Friday, 07 September 2007

Living the AIESEC Way... thoughts back home

Today we had an amazing MC meeting - the first one since we've all got back from IC2007. Let me tell you, it was not easy. All the thoughts, ideas, feelings coming from Turkey with us - and now let out in the MC office to form something wonderful for the future...

And the most important topics coming up: how to live the AIESEC Way every day of our lives? How to enable our members to do that? How can we hype up the whole organization, put some psyke in members? How can we ensure that our partners are committed to AIESEC just like global partners are?
This is the point when MC is inspired and ready to reach high - but our members haven't had the IC experience... How can we pass the feeling on? Answering these questions above generated a thoughtful discussion in that small office at UoN main campus.

I loved the most the lunch that we had together. The free storm of ideas over Phil's fish stew and the beef stews that we girls had. And the nicest in all this is that now I really see the way our plans can be realized. Loads of challenges ahead, of course, but this team will be successful. We just have to stick to our determination and principles.

I'm so proud to be a part of it, thanks to all of you, Charlie and Angels. Thanks for all the fun, for all the discussions, for all the nice moments together, for being part of my life. You're among the most wonderful people I've ever known.

Vicki

Thursday, 30 August 2007

IC 2007

Its always a blast, but this time I must say that it swept me off my feet with very new concrete thoughts on what AIESEC is all about. The theme was One for all, all for the future and to me this theme means alot and will continue to embody my AIESEC XP.

I am seated in the room now thinking of how best I can express my experience in this third IC I am attending and believe you me its not easy. However I will try. There is this quote that was given by Victor Lowenstein, a member of the SG of AIESEC International that perfectly descibes my AIESEC. "AIESEC is not an association, its a philosophy, a way of life that will live on above 50 years more to come and will never end.

What more can I say......Live the AIESEC Way....It will change your life.

Friday, 17 August 2007

IC2007 preparations...

Now am sitting in the MC office, having a mental block after such a week - and waiting for Audi (who i hope brings a coffee and some snack) and Juliet, with Juliet we're still running around for arranging all money and ticket issues. But am happy. We're on track - and finally all of us are going to IC.

I believe this mess around IC was a crucial part of my integration to Kenya - now I don't just see or understand but am a part of the African realities, I can feel all issues o my own skin. I had ups and downs in the last few days, I gave up hope and started to believe again...

I just want to say thank you for all around - my MC team mates and some alumni - to make me feel better and not worrying any more. Now I can believe that anything can happen which I didn't really believe before with my European mindset.Now I believe in miracles, in positive thinking any everything like that.

I know that on Tuesday evening when we're having our first meeting together all of us, we'll just laugh and feel really good that we've made it. I can't wait to be there!

Now, today we'll get my flight ticket with Juliet, and then tomorrow we're going to masai market, get all the last things we need to buy, on saturday or sunday i'll get my hair made... and fly on monday, together with Sly!!

Leah and Phil, hope you arrived in safe to Istambul and you already enjoy your time there. Juliet, don't let people fustrate you, my dear. You'll get wrickles on your face at a too young age. Thanks for all. Sly, get ready with your assignments and see you at the airport on monday morning.

babyAngel

Saturday, 11 August 2007

thoughts...

Last week, I was seated at the MC office thinking about leadership and the differences between leadership in corporate organizations and leadership in not-for-profit organizations. I picked up a conversation with our baby angel on getting her views on what she thinks is the difference between both types of leadership situations. One thing came out very clear, that leadership is indeed very different, depending on who you are leading and what motivates them into the organization.

A thought then that I pondered on is Volunteer organizations, where there is no employment relationship between the member and the organization, this represents an interesting context in which to explore the effects of leadership and organizational commitment. Volunteer leaders from an international social/charitable organization have a very hard time, on the one hand, leading volunteers whom have very different motivations in the organization and on the other hand, managing results from volunteers, results which are critical in the overall big picture of the organization and that determines whether the organization is relevant within the environment it operates. Volunteer leaders are more psychologically involved and committed to their organization than comparable leaders from companies and/or trade unions, where you can simply fire or reduce salaries based on productivity. This shows then that the experience gained from leading a volunteer organization, such as AIESEC is no Joke. All the MCs, LCEB's, team leaders, project directors and leadership teams in AIESEC are people who have characteristics that give them a significant edge than their peers.

