Road to GA by Flavia Husar

contents

GA in baby eyes

Toc and Iustina BATTLE INTERVIEW

Interview with The Kinksters

Anniversaries

Foreword Our story begins a long time ago, nineteen years to be specific. It may not seem like much, but there is a big chance that back then you were trying to say your first words or that you simply weren’t even born when it all happened... Twas the year of 1994 and BESTies gathered from all ‘round the world in Timisoara. From north to south to west to east, they all came to the General Assembly. As they almost closed the doors, a couple of students rushed to get in. Nobody knew from where they were from, but everybody saw that they had a kindred spirit about them. “We’re from Bucharest, not far from here”, they said. “And we want to join BEST! We think that we’d make great friends with all of you, y’know?”. A long moment of silence and stares came after. But the students were not afraid. They just smiled. And soon after people started smiling back. “I see you have the spirit in you”, said the board. “People, shall we give them a shot?”. “Yes!”, cheered the crowd. “As of now you are the newest members, sort of a... baby BEST group. We shall meet again next year and see your progress.” And progress they saw, because one year later LBG Bucharest was officially founded and two years after that they became full members. But how did they do it?

Well, everyone in BEST is unique in his or her way and so was LBG Bucharest. They have weird T-shirts, with the left sleeve of a different color. In summer they hunt for vampires in Sighisoara. Even if it is the land of milk and honey, in Bucharest you will always be greeted with a glass of “mizerie” and a car ride through the city at night. And as years passed, they always found new ideas for events. A 24-hour engineering marathon in a mall? Tis impossible! Ney, it was done! A career event where you could chit-chat with the employers? Tis impossible! Ney, it was done! And every time when they were asked how, the Bucharest BESTies answered... “Because we can!” Twas the same answer that they gave in the years 2002 and 2008 when they organized two Presidents Meetings. And twas the same 5 years later, in 2013BUCHAREST when they came to Valladolid and said... “We want to organize the next General Assembly!” Younger members than the ones from 19 years ago, but they had the same smiles and confidence. If you know history, you know that it repeats itself... And so it is that this year, BEST Bucharest will organize the 33rd General Assembly and the 25th Anniversary of BEST. From this point on we turn the page to the next chapter, as history is in the making...

e baby e s in

When I became a member in BEST last autumn, I knew I must have been pretty lucky to have been given such a chance. However, after the first training I found out that we have been not only lucky, but the luckiest babies in our LBG, because exactly this year, when we have been accepted, the GA will be hosted by our LBG. We were said that we all have the opportunity to see exactly what the GA means, whereas until now not every member had this chance, due to the fact that only 2 members from every LBG could participate in the GA per year. “That’s so cool”, I thought, but I needed some further explanation in order to make the most of it. So, at the question “What’s the GA more exactly?”, we were replied: “The GA is an international event, where members from every single LBG gather around to make internal decisions regarding the structure, the management and the projects in BEST international.” It appears that through this event the future of BEST is decided and unfortunately for many members this event only remains an ideal. Therefore, back then, only 2 days after becoming a member in BEST, I got highly motivated regarding the GA, not to mention that I have seen how long time ahead the main team started organizing it, so that everything would be perfect, which made me believe that my perception about the huge imporance of this event was correct. Time passes quickly and the GA is almost here, so

even more questions regarding it arise in my mind. For instance, apart from all the organizational related ones, I wonder how other people in BEST feel about it, especially the babies, as I can better relate to them than to the experienced ones. Probably they are as excited as I am, *yeeey*, so I asked a couple of babies about this to know for sure. I thought about asking them the same questions, so that I could better understand their point of view and eagerness. The result was more than gratifying. There were many friendly babies, who would have undoubtedly answered my questions , but after only three answers, it was clear as day that the other babies also awaited enthusiastically the GA, counting the days until then. Who are those three babies? Which questions they had to answer? This is what I believe you might be wondering right now, so to keep it short, these are the mysterious questions: “What’s the GA for you as a baby? How are you getting ready for the event? Which word describes the BEST way your expectations regarding this new experience?” Monica, Victor and Laura are the ones who convinced me with only a couple of words that the GA is probably the most awaited and impressive event in BEST for the babies. Here are their answers:

