|
President's Word
I
once read a comment by a past President saying "you can't
expect to change the IVSA but it will certainly change you".
How true. Nothing will ever change the essence of the IVSA.
Yet, when I first became involved with helping to organise
the Congress in SA just over two years ago, I had no idea
of the impact it would have on my life. Not in my wildest
dreams did I imagine visiting such amazing destinations, meeting
so many inspiring people and being exposed to so many different
cultures. Wow, the IVSA has certainly had an impact on my
life. It truly is a privilege being involved with an organisation
of this calibre.
It was with some trepidation that I took up
the position of President, given the magnitude of the tasks
facing us this year, which also happens to be a particularly
demanding year in my studies. But so far it seems my concerns
were unfounded. Thanks to the largely enthusiastic, dynamic
group of ExCo and Trustees, all is generally going well. Implementation
of the 'Vision' project, which was approved as a priority
for this year's ExCo at the General Assembly in Croatia, is
well underway. Good progress has also been made on getting
the admin. of the exchange programmes updated, and inspiring
the relevant EO's to become more involved. On the financial
side, Val has been doing a sterling job of investigating sources
of funding. By the time you read this we should have a replacement
Development Fund Officer appointed, and hopefully have this
year's project on track and benefiting yet another deserving
faculty.
A warm welcome is extended to all our new
members. May our relationship be long and mutually rewarding.
To anyone not currently involved with IVSA and wondering what
all the hype is about, I would strongly urge you to get involved
and find out. The Info office can give you details about membership.
If you haven't yet attended a Congress or Symposium why not
come and participate in the educational and cultural experiences,
and get to meet amazing people and see a new part of the world
at the same time? For the folk with a more cautious approach,
check out the web site regularly to keep updated or subscribe
to the email list.
Looking forward to meeting up with all going
to Poland. To those of you also going to Ski Week in Slovenia
- the crumpled heap lying in the snow will probably be me.
Spare a moment to help me back on my feet when you pass by
- after all we rarely get even a centimetre of snow in sunny
South Africa.
Till we meet again,
Jean Davidson
|