MELCon thoughts
It seems surreal that only 2 weeks ago, I was living it up with AIESECers from around the nation in Melbourne, albeit in an already extremely tired and sick state. Being back in Adelaide has made me realise that MELCon has made a resounding impact not only on myself, but particularly those AU members experiencing a national conference for the very first time. As always, I was excited and proud to have been able to share conference with such a diverse group of Adelaidians =)The MELCon experience was a draining one, particularly those who were there for all the pre-conference activities. I thought that YIS and DLD days were top notch - Peter Ivett from Vivente tailored an extremely worthwhile session for the NLT guys. Fighting over remnants of subway over these two days certainly enhanced the experience.
Conference was a challenging experience - it was clearly harder than I imagined it to be. I found myself in a constant bind of attempting to soak up as much information as possible in session flows, introducing myself and talking to as many new faces as I could inbetween meals and breaks, finding time to get to know the NLT better, catching up with the outgoing MC team, encouraging the incoming MC team, all whilst leading a delegation of 21 people. I wanted to enjoy the moment for what it was. I knew that the passion and vibe at conference needed to be comprehensively captured in order for activity to be driven the way it should be upon return to the LC.
MELCon was relatively well run in spite of the difficulties encountered with the site. The OC of Joyce, Jing, Tina, Kenny, *deep breath* JOHNNY LAY (and Sandy) should be applauded because they strove hard to make conference a rewarding experience for all delegates.
There were many highlights of MELCon and I'm sure that I will miss one as I try to recall them all here. Thanks to Murad for helping to squeeze 8 other interstaters + luggage into your one-bedroom, 33 feet apartment for a week. The 'bar hop' was superb (even if it was quite a drain on the pocket). Obviously the outgoing MC speeches were teary and overly inspiring - to say a final goodbye to what one has know for the last 4-6 years of one's life is a sobering thought. All the best for your future guys, whatever it is that you decide to pursue. Know that you have made a lasting impact on the imminent future of AIESEC Australia. The 80's night party was great - whoever thought that stopping the flow of drinks at 11pm would actually enhance the number of intoxicated people. Jerry Springer night was also an alarming and randy experience to say the least. Thanks to Raj for supplying us all with nightmares for the next decade. Skolling night was UQ pipping AU at the post to take home the Epi cup, cheap drinks, dancing and grinding, numerous win-ons and the home of the 6am club.
However, what made conference particularly special for me was the LC's recognition at Award's night. To take home the Excellence in outgoing exchange award is one thing, but to be recognised as the LC Committee of the year....words cannot articulate the feeling! All the hard work, the gestures of support from the family, the EB, the RB, the G6, the LC, Anne + Ruthie, the long nights and long EB meetings, the ridiculously early morning starts, the university struggle and general challenges with time management have been vindicated in one truly unbelievable moment. And I am just so proud.
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