Monica : “When I first heard about this event I was very impressed and curious to find out more and more. Although I have explored this magic world, I’m feeling deeply I’m a baby when I’m thinking about GA. My enthusiasm grows day by day. I bought a hoodie and I’m veryyyy excited to wear it. This experience, I’m certain, will be a VALUABLE one!!” Victor: “For me, this GA is a great opportunity to learn more things about BEST and about other countries and nations. I’m sure it will be something amazing and unforgettable and I’ll have the chance to meet interesting people and to make new friends. How do i prepare myself for it? I’ll take a deep breath and get ready for one of the most craziest weeks ever. I’ll help my LBG with whatever they need and I’ll do my part in the party squad and of course I’ll enjoy every second of it. I think I’ll go for two words : mind blowing!” Laura: “GA impressed me from the very first time I have heard about it. I recall that, at the BKT, my first encounter with the BEST world, when I found out that we were hosting such an large-scale event, I was thrilled. And that was the moment I realised just how significant was BEST amongst students all over Europe. Well, I wish I could say I’m brushing the dust off my swimsuit, but I’m afraid the temperature won’t allow me to use it. Besides this, I’m loading myself with good vibes, positive thinking and an immense thirst for socializing. I’m not sure this could pass as a word, but “WOW” sums up my expectations pretty well.” Well, well, it seems to me and hopefully to you, the readers, too, that for the babies in our LBG the GA is the most awaited event in BEST this year and that we are happy to work day and night for it to be a complete success. Moreover, we are very grateful to be given the chance of this, maybe, unique experience due to the fact that only two members per LBG could participate in the GA. It seems that we will do our BEST to make the stay of the participants in Bucharest memorable, wishing them a warm welcome to the GA!

Toc

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answering questions from Iustina

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How does it feel like to be the President of BEST?

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between two pres

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When I started my mandate I didn’t exactly know what I feel about this. Now I realized that it’s a huge responsibility to take which a lot of obstacles ahead but it’s very satisfying as an experience. How do you feel about life after BEST? What is your favorite memory of the I’m grateful for all the experiences I had while I was board year? What about the favorite active yet I know that I have to close this chapter memory of your whole BEST life? of my life soon. I’m sure that all of these things will pay out in the long run and I will still keep For the board I would say that my favorite memory contact with some people I’ve met and worked is related to Board Summer Meeting. I can’t pick with throughout the years. just one but it’s a combination of meeting for the first time to work as the management of BEST, What is your biggest dream? getting to know our dreams for BEST and falling asleep everywhere because we were too tired. I really want to start my own company. I know that When I was president of the LBG I had a really it will take quite a lot of sacrifices but I’m really awful week and I was extremely demotivated. determined to make this happen. One night, I received through Stefan, who was coming back from TiGro Winter Meeting, a letter How do you see your career developing and a small box of gummy bears from a friend I met after BEST? What are your after the in Portugal some time ago. It immediately raised mandate plans? my spirit and I realized that BEST is awesome and BESTies are even more awesome :D Well, currently I’m in Belgium and in the next 2 days I have an interview for Vlerick Business school. I What are the 3 big accomplishments am looking forward to continue my studies abroad you have had so far in your life? and start building a career. Being active in BEST helped me improve my soft skills but I realized that a. I managed to give a speech in front of more I kind of miss engineering so I would like to work than 300 people in my study field afterwards. b. I managed so see almost all of Europe by age 23 c. I understood the true value of friendship and relationships

iustina answering questions from Toc

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sidents of BEST

Do you think that your BEST experience is helping you to perform better career wise? How?

