So this was the first time that I have ever travelled to the Latin America side of the world. I had no idea what to expect other than the stereo type that everyone there loves Salsa and has lots of energy. Traveling to a different country where I literally knew no-body and had never met anyone before except talk to people a few times on email was the start for what I have to say a great adventure in Puerto Rico.
Arriving a few days before pre-meeting i had the chance to meet all the Conference Committee the team which is responsible for putting the conference together, as well as the Member Committee. Everyone was soo nice and would go out of there to make my stay in Puerto Rico comfortable. Traveling around Puerto Rico from San Juan to Aguadilla(conference site) getting to know the venue and visiting one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen!. Partying like crazy each night (my gosh the Puerto Ricans know how to party!!). This was my first few days in Puerto Rico.
Then other members of the Facilitator team start arriving on the weekend, meeting everyone and getting to know everyone, some I met already in IC. This conference was becoming real to everyone, being in the country, having the facilitator team arriving, delegates also slowly started to arrive in the country as well.
We began our pre-meeting, facilitators from, Brazil, USA, Turkey, Colombia, CAS, Rotterdam, Romania, Taiwan and Austr4alia. People from all levels of experience from AIIESEC International, Presidents an Vice Presidents of AIESEC entities all gathered in one room to co-create a conference agenda and sessions that delegates will feel connected to and take something away from. All working together on the one goal and all working on the same level in this one team. For me this was a unique experience. Sitting down and creating sessions, mood, agendas and flows working out peoples responsibilities, risk assessment, getting as prepared as could for the next 6 - 7 days of conference.
Our team stage went quickly from forming to norming and working together as one unit.
We where prepared as a faci team with all our sessions and content, but when conference kicked off, WOW, the energy of the delegates was just amazing, wanting to learn, interacting with each other and always, always wanting to dance the roll calls! :)
Throughout the conference there was many challenges, some which took more time and patience to resolve than others, some which require immediate reaction, these challenges happened daily but it was nothing that couldn't be solved and worked out. Working together which such a dynamic faci team made me realize this, regardless where we came from, our experience, our background we where always there to support each other, to lend a hand, no matter how tired or frustrated we where, wanting to make this a great conference for the delegates.
Credit must also go to the Conference Committee who worked tirelessly behind the scene to ensure that the conference turned out as great as it did, also going through their own challenges, being one of the youngest conference teams for an International conference and for them to pull off such an event is a testament to their resolve and dedication to the final result.
Despite all the challenges of this conference it was indeed and exciting adventure, filled with lots of fun and smiles, frustration but also happiness. In the end it really brought the faci team so close together in a matter of 2 weeks. I would have to say it was one of the most craziest but fun conference team experiences I have ever had so far in my AIESEC life.
I miss the faci team very much but will treasure the moments we had together and never forget our crazi but awesome experience.
To Delegates of ILC, some of you i didn't get to talk to but you will always be remembered as a conference is driven by you.
To the Conference COmmittee thank you for your hospitality and putting on a great conference despite all the challenges you have faced either personally or as a team, you shone through and created one of the most memorable ILCs ever.
As the saying goes; the world is small, time is long, we will all meet again, someday, sometime, somewhere. So until then keep smiling and enjoying your life :D
The Facilitator Team of the AIESEC Iberoamerica Leadership Congress in Puerto Rico 2011.
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