a push. We are all baby eagles, and most will stare over the edge with terror. We can only learn to fly in the freefall.
I didn’t grow as a person until I stopped just looking at these overwhelming numbers. It is really easy to join AIESEC and passively watch as exciting activities happen around you. Are you on the platform or just associating yourself with it? That is my question for each student.
You can go places and meet people. You will have some stories, some that may be inappropriate for general audiences, some that may fade with time, and some that will change you forever. Now how does that fit in the big picture? What are you going to take away from an AIESEC experience to start your next job, or your first business? Leadership potential is a tricky thing, because for most people it will be only that. Those who develop their potential are those who tried something they never thought possible.
YOUNG PEOPLE TO EXPLORE
CLOSING QUESTION
I would like to quote my favourite blog of all time, “#31. Get a Passport. Fill it with stamps no one has ever seen.” (http:// inoveryourhead.net/100-tips-about-life/ ). You are young, you are strong, you’re not looking for where you belong, you are cool, you are free... and so the song goes. I wouldn’t be where I was right now if I didn’t go places, meet people and ask questions.
If you were given the power of time, the resource of money (not much though) and a responsibility to challenge world-views, and then you were surrounded by hundreds, if not thousands, of like-minded students, what would you accomplish and what would you take away at the end of the day?
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The international platform for young people to explore and develop their leadership potential
The international platform for young people to explore and develop their leadership potential
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The international platform for young people to explore and develop their leadership potential