The processes, the systems, the minimums, the projects, the learning networks, international affairs, country partnerships and many other commitments at the same time, all geared up towards achieving a common goal, together with direction setting and motivation is an experience everyone in the universe should go through.

It now a month since we took over office and the experience so far is tremendous. I can imagine our finance angel, with two degrees underway, exams left right and centre, and still manages to be in the office at seven in the morning is amazing. And its not that she is failing in class, she still has admirable grades...Juliet..kudo's...hats off for you...:) but i believe you can write something here as well...

Lastly, i believe that its imperative that leaders in volunteer organizations then consider the human element and various motivations of people they lead...most importantly, managing results from volunteers as well as enhancing their capacity and providing that big picture always to avoid instances of mediocrity and level-headedness....responsibility and the ability to inspire action and results then are a perfect recipes for a successful leadership in an organization such as AIESEC...

But as always....its up to you!

Until next time...

Much love

Phil.

Wednesday, 08 August 2007

moja, mbili, tatu... :-)

yess, your babyAngel is taking seriously the swahili courses! though i think i'll need someone to teach me cos this book i have it's not that swahili that people speak here in Kenya :-P

otherwise... guys i miss the Friday drinks, we've been to long time ago out together for MC team drink, we should do that again. I agree with Leah, it helps a lot in getting back in the mood after a tiring week.

i was thinking a lot what to write here today, while I was trying to send an e-mail from the office again for like 4-5 hours (this time i finally gave it up and sent it from home), and then i started to explain to Quincy (former LCP of LC Moi) why it worth to go and live abroad for a longer period of time - and i decided to write about what i have learnt in the last 2 months since i've been here in Kenya.

The first and maybe most important thing is that i'm rediscovering myself. i thought i know everything about Vicki, but when i arrived to Kenya, started to act differently than i had used to in the past, then the feedbacks i'm getting time by time here... i just know that i still don't know myself enough.
The second most important thing is patience. Patience towards people, towards machines (especially computers) and patience simply regarding life and things. i still have to develop this skill, because sometimes i start worrying about certain things too early, but i think i've already improved a lot.
A bit linked to patienced, but not totally covering it is determination. if i want to reach something, trying is not enough. Yoda was right: "Do or do not but try not." i think i learnt how to use all my willingness and how to be extra pushy (at least comparing to myself) so that i can get what i want.

I also learnt not to speak to Phil when he's working on the computer, cos he'll not hear what i'm saying. But when he's listening, he really does. I know when Juliet is upset, you can make her feeling better with bringing a tea or a mandazi for her, and i respect both Sly and Juliet for their patience towards their PCs. And Leah, she becomes happy any time seeing Family Guys.

And the last but also very important thing: i have been too stressed on some things time by time all along in my life. i shouldn't be. i learn here: problems solve themselves (as my best friend usually kept telling me before, but it only got a deeper meaning here for me), i have to take it easy and enjoy life.

Monday, 23 July 2007

When time runs ahead of you...

Wow, I finally got to take time off and write on the blog before the month ends.
Vicky, I hope this will make you smile.

I have been trying to think of what it is that keeps people ticking especially when they have 120 things in the space of 18 hours a day.
Sometimes things happen so fast that in the MC till one day you wake up and wonder, what the hell just happened...

That is why I was happy when we decided to go for a team bonding drink at Mwendas.
Now if you know the MC, then you know that we all enjoy a good drink.
It was the most refreshing thing we have done this month. Between marketing calls and MC visits.

We all ordered a drink and started to talk. As soon as one person started to express themselves, all the floodgates went open. Even Viktoria seemed to understand our swahili expressions.
Clearly we had a lot to let loose and I really appreciated my team for having time to listen to me.

We have to do it again real soon. Each EB should try and do it to keep the pressure off.

Thanks Charlie and Angels.

Leah.

Friday, 20 July 2007

From De'Lorenzo...encounters from down south.

