The world is our playground!
Hi everybody! Here I am…chillin’ after the Queensday party …sitting in my favorite coffee company, drinking my favorite hazelnut latte, browsing through all the possible online information to reminisce the beautiful memories and experiences that Hansen left me with. Why now? ‘Cause unbelievably it has been almost one year…and time flies…this is what Sara reminded me some days ago on facebook…I don’t wanna get all emotional right now…but to be honest I wish I could see everybody joined together once more…can we make it Ron, Bonnie? :-) Silly question but coming from my heart…
Just to bring an update…things are going well for me…just recently landed a new job at the Nicolaas Witsen Foundation in Amsterdam, an organization bounding to my work in public policy what I was doing in Moldova. In addition, still studying Dutch…hope to make it through one day and master it as I would like it…it is really difficult but my language skills are not disappointing me! Traveling has become a big part of my life – for this summer I plan to visit a lot of special places, which are on my “bucket” list since the Hansen experience. And yes…maybe not all in one this year…but I would like to visit South America and Australia too! Hope not to go over my budget.
Reading the info posted on the blog…I really find it interesting even being an alumni…and I hope that is also helpful to Hansen participants of 2009. You know guys…being born and raised in Moldova provided me with a unique perspective of society. I am a citizen of a country that even after 18 years of independence, is still described by poor governance lacking knowledge and skillful diplomacy that could advocate innovative reforms. Probably…having every day the picture of the other side of the coin made me consider the choice of my dual-degree in economics and the choice of my professional goals in non-profit sector, which eventually consolidate my critical thinking and provide me a professionally-focused attitude. In HANSEN I noticed a personal approach…not just a standard student program “gathering” to talk…but more to share and relate on each other’s experiences, apply the knowledge in our daily life… that opens us opportunities of the 3 C’s – collaboration, cooperation and coordination.
When reflecting back how it all started…I get the picture when I first left the Chisinau airport (I need to add here my trademark question…“do you know where Moldova is?”), I had a killing stomachache that came from all those emotions and excitement that I was embarking on. The flight from Europe to US…was pleasantly tiring…I am feeling blessed that I met such special people out there, people with peripheral views, ambitions, intelligence and commitment in fulfilling their goals - starting from the organizers and ending with the participants. When stepping on the escalator of the SD airport…and seeing our names waiting for us…I felt that I am special and awaited! I first asked myself…is it really happening to me…just like that question, Bonnie, that I asked you at the Dean’s reception of the SDSU…are we SPECIAL? And yes since that day…I realize that we all are…everything that is happening in my life comes from the positive energy and firm goals that I would like to pursue in order to make this life worth living! The Hansen program helped me to enhanced my knowledge in world peace and boosted my self-confidence in bringing an impact on my surrounding environment through things that I can do as I community leader and simple human being. This program taught us how to talk about our own perspectives when understating peace and promoting cooperation in a whole new format, where by bringing an informal setting we are committed and ready to be a part of the policy playground of this world. As I have said in my 2008 Hansen application…it is indeed an experience about pursuing a goal of opening young people’s minds for different perspectives in bringing new ideas for a sustainable future, by giving an opportunity to unlock true potential and see the bigger picture. A picture excluding economic crisis, conflicts and misery and includes the simple communication among cultures and people with different beliefs, ideas and visions. It was so easy to talk to people that until the program started, were thousands of miles far from me…and just like that…once...decided to be a part of the Hansen family…and make a difference, show their peers what a huge impact a simple 3 weeks program can bring. I am aware of the fact what I am writing here…it is not utopian thoughts that I would fill out the content of this blog…I really see a potential in all those that got a chance to live the Hansenian dream…and I really appreciate the effort, interests, support and care of all those people that made it possible! To the attention of the 2009 Hansenians: like Haseeb said “try to have as much interaction as you can with the other fellows during these three weeks”! Talk with each, share your knowledge, talk about perspectives, give advices…it will not just be about visiting the most hot spot of the Californian coast…concentrate on dialogue and ask what you don’t understand, participate in discussion, emerge, make friends, have a quality presentation (it is quite important!), keep in touch after the program ends, spread info about Hansen and write an update on yourself…what I am actually doing right now! Embrace diversity and foster a win-win situation! Don’t be shy to get in touch with either my generation or previous generations of Hansen alumni to share ideas or exchange experiences! Use collectivex (the social networking software) and not only! Maybe we even get different generations together one day!
Thank you guys for getting to read my fresh-typed-in thoughts till this point! I will try to be much more active and bring some news-feed more often – now I have a lot of witnesses for my promise! J
Many warm thoughts and hugs from a girl that started with a simple dream and pursues her goals – just like Hansen reiterated us! I am happy to be a part of the network of informed, inspired, committed and independent leaders!
Keep in touch!
Tatiana (your Moldovan Hansenian ;-)
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