I was also part of TEDx
TEDxAUTH counts seven years of existence, seven years of spreading ideas, inspiring even more people each time through its events. During this journey- from the very first event in 2018 with the theme “Ereisma” at the ceremony hall to its more recent event in 2023 with the theme “Methexis” at the city’s port- many things have changed, including the people who constitute the heart of this team. However, as we often joke, since now it is almost as if you are in a cult when you are part of the TEDxAUTH team, we never miss the chance to reconnect with those that have come and left. One such occasion was the «Ήμουν και εγώ στο TEDx» party (in English, I was also part of TEDx).
As the days, months and years pass and we enter the routine of adult life, it is very easy to lose touch with the important parts of our past selves. That’s why this year as the team behind TEDxAUTH 2024, we decided to bring together all the people who have contributed to this organization and have been an integral part of this journey. Without them none of what we achieve today would exist, nor would TEDxAUTH be the same, of course. In order to move forward and evolve, it is necessary not only to avoid mistakes of previous generations, but also to get inspired by their accomplishments!
In this atmosphere of anticipation and excitement, our own reunion party took place on the evening of Thursday, February 8th at a new spot in the city, The Muppets. There, while enjoying our very own tasty street food choices and giving a taste to our organization with our TEDtales cocktail, we experienced a very emotional night full of flashbacks and new connections.
The scene was simply magical; old and new members of the organizing teams, volunteers who have contributed to this impressive each time result and people interested in getting to know the organization better, became one under the evening lights of The Muppets. Wandering around all the groups and tables, one was filled with a sense of joy, as advice, funny stories and antics from all previous years echoed in the alley.
Above all, a continuity in time is ensured. Because, whether you entered the magical world of TEDxAUTH in the distant 2018 or in 2024, there will always be people who at the simple sound of the name of this organization will be there to listen, to offer a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on. These people are the constant in every move we make, they are the first ones to support us directly or indirectly, sometimes by pointing out errors that can be avoided and others by simply expressing their admiration for our progress.
Their names remain engraved not only in the minds of those who were lucky enough to work with them, but also in their successors’, to whom they stay loyal companions and helpers from afar. Like Eleni who is always willing to share her light and reassure you when things get tough, or like Panagiotis and Dimitris who can offer the most technical advice that you didn’t even know you need.
In case you hadn’t figured it our yet, TEDxAUTH is all about its people! The people who you can’t wait to see and then find it hard to part with. The people who started out as mere collaborators and slowly, almost without realizing it, turned into close friends, lifelong friends and partners. For most people, TEDxAUTH might be intertwined with its talks and events, but for us it is so much more… It’s the best decision of our university years and our best memories! So, it would be a shame not to try to become part of this big TEDx family!