Sara's journal

To be or what to be - that is the question

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 21:16:00 +0000

So, today I just concluded a week of travelling around in Sweden and Norway.

I visited several schools, met friends and relatives and spent many many hours in trains (distances are quite long up here for European standards). Conclusion: It was great. A big thank you to everyone who hosted me and helped me along the way.

One thing that strikes me everytime I come to Sweden is how Swedish and not Swedish I feel / am / am perceived as.

Meaning:
- I have this very strong feeling of belonging and at the same time things seem strange to me
- I have common values and a similair mindset and at the same time I just cannot understand certain things
- I look like them and I fit properly into the clothes I try out in the magazines (sooooo nice), but at the same time I dress differently and have a different style

I guess that is the beauty of growing up between two different cultures. You dont really belong to any of the two, but still you do somehow.

I notice this the most, when I speak to a Swedish person somewhere. I look Swedish and I speak Swedish, but still they cannot place me anywhere, because I dont have a clearly defined accent. In addition to that, I might use "outdated" expressions from my parents or just simply use a "swedish-ized" german word that simply doesnt exist. Then they look at me with a confused expression, as if I were an alien in a Swedish body. They notice that something is different, but cannot really tell what it is.

Sometimes it feels a bit frustrating not to be 100% Swedish or Swiss. Always missing a certain expression or a detail about the culture. Then again you might ask yourself, what being Swedish or Swiss really means.

In the end, it doesnt really matter, I know. But as searching for your own identity somehow seems to be an integral part of most human beings lifes, I guess it is only natural that these thoughts trouble my mind from time to time.

Tomorrow Im heading back towards Switzerland. Another long train ride is awaiting me...

The perfect moment

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:10:00 +0000

Location: Skane, South of Sweden, in the train from Lund to Malmö
State of mind: Enjoying the perfect moment

Just got back from visiting a school in Lund, as part of my internship. Went to Rome last week, visiting a school there. Have now been in Sweden for three days. Visited three schools today and was expecting to be tired. Instead I experienced the perfect moment.

I love those moments that arrive unexpectately. You are sitting there and just fully enjoying the moment. Today this meant:
- Having the feeling that I achieved something today
- Having a chai latte in my right hand
- A chunky marshmallow cookie in my left hand
- Listening to a beautiful song - Maria Mena with "Calm under Waves"
- Hugging two shopping bags with some great new clothes I found in beautiful Lund
- Watching at the sunset and the breathtaking landscape passing by

Small things adding up to the perfect moment. Thank you for this.... Tomorrow I´m taking the train to Norway...

The adventure is starting

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:04:00 +0000

Location: On my bed in Baden-Dättwil, relaxing with my sister Sofia and my cat Ronja
Frame of mind: Tired, but happy

So, the adventure begins... I got an internship! My destination is finally set: Beijing, China. And yet, I will probably see less of China during the next months than I thought at the beginning.

As part of my intenship I'm lucky to be able to travel quite extensively and you will hear more about that during the next few months, so keep reading the blog.

I'm so excited! Hope it all works out. Right now I'm working a lot (for my internship and my work at ABB), sleeping little, enjoying my time with family and friends and slowly getting ready to start my journey.

My job description: Head of European Market for Weland International - enabling students from Europe and the rest of the world to travel to China to be part of the largest Asian MUN conference - WEMUNC - the WE Model United Nations Conference and experience China as a country on the WEXPLORE Tour.

WANT TO JOIN? ;) Have a look at the video:
http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMTIyNTE3MTEy.html

Great lyrics... Are you rising or coming down at the moment?

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:32:00 +0000

Merry go round
Solas

Someone is tossing petals in a stream
Somewhere someone is standing at the foothills of their dreams
Someone got a paintbrush, is painting over doubts
Someone opened up his eyes and saw the sun coming out
Someone was captive and found the courage to get off
From a boulder in the well, somewhere the rain has stopped
Someone is finding the place where they belong

Everyday is summer somewhere in the world
And the summer boys are headed for the falls to kiss the girls
With their impatient hands groping honey breasts and curls
They are filled with desire
And high in the hills there's a baby being born
As forgiveness and peace wash over bruises and sores
People bridging the distance over nettles and thorns