What is the one thing that you are most proud of in BEST? I am proud of the members. I believe that we have remarkable people in this organisation, people who are intelligent, have a lot of potential and all the chances to eventually do something good for the society. I believe that the people make BEST do what it is and every day I feel proud that I have met so many wonderful BESTies.

What is the most memorable BEST event you have attended? Why? IPF Istanbul. IPF in general is a very special event in its kind. I would characterize IPF as the perfect mix of: hard work, hard partying, exceptional people â&#x20AC;Ś to sum up a very motivating environment! Except of the nature of the event, in IPF Istanbul I had to facilitate 7 sessions after a workshop that I have coordinated with the board of that times. It was an extremely intensive and beautiful experience, which developed me a lot. Last but not least, the event was in a very nice location, on the shores of the Black See, it was quite a nice place. And there is also another reason: I remember I was dancing like crazy in that event (as usual) and I have really nice memories from the parties

I am discovering every day how BEST is helping me and I expect that this discocovery will be a continous process in the following years. I think that BEST has a huge role in helping you define who you are. Second, BEST gives you the opportunity to stretch yourself to the limit and develop as much as you can. I believe BEST is providing you a good framework for development and its up to each of us to make the most out of it. The BEST experience has helped me to get the job that I have and to easily step into an international career. But this didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happen just because I was a BEST member. I was working very hard in BEST, always seeked for growth opportunities for the organisation and myself and have been focused on getting relevant results. My focus on the work part in BEST helped me develop competences that now are helping me advance quite fast in career. Also, in BEST I discovered what I am good at, it seemed that these discoveries are slowly shaping my career.

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Could you name the 3 most challenging aspects of being a President? Talking with more than 50+ people/event Keeping communication with Higher Education Institutions since their working methods are extremely different than ours and their reactions are also slow Managing a team of 6/12 people who are also leaders In what country would you like to live and why? In my 20’s I would like to live in Portugal, more specifically Lisbon, due to the atmosphere and the multicultural spirit which is visible everywhere you walk. I would also like to spend some time in the Netherlands also due to culture and a strong economy but I’m not sure if I would be able to adapt to the weather. :P What is the most important learning you have taken from life up to now? Happiness is not measured in wealth but in experiences and people you have around you. Imagine that for one day you could change anything in the world. What would you like to change and why?  I would for sure change the educational system. A strong mind is the most powerful tool to change the world. Good luck with GA!! Kisses

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What was the most embarassing thing How was your first tour of death? that happened to you during a BEST event? I managed to skip a lot of death tours during my mandate with the help of a very caring I have really few situations I which I embarassed management. My first tour was late, in the first RM myself in an event. I would choose the departure of my mandate and it was really cool, because the day of GA France: plenary finished at 5 am, I was countries participating were: IT, ES, FR, PT … so it dead, we were drinking to celebrate the selection was almost only wine that I was drinking , therefore of the new board and after that went to a party I didn’t feel seek at all. I reached a constructive (which started at 6 am). I never remembered the level of tipsiness party, woke up at 2 pm the next day, having no clue about what happened after the end of the How many guys were hitting on you plenary. When I went for lunch I found out from during your lifetime in BEST? the other delegates that I was in the party, dancing and talking to people apparently. A lot, most of them without any success. I miss this part in BEST, it was a of of fun! The best memory from your mandate as president of BEST is… What motivated you to run for the board of BEST? This is a very tough question! I have many great memories…. But, if I would pick one, let’s say… Passion for BEST and people. Desire to improve the first 3 days in GA France… they were insanely BEST and shape myself as a leader. intensive! During these days I was having a lot of presentations with the people I have worked with. The first time when I realised I wanted to run for It was a great feeling to prepare the presentations president was at the end of GA Warsaw. By with each of them and show to the whole BEST that moment I had gathered a lot of knowledge world the good job we had done. I then realised about BEST international and closely worked with that I had worked with special people, and I really the board of that time. This gave me a complete enjoyed these days because of the people I had picture of what BEST was and made me realise around. that I want to lead BEST towards becoming a better organisation. I also realised that I have the How would you convince the readers of right potential to do this, as well as a strong drive BESTiar to get internationally involved? to dedicate my years for BEST. BEST is giving you the opportunity to develop Describe your personal experience in yourself as much as you want. You define the limit: BEST in 2 words. you can be a committee member who read the e-mails and does a few tasks now and then, on Simply incredible! the other side you can have huge contributions to the organisation about which you can proudly talk about in a job interview. If you want to become a global minded person and form yourself as a leader, BEST international is a great school in case you set the right priorities. On top of personal and professional development, BEST means: wonderful people, a lot of crazy parties, a lot of travelling … I don’t think anybody could wish for more. But as I said, there is a limitation: it’s up to you to make proper use of BEST!

