Thanks Barquisimeto!

I'm very happy right now!

I just did a weekend of training in Barquisimeto. This is a local committee in the unfortunate situation that most of its experienced members seem be suddenly going off on traineeships or otherwise disappearing. What's left is like a clean slate of new members. Members who are so full of ideas and enthusiasm and are doing some really great things. Working with these members reminds me in one sense what it's all about – providing the platform to allow people to make of it what they want. I took two members to their first sales meeting today. I remember my own – the nervousness, the not being quite sure what to say, relaxing during the meeting as I realise the company loves the idea of AIESEC then leaving with that awesome feeling of having done a great job and being part of something really real and valuable and useful to companies.

To everyone in Barquisimeto – thank you for being so enthusiastic and attentive and actively participating so well in the activities I planned. We achieved so much and I am very excited about where you are going to go as an LC! Especially in External Relations – your ideas for positioning AIESEC in the university, to businesses and in communities are exactly what AIESEC needs to be doing in every LC. Club de Idiomas as the shining peak of the strategy is something that can only grow and grow and as a project that addresses the needs of the city it is perfect!

A huge thanks to Miguel (double-M, M²) and to your family. I could not have asked for more perfect hosts for my stay!

The ball in your office is to remind you that the simple act of smiling will bring success in phone calls, networking events, sales meetings and in everything you do! (but I do need it back at TRS, and don’t tell Antje you have it)

Piru, I hope you find another tall person to serve as a distractive force for devious lunch-time cafeteria infiltrations. Rollo is coincidentally almost exactly the same height as me so that should work.

See you all at TRS!

Dan