Everyone aboard on the merry-go-round
Some things will rise up so that others come down
If the devil don't dance, heaven won't shine
It's a mighty thick haze and it's a pretty thin line
If the facuet is tightened up the love won't flow
If the love isn't bright enough the corn won't grow
If the night isn't dark enough the moon won't glow

A rich man counting money, a tired man counting sheep
While the safe man counts his blessings, the hungry man has beans
There's a million people praying, raising up their eyes
To what turns out to be the same god, the same sky
We are slightly scared of death, a little bit afraid
So we celebrate everything we can think to celebrate
We shall sing out loud to keep the hounds away

Everyone aboard on the merry-go-round
Some things will rise up so that others come down
If the devil don't dance, heaven won't shine
It's a mighty thick haze and it's a pretty thin line
If the facuet is tightened up the love won't flow
If the love isn't bright enough the corn won't grow
If the night isn't dark enough the moon won't glow

Prisons will crumble and governments will fall
It's the order of freedom to be preceded by walls
Cause the truth would be worthless if no one ever lied
So we carry our shame in the interest of pride
And we have all these questions to make us go roam
And we’ve got all this distance to make us come home
As the sun burns, a child learns, the tide churns, the world turns

Everyone aboard on the merry-go-round
Some things will rise up so that others come down
If the devil don't dance, heaven won't shine
It's a mighty thick haze and it's a pretty thin line
If the facuet is tightened up the love won't flow
If the love isn't bright enough the corn won't grow
If the night isn't dark enough the moon won't glow

The helvetic viking is back (that's me btw ;) )

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 18:46:00 +0000

So, time to pause and have a look back....

I've finished my bachelor in international relations and I've finished my term as Member Committee Vice President of Talent Management in AIESEC in Switzerland....

I'm standing at a crossroads and I'm ready to take the next step in my life.

Meaning?

- That I want to go abroad
- That I want to take some time before starting my masters to travel, work abroad, learn a new language, challenge myself further and learn more about myself and the world
- That I can't wait to get into the airplane and fly to...

DESTINATION UNKNOWN

When?

I don't know...

Where?

I don't know...

How?

Hopefully with AIESEC...

Exciting, nerv-racking, thrilling, ...

World, here I come... Be ready for the helvetic viking!

Maria Mena

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:31:00 +0000

I absolutely love her music... especially the lyrics of her songs... an amazing person!

Sofia Jannok

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:09:00 +0000

Enjoy this beautiful song! From the very north of Sweden for you.

War Hero or War Criminal, Who Decides?

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:56:00 +0000

The eight irresistible principles of fun

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 07:07:00 +0000

Get inspired!

Sara is back

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 16:58:00 +0000

Starting a cooperation with Oman at IC
Enjoying Jih-Mings randomness!

MENA-WENA Connection at IC

I'm back... hahah just realized that my last blog was: I'm on the MC. And then I ended writing. Sorry! :)

It shows how busy I've been and that my focus has been somewhere else, but I can also say that I'm extremely happy and satisfied with my work in the MC. Above some impressions of the past few months.

But to be honest I rather write about my life outside of the MC, because there a lot of things are happening as well. Well, I promise that this week you will get a post of Sara "outside of the MC".... Until then, enjoy the autumn! At least I do....

I'm on the MC now!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:46:00 +0000

Incoming MC

Outgoing MC

Today I'm starting a new phase of my life. I will be working on the Member Comittee of AIESEC in Switzerland for one year.

Yes, I'm excited! Most of all I'm looking forward to work in this team and meet new inspiring people during the year. Being challenged and growing even more. But also to enjoy my life here in Bern! I adore the city and I'm happy to build up a new life here.

Last thing: A BIG THANK YOU TO THE OLD TEAM! They didn't wait until the end of their term to "transition us", but they included us in the design of both Transition and Kick-off and were very open, sharing their experiences and including us in decision making processes during the past few months. A big kram kram to you from me! And I wish you all the best for your future!

Having an intense and wonderful time in Bern

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 09:00:00 +0000

Here a little update from the beautiful city of Bern, where I've spent the past few days being "transitioned" by the old MC and enjoying the time with friends and family. I absolutely adore the atmosphere in this city: the river, the old town, the cafés, my new room, etc.

New updates will follow soon!

Exams are over...