interview with the

kinksters the board who took the GA

kinky Ok, so GA is about things getting big, right? Is about how much of an effort was made from the LBG that is organizing it. But sometimes we tend to forget who has made one of the biggest step in getting the GA to the LBG. For LBG Bucharest, the succes of organizing the General Assembly is due to Board 19 also known as The Kinksters. We have managed to get a hold of the members of this board for a short interview. Before I start, I would like to thank them very much for the time they’ve gave up to answer some of my question. They are (in a random order): “the queen” (President) Georgiana Nenciu, “the sweetheart” (VP of Company Relations) Roxana Moldovan, “the treasure”(Treasurer) Cristina Grosu, “the candyman” (VP of HumanResources) Cezar Agrigoroaei and “all-time star” (VP of Public Relations) Sorin Gornea. #massive round of applause everybody, they deserve this

How do you feel about bringing the biggest BEST event in Bucharest?

active members, oldies and also some alumni will be organizers at GA ... and I think this says a lot about the involvement of our members! You will Sorin: I don’t really think that I personally brought see when you arrive in Bucharest! General Assembly to Bucharest, it is the merit of a lot of people from the LBG. I am just happy that my Supposing you will be there (at the contribution meant something. event of course), how will you be having fun? Georgiana: The decision to run for GA was a legacy from the previous board, they are the ones Sorin: Probably chilling at the bar. :) who made this important step. And our board was lucky enough to be elected at the right time, just Roxana: At the parties of course, where everyone before starting the GA preps. Since the beginning will have enough fun for an entire year. Apart from of our mandate, I felt it was a huge responsibility to those, we all know there’s no BEST event without coordinate and have the overview the preparations fun, especially in Bucharest! process. But everything was possible with the help of our members, who were very active and eager Cezar: I think I’m going to improve my trolling to help with everything that was necessary. What skills :D. is more, we also received a lot of support from our alumni. On this occasion, I would like to thank all What was the most difficult part of your for the passion and energy they put in preparing mandate, related to GA Bucharest? the application for GA! Thank you so much! Sorin: Two years ago, we knew we wanted to Roxana: I feel proud of our LBG and also happy do a big event, but we weren’t 100% sure what to work with people who are not afraid of setting it was going to be. In the end it was a close tie high goals and enthusiastically pursuing them until between GA and EBEC, but GA came out ahead the finish line. with a narrow margin. So yeah... here’s a tough decision for you! Cristina: I must admit that I am extremely happy that I was involved in this project from the beginning. Georgiana: The most challenging period was At first it was just a thought “Hei! We can organise between PM Timisoara and GA Valladolid, when this event” and now it is really happening. I guess we had to prepare everything for the application. right now I can’t wait to see it in progress. Let the Honestly, it can be quite difficult to motivate people craziness begin! to start preparing for an event you’re not sure you will organize, when you also have the annual Cezar: I don’t believe I have a merit for such an agenda to follow. But all the worries, concerns achievement. There are some people who really and white nights did not matter anymore when we deserve congrats for the job they’ve done at the heard “GA ‘14 goes to Bucharest!” time (spring 2013). Regarding the event, I hope that everyone will be happy: students, delegates & Roxana: Hardest and best decision by far: to companies and I hope for a better future. apply for the GA core-team. Looking back, I see that moment as a milestone of the past year, which What’s your opinion on the whole LBG brought joy to the after-board life and broadened members’ involvement in this ‘project’? my horizons.

