My AIESEC Application Experience

             June 13, 2012- This day marked my first day as an official college student. Basically, since I am the eldest child in the family, I don’t really have much idea about college life since unlike other people who have their older siblings whom they can ask information about what to expect in college, I have no other choice but to face college by myself. Well, it’s not totally all by myself since my parents and my older cousins who now have their jobs give me some insights about college. Moreover, prior to the first day of classes, my college conducted an orientation which I believe equipped me with the essential knowledge about college itself. It was through such orientation as well that I was able to be aware of the different organizations in the University of the Philippines, particularly those which are BA-based.

          Honestly, I really don’t have the plan of applying for an organization as early as first semester this year. I actually plan to apply for organizations by second year because I thought of giving my one hundred percent effort for my acads. However, this mindset eventually changed when I attended the orientation program. You might be wondering on what changed my mind. Well, that moment that changed my mind was the moment when a group of eloquent speakers stood in front and eventually uttered these words: “Hi guys! We’re from AIESEC UPD. You might be wondering since you are all freshies on what AIESEC UPD is. Basically, AIESEC is an international-based organization. It is the largest student-run organization globally which focuses on leadership, bridging gaps,…” I was really astonished that moment. I suddenly felt a crippling desire in my veins to join AIESEC.

          That day then ended. Soon after I arrived home, I turned on my laptop and went to google to search for AIESEC since that name was stilling running on my head. It was then that I learned more about AIESEC. And it was then as well that I became more eager to join AIESEC. First, I filled out the application form and submitted it to the Recruitment Team together with my Form 5. That sparked and initiated then my AIESEC Application Experience.

          After submitting the application form, I had undergone the first Assessment Center. It was when my emotional and psychological sides were tested. I found it very interesting since all the applicants were divided into groups and we were tasked to analyze a situation and basically propose a solution for it. It was more of a crisis management task. After this, the LCOS took place. It was a sort of a welcome activity for the applicants. It was when the members introduced AIESEC formally and in a more detailed way to the applicants. After that part, we were taught with the AIESEC dances and we played games as well which made that day more fun and interesting. After LCOS, tambay weeks then followed. Through the three tambay weeks, I was able to appreciate AIESEC even more since I met so many members who have very pleasing personalities. It’s really fun to be with them. I really enjoyed the times when we played games at the tambayan or the times when the members were sharing their stories with us whenever we ask for their signatures.

          In line with this, I really enjoyed the learning sessions since they inspired me to push through with my AIESEC application process. Moreover, I learned more about AIESEC through having the awareness about its components. The most exciting part then came which is the Assimilation Camp or ACAMP which was held on July 28-29. Honestly, I absolutely enjoyed ACAMP. It was during the ACAMP that I was able to bond more with my co-applicants. If I had to describe the ACAP in one word, then that word would be “AWESOME”. ACAMP was really awesome. It is indeed a highlight of anybody’s AIESEC application process.

          Then, the Internship Month came. I first interned at OGCDP or otherwise known as the Outgoing Global Community Development Program. I interned at OGCDP for two weeks and I would say that the experience is really notable. Through this, I learned more about how the mechanism of exchange works. Actually, because of this, I became more interested in going on exchange! I really learned much through the tasks we were required to do. Though there was pressure, I would say that my entire experience as an OGCDP intern is totally worth it!

          After OGCDP, I interned in FLA or Finance and Legal Affairs. My FLA internship was great! I really enjoyed it. It is probably because it is highly relevant to my course. I interned in Contract Management Department of FLA specifically. We were tasked to make a Memorandum of Agreement as well as a sort of crisis management analysis. I find it challenging but very interesting.

          My last internship was in Expansion, particularly in Juan Youth. It was really a blast! I experienced to go on room-to-room campaign. And whenever we entered the rooms and promoted Juan Youth, we would start with the phrase, “Good afternoon, we’re from AIESEC UPD…” So basically, saying that phrase makes me feel so happy. It’s like I am already part of AIESEC UPD. And apparently, it gives much joy to me. The Juan Youth Main Event then came. I was assigned at the registration booth and Prize Booth. Basically, during my Expansion Internship, I was extremely glad because I felt like I was already involved with AIESEC’s one of the biggest event which is Juan Youth.

          I can also say that I had a great time with my mentor, Pia Cathryn Aguirre, in doing our mentor-mentee tasks. Through those tasks, I was able to know her more. She has a very interesting personality. Simply said, AIESEC became a sort of a second home for me. Far away from the land I consider home, I found a new home which cured my homesickness by giving me joy, happiness, and a one-of-a-kind experience. My AIESEC application process is not an ordinary thing for me. My AIESEC application process highlighted my freshie experience. Honestly, it never came to my mind before that I will have this experience on my first semester in college. I could definitely say that in a span of less than a semester, AIESEC has already changed my life. It taught me to be more responsible and it trained me towards professionalism. My AIESEC application process is one whole package! Myself now is sharply different from myself before I applied for AIESEC. I can say that I became a better person.

          My AIESEC application process is about to end. This coming Monday, I will be having my second Assessment Center and on September 29, I will be undergoing the Member Selection Interview. I am really looking forward to be part of AIESEC. I hope that the efforts I exerted are enough for me to get in. If ever I will be given the chance to get in to AIESEC, I will do my best to contribute to the welfare of the organization. Honestly, I am very excited but also nervous. Every single day, I am just hoping for the best. My desire of being part of AIESEC continually propels my passion and dedication to do my best in everything I do for AIESEC.

          That is then the story of my AIESEC application experience. I am hoping that my posts on this blog in the next few weeks or months will still be about AIESEC. However, I wish that those posts will no longer be about my application experience but about my experience as a member! =)))