I know I owe you guys the story in Uganda, but I also know that If I finish it, you might end up snoozing the whole time because, after I reached Uganda, it was all about the MCPs meeting, the bonding as well as going to party every night, not forgeting a place called Wandegeya. Now, this place is an open restaurant specializing on Chicken and rolexes. I bet you can remember what a rolex is.

Me and the MCP boys from EA, literary packed at this place we almost called home. The first time we were here, it was indeed a shocker to see food being prepared in the open and questions of hygiene ponder your mind. All the same, the chicken was sumptuous. Kevin couldnt resist demanding with authority that we go there every now and then. It was even worse with Stanley (MCP TZ), he disappeared from "Steak Out" a rave joint to go and get a bite. I wonder how he managed to go home at that hour, 3am, without getting lost.

Anyway, this morning, I got an email from a friend of 6 years. When Shivo went down south, it occured to me that indeed time had come for us guys to move on and more so, for Shivo, for an internship. Something that he has managed and sang about for the last 6 years that I have known him. For Shivo, exchange runs in his body like blood, and I wonder how he sees himself as a trainee

I believe he is indeed enjoying himself down South, but Shivo what amazes me is that you disappeared unceremoniously without notice. I dont know whether its a tactic so that we can hook up in 2010 to watch world cup finals putting up in your house... but guys, read below, and you will understand what am reminiscing now...

Hi all,
It will be hogwash if i said that i dont miss you guys...the bare truth is that i miss you all.I miss Mo with all the headaches she used to give me,in some way she still does...i miss Smelly Kelly from the moment you ditched me for the girl...its all good.I miss Baariu...we used to end up bored in the office peep on guys as they get their groove..is Phil in the house....(Am listening!)

...as for you Phil let me just say that im proud of you.You basically carry the trophy for the past year and this year coming.I look forward to great things coming your way.And you better share the limelight and hustle with your angels...do you hear Charlie...

As the Dodgy Man..i gotta tell that its funny being an intern.This is the point where you officially kiss the AIESEC network goodbye and embrace your world of friends..i speak to my friends now who by the way are all AIESEC guys and the vibe suddenly is different...most of em are spread out in worlds and territories basically in an internship,job or a higher AIESEC pursuit.

I kinda reached a comfort zone knowing that im officially heading for my future...and that is what counts for me now.My future...

My first workday was kinda bittersweet and memorable.The team here is super kind to me...i got a conner work station with a beautiful view of Durban.Im just about to read through a couple of standard company material then probably go for a clean shave.You know after such days of transit the face hair kind gets to bloom and it irritates me so....well i finally did and now as clean as a tit.

Ha ha im quite sure i raised some hair there but who cares...basically what i do at work is a mix of things...im just gonna read to you what is on my employment contract...oh yeah the word JD here is not known what they know are contracts am just about signing one...

Anyway while im here im gonna be working at the consulting function of the company involving me actively in management consulting,identifying new opportunities in Durban based bussinesses and developing thrive models....im gonna be project managing an AIESEC skills project for 40% of my time...

Paradox of the story is...i really believe in the current MC SA team.I spent the weekend with them and Unati is just my typical MCP.One who empowers her team 100%.She's got Mo's style and she is great company...anyways...yeah i was interrupted even lost my track..

...maybe next time im gonna drop more vibes your sides...i wish you all the very best.I know Jem is enroute to Armsterdam...Smelly K will be going to Sweden next week...Phil...is stuck with the Angels (I enjoy it man! Which male species wont?)...Mo where are you puchy pie....

Mad love.

Shivo


Thats it for today folks, until next time, av been your presenter...Phil
PS: Mama Pesa and Laptop girl..Leah...mko wapi joh!

Friday, 13 July 2007

LC visits, yeah!

Heey, this week rocks! I'm exhausted, I could sleep for 2 days from now, but yeah, am happy and enjoy! Hehe, spending almost the whole week with Stan and Alexa from TZ in the office, Charlies Angels rollcall, Nazarene which is I think the part of the Kingdom of Far Far Away or almost, the punishments yesterday at UoN, today the game at USIU, and the visits to KU and Strath on one day...