Sorin: At the beginning, I don’t think that everyone realized that this event comes with a big deal of responsibility so we got off to a slow start. When it came to the final hours though, a lot of people offered to help. Georgiana: As far as I have seen, our members are more and more enthusiast about GA! Babies,

Cezar: There was a period of 4-5 weeks prior to GA Valladolid, when no one was going to take the lead regarding the event. And just in time, Cepo appeared.

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What is your advice for the people who Georgiana: Of course there are some less will be there to organize and make sure pleasant things than happen, but I wouldn’t call everything is in order with the event? them Sorin: No need for advice, I think people know disadvantages. From my point of view, it’s more what to do. about how you prioritize things. When you decide you run for GA, you take into consideration all the Cezar: While working, don’t forget to have some changes that will be made in the annual agenda fun! of you LBG, the HR and financial issues that might appear and all the other known challenges. After What is your advice for the people who you are aware of them, you start preparing as will come in Bucharest for our GA? much as you can :) Sorin: Have fun and don’t spill stuff on the carpets.

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What do you think the biggest surprise will be for all those 400 awesome BEST Cristina: Leave all of your worries back home, members when they’ll participate at come in Bucharest with an open heart and enjoy our GA? the experience. Sorin: It wouldn’t be a surprise if I’d tell you. That What are the biggest advantages for a and I have no idea about that subject… Local BEST Group to organize such an event? Cristina: Well the biggest surprise is going to be .......... . Ahaha. I am not going to tell you. You Sorin: You get to organize a huge convention as a student group. It’s a huge effort and to do it all have to be there to see it :P. while going to classes or having a part-time job is a notable achievement. Do you have anything else to share with us? Georgiana: 3 years ago, when I first heard about the idea of hosting GA, I was quite skeptical Sorin: You can find me at the bar. :P about the pros of organizing this event. But now I am sure that there many advantages! Just to name Cezar: Sanatate si virtute! Sa avem ce bea.. si a few: developing your members while preparing ne distra! a huge international event and challenging them with situations they’ve never met before, raising the awareness of the international side of BEST in your LBG, improving the relations with the University and local institutions, having loads of enthusiasm and joy in you office all the time!

Cezar: After fulfilling this goal, after years of working, I believe that a great advantage would be the rebirth of the LBG. With the biggest event organised, are there any challenges left?

What are the biggest disadvantages for a LocalBESTGroup to organize such an event? Sorin: $$$ All jokes aside... it’s the money.

you anniver

Happy B BES Bucharest 19th Anniversary

Helsinki Christmas Iasi 2011 Anniversary

Brasov 16th Anniversary

Zaporizhzhya

ur25 rsaries

Birthday ST! Madrid 15th Anniversary

Veszprem Anniversary

Moscow 7th Anniversary

Budapest

Riga 20th Anniversary

Leuven

Messina Anniversary

EBEC 5th Anniversary

Madri 15th Anniversary Belgrade 10th Anniversary

Milan 15th Anniversary Novi Sad

JobFair FiBEST 15th Anniversary

Lviv 11th Anniversary

Delft 4th Anniversary Gdansk 10th Anniversary

Isparta MW

Naples

Timisoara

Rome 20th Anniversary

specialT thanks to Editors : Adelin, Grigo, radu, Ramona, Sorin Designer : FLaVia Guests :

Monica, Victor, Laura, Iustina, Toc, Sorin, georgiana, Roxana, Cristina, Cezar