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 20:32:00 +0000

Except for moving from Geneva to Bern and getting all my things sorted, I'm going to take it E-E-EASY! So don't dare to approach me with any work-related thing before the 19th of June. :)

Jailhouse Rock - Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 09:19:00 +0000

Very inspiring! This is really thinking out of the box!

Amy Macdonald - 'Run'

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 07:13:00 +0000

Yeah, soon I will see her life in Switzerland! :)

Social Networking Wars

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Wed, 28 May 2008 19:24:00 +0000

yael naim - new soul

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Tue, 20 May 2008 16:59:00 +0000

Don't Stop Me Now

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Tue, 13 May 2008 12:57:00 +0000

A little motivational song for all the students that are studying for the exams! :)

Specially dedicated to Michael ;)

My perfect living room...

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Sat, 10 May 2008 22:08:00 +0000

... just the cat is missing! :)

Mattafix - Living Darfur Video - http://www.livingdarfur.com/

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Fri, 09 May 2008 07:17:00 +0000

Have a look at this site (especially the videos)
http://www.livingdarfur.com/

The effect of Sarah and Stones on Sara :)

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:56:00 +0000

The Sara Exam Post

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Mon, 05 May 2008 12:08:00 +0000

So, I'm sure you are wondering what happened to me. Why Sara has stopped writing blog entries??? Well, the exams are approaching... :)

What is on my list for the next 3 weeks:

- hand in my bachelor thesis (dealine in less than 2 weeks)

- prepare my exams in administrative law, on the Swiss code of obligations, on international private law, on international public law II, on internationa public law III and on international relations and terrorisme (I have barely been to any of the classes)

Which in total makes 56 Credit points for this semester (YES I KNOW IT'S CRAZY!)

Once again my motto is:

Don't panic! (I borrowed it from the hitch hikers guide to the galaxy)

My new role

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:56:00 +0000

Me, my predecessor and our ugly smurf tights :)

Me and Alex relaxing inbetween the sessions

Our new MC team - together with our new VPF José

So, Kick-off is over. It was intense and emotional. I remember I once said I can't wait to become a Faci. Now I can finally live the experience.

The Faci team was amazing. I met many inspiring individuals and I learned a lot in those few days.

In addition we finally have a complete MC team: José was chosen into our new team and I'm very excited.

What surprised me the most is how comfortable I feel in my new role: MC VP TM, Faci, etc. It just came naturally.

I'm happy and excited. At the same time I now really have to focus on my studies if I want to finish my university. So let's get it started.

Keep going!

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 22:11:00 +0000

I'm taking the inspiration I got during the past weeks, the motivation and ideas and I'm now actively trying to make them happen. I believe for the first time in years I feel like I'm actually breaking with certain patterns that I felt unhappy about. And I'm extremely excited. :)

I'm taking time for myself to reflect. I'm reading again. I'm putting order into the chaos around me (in the room, in my handbag, in the bathroom, etc.). :) Or at least I'm trying.

Most of all I'm being more relaxed and easy going about things.

I think what makes the difference this time, is that I haven't set myself high goals. I'm taking it step by step, accepting that I might fall back into old patterns, but being persistent and not giving up.

Looking back at the last year, it hasnt been an easy one. I'm extremely happy that things are moving forward again. So, now it's all about keeping it up!

Being inspired and finding myself!

noreply@blogger.com (Sara) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:16:00 +0000

Back from St. Petersburg... Sitting in my living room and accepting all the friends requests on facebook coming after such a conference.

In the closing speech Rob was asking us the question, if it was enough to only say "yes, it was a good conference"?

And he is right. It is not enough only calling it a good conference.

It was an amazing conferences, but not necessarily because the sessions were the best sessions ever, or because the party themes were the best ever.

It was a conference very much based on self-driven-learning, based on networking and challenging certain ideas that we had about AIESEC or about ourselves.

Some highlights from my side:

- being random with my team and in thoses moments coming up with the most innovative concepts... you won't believe your ears when you hear about them... but I'm sure they will change AIESEC in Switzerland in a positive way
- talking to Ankit and being inspired by his leadership approach... Thanks... you made this conference special to me
- connecting to certain people in a way I didn't expect to....
- rediscovering some of my values that I felt I had lost.... rediscovering some of my passions that I had forgotten about... and finding myself...

So, now it's about walking the talk and putting all those things into action!