and the light shines on

I, too, know about being tired. But, really, why do college and the first few years of real life have to be "the only period where Peace and sweat and tears roll together and are fucking worth it?" Just because that's what many others have done before?

My perspective is that of someone who is still in the organization, although now on a different level than most. I also see my time ending - in fact, I have ended one lifetime and I'm about to end a second - which allows me the luxury of viewing each period with the perspective of someone that's "outside," if I work hard enough to keep the present from interfering with hindsight.

The organization was never (and is not) the summit of the mountain for me, or a sole outlet. Making a conscious effort to maintain constant circulation outside the organization while still involved in the organization, I think, helped me to understand that I still have more to give and to learn in this venue before moving on. I am still doing this here, now, every day, even in my last days in lifetime number two. (And even - perhaps especially - in this diverse environment, I am frequently reminded of why the world needs AIESEC...)

AIESEC is a step towards the place where the Change that I dream about is possible. What the organizaiton used to do in lifetime number one, and what is missing for me now, is the unity of those change agents, those Pioneers, and the reflection that those individuals facilitate. The internet has taken part of the role that our organization used to play, and in the absence of organizational culture and Pioneers on the ground, where else should we turn?

"AIESEC may not be the proper conduit for my energy, aspirations, and attempts at making this world more beautiful for my and your children." For me, it never was. I don't think there is or should be just one. For me, AIESEC was (is) one, maybe two, steps on the staircase of Change. Some staircases are longer, or shorter, or wider or more uneven than others [some individuals are happy on moving walkways]. The organization - but really, the Pioneers that are ahead, behind and even with me along the way - illuminate the next step so that I can walk on, unfaltering and with confidence.

There is more Change, although it will be different. There are more Pioneers, probably with new methods and new inspiration. Right now, my purpose is to make the light by which I have started my ascent brighter and unwavering so those around me can surge ahead.

I'm okay with not seeing the next step in my staircase just yet (although the outlines are beginning to emerge...), because I, too, will be able to see into the space that I have helped to illuminate.