Today at USIU we were playing that game with the mobiles. Introduce yourself through your mobile ringtone. You know what??? Kenneth, the trainee from UG, he was there, sitting opposite to me... he was to send me the texts, hehe, I wanted to kill him or sg :-P The guys telling, "oh, I don't like unnecessary attention" - beep beep...

And the nego at Coca-cola, oh gosh... One of the worths I've ever had. Leah, don't worry, we learn how to handle this guy, and make him willing to give us that money. Though, I think he somehow enjoyed it. I think he's tried to educate and train us on his way. I was to run out of the meeting room but I think we've learnt a lot.

Charlie and Angels, please decide about my name. I'm confused which name to listen to: Kerubo or Njeri. Maybe you could find out a 3rd one and use that. I'm willing to sign my mails with my Kenyan name, hehe, you should decide.

I still have some nice things to do, like spamming all over AIESEC East Africa with the Dreams Reality conference application (hehe, it will be an amazing one!!!), so thats for today. Angel ER and Angel F&A, please let us know what's in you minds. The babyAngel.


Thursday, 12 July 2007

Uganda was whoooooo.....

When it comes to Uganda, most Kenyans will agree with me that the country is blessed with food. Thats not all I learnt from Uganda, but I had made a promise to myself at the beginning of this year that I would go to Uganda. It dint make much sense that Uganda is a sniffing distance away from Kenya and I have never been there. So the strategy was, to ensure the meeting was in Uganda, and that happened.

Now, my point about the food is this. Rolex is not only what Uganda is all about. For those who dont know what a rolex is, its a chapati rolled on two fried eggs. If you ask me, there are other stuff such as "the great Luwombo", which is a great delicacy of stew served on banana leaves.

Tuesday was the day I traveled, first I thought that it was a bad move to travel on the second day of your term in office. But I am indeed very confident that my angels are great on the job, so I only received one call from Mama pesa regarding the ambassadors who had just jetted in. However, it was just an assurance as she had already sorted the concerns. Thats great Juliet!

The journey to Ug was long, as said above, I thought it would have been around 6 to 10 Hrs, but it was 15Hrs, so you can imagine a stretch of more than 12 Hrs while raining and the bad cold weather for July.

So getting to UG was great...a person once said that if you dont have time to do something, dont even start, I have just received a call and I to pen off...for now, our baby angel Viky wont cry that I dint post sth :)

To be continued.

Finally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

finally,
i am writing
i can see Viki smiling (i know she's called the baby angel but i think she's like the mother,hehehe)
anyhow, Charlie came back from Uganda and suddenly the internet in the office has gone back to being slow
me thinks there is definately a link
so thsi week we had some LC visits and boy isn't Naz far,what!!!!!!!!!!plus all the dust, and Juliet is always there like it's her second home
so last week i received a mail that i made it to XQB, twas quite exciting really-tho that was the last mail i opened on that day as i was wondering how i'd done in my application
tomorrow it's off to USIU-at least i dont have an 8 oclock class so abit of sleep (yes Phil, i will still be in the office on time)
and the weather, Angel F&A can we get a heater????????????//
hehehehe

Wednesday, 04 July 2007

Angels without Charlie

Charlie, this is the Baby Angel here. Since you've gone to Uganda, the office is very busy. All your Angels are running from meeting to meeting, or working hard in the office, praying to the old computers and to the internet for being a bit faster, and shouting with people idling around not to hurt the wires... It's crazy sometimes.

Today we Angels agreed on going for swimming every Monday after MC meeting so that we all will look very hot soon. I hope sometimes you join us, just for fun.

Juliet Angel has got a new phone! You should see that, very cool one :-) And Juliet is so happy, even more shining than her phone.

I hope you enjoy Uganda, and working hard on EA partnerships building. Don't forget to bring some small surprises for your Angels left at home ;-)

Monday, 02 July 2007

Welcome to the blog of MC 07/08 of AIESEC Kenya!

Happy to announce that we're having our blog :-))

Rules: at least one post per week by each MC members (Juliet, Leah, Phil, Sylvia, Viki)!

Welcome to the new life that has started by 1st July, heheheeee :-))))

hugzz,
MC 0708 of AIESEC Kenya