The Fantasia of an Optimist

And Here I am Today

I am not superstitious. I do not believe in horoscopes. I do not place all my trust in fate. I do believe, however, that it is more than coincidence that I was born under the astrological sign Aquarius, the water bearer. I have always felt a deep connection to water. My fondest memories of being a child are playing on the beach with the waves lapping at my feet, feeling a quiet peace inside. During my adolescent years I lived in a resort community with a beautiful lake. The lake was not only used for recreation during the summer, but also a source of comfort during times of trouble and confusion. No matter what the cause of my discomfort, I was able to formulate solutions to my problems as I sat on the shore, gazing across the serene lake.

Attending UW-Madison was an easy decision for me. I was desperate to get away from the atmosphere of the small town where I grew up. Because my mother is a proud alumnus of UW, I grew up listening to the Badger Band, eating Babcock Ice Cream, and sharing my room with Bucky Badger stuffed animals, one of which was larger than me for the first six years of my life. My love for all things associated with Madison, combined with the academic reputation of UW, and that the campus is surrounded by water, made my college decision simple.

At Madison, I went through a wide range of emotions the first semester of my freshman year. I was excited to be away from my small, homogeneous town, yet I felt ignorant of the diversity of cultures that make Madison a remarkable place. Once again, water provided solace. While gazing at Lake Mendota from Observatory Drive, or running along the Lakeshore Path, I often cleared the jumbled thoughts from my head and reminded myself that I had the courage and ability to address the issues I was facing.

It was during one of these “soul-searching” experiences that I decided to join an organization that would provide an opportunity to interact with students different than me. I joined AIESEC. This decision has resulted in the best experience of my college career. AIESEC is dedicated to increasing cultural understanding around the world and creating global leaders. Through AIESEC, I have been able to meet people from around the world and have conversations with them about differences between our cultures, and how despite the differences, we share the same humanity. The opportunities AIESEC offers enabled me to grow as a human being, expanding my awareness of the world, and reducing the ignorance that frustrated me. I feel a sense of accomplishment that I am taking an active role in eliminating the barriers that separate people.

Currently, I am the Vice-President of Human Resources of AIESEC. I am responsible for member training and development and overseeing my colleagues who are in charge of marketing and event planning. Holding a leadership position has been fulfilling, but also a challenge. I have learned to be a more efficient leader, to communicate more effectively, and to be more organized. Being a VP has put me in positions in which I talk to people in the business world on a regular basis. My professionalism has increased dramatically due to the business experiences AIESEC has made available to me.

The short time I have been on campus has provided me with a lifetime of opportunities and experiences. When I came to Madison I was interested in choosing a major that would enable me to make a decent living. I have modified my goal. While making a living is still important, I realize that it is more important to make an impact on the lives of others. My experiences with AIESEC have convinced me that one step in achieving that goal is to graduate from the School of Business at UW-Madison.

posted by Katie80 @ 6:45 AM