Connecting with my Inner Teenager

I had two options on what to do this weekend.

I had an invitation from a couple who were going to drive up to the countryside and take in a few sights of the lush and varied vegetation that this wonderful country New Zealand, seems to have in abundance.

And then there was also the email invitation from the local AIESEC chapter here in Auckland to their induction camp. This is a 2 day camp that seeks to induct new members just recently recruited into the organization.

I picked the AIESEC one.

If I ever write an auto-biography, AIESEC the organization is going to take up quite a few chapters in the book. I joined as a 17 year old freshman in university and over the next 7-8 years, I found myself, lived my dreams, pushed my boundaries, and met some extraordinary individuals. And not necessarily in that order. Some of my greatest triumphs and bitterest disappointments are related to my experiences in and around AIESEC.

Now, due to my working hours and to be quite honest a conscious effort on my part, I have not been as active as some would have expected me to be in the activities of the local AIESEC chapter here. I was invited to come and speak at the orientation seminar for the newbies last week but seeing as I got a 24 hour notice... I couldnt make it due to prior engagements. So now I have decided to go and join AIESEC in Auckland at this 2 day camp this weekend.

I have very clear memories of my teenage years. I learned some very important lessons and my experiences then will always resonate in my actions as an adult now. For all the clarity I have from those years, it might as well have been a lifetime ago! (it was ONLY 7 years ago I was still a teenager for chrissakes!) I say this because of how I relate to the present day AIESECers. The average age among them is about 18 years old. I have found it very hard going to connect with most of them. The jokes, sense of humour and general outlook on life seems to me... childish at times!

My God What is happening to me?

ME? The original immature, mischevious prankster! Think of it... I did it as a kid! I KNOW I still have it in me... or is it that I am more comfortable playing the fool among people who know the serious part of me already? Am I afraid to seem childish to these (aaaaarrgghhhh!!!) kids? Is it because that was a label that ALMOST got stuck on me permanently as a teenager? Childish? Immature? But that was the beauty of AIESEC the organization. You could still act your inner child (teenager) at breakfast, talk about saving the world at lunch AND actually get round to it by dinnertime!

So... this weekend is going to be a test for me. Have I lost that adorable and mischevious imp or is he just waiting in the wings waiting to be unleashed again? Well... where better to find out than in at an AIESEC induction camp!