"I walked down the mobile staircase onto the tarmac of the Kenyan International Airport with some trepidation and a complete lack of expectations. 48 hours earlier I had boarded a plane to begin an adventure into the 'wild African unknown' as a participant on the AIESEC Exchange program. This journey begun in 1996.

When leaving high-school in 1995, going to university seemed like the accepted thing to do. Everyone else was headed that way. So I packed my lunchbox, kissed Mum goodbye and enrolled in a range of intellectual sounding classes. The next five years were to combine a world-class academic education from the University of Queenslandand the development of an essential life foundation within AIESEC.

Describing my own experience is the simplest and most profound way I know of explaining the kind of development young people can gain through AIESEC. During my first 3 years in AIESEC I coached teams, managed projects, marketed the exchange program to senior corporate executives, received professional training, traveled to conferences within Australia and overseas, restructured communication and planning within my state, and met amazing individuals from other countries. I had the time of my life while gaining the ability to lead individuals and organizations.

This is the key with AIESEC. The organisation is composed of normal individuals who consciously make the decision to achieve, who want to enhance their understanding and who gain the ability/attitude to achieve great things for themselves and others at a very early age.

In December 1998, I was elected National President of AIESEC Australia. At 21, becoming responsible for the management, organisation and results of 250 volunteers. My primary role was managing a team of 5 highly qualified Directors to ensure that AIESEC grew and became capable of changing the lives of young people. We believed strongly in every individual's ability to create positive societal change and were passionate that this could be done through inter-cultural exchange. As a National Team we dedicated ourselves to creating an organisation in which the shaping of future leaders was a reality.

Because of AIESEC, I had a degree and 5 years of practical experience before even entering the workforce. Greatest of all, I developed a passion for ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to choose what their life will hold and is able to pursue their dreams. Regardless of geographical location, skin colour, religion, or socio-economic background each person has an equal inherent value and their contribution is unique.

Finishing my term as NCP and graduating from university, I found myself walking down the tarmac towards a group of screaming AIESEC members who were waiting to make my year in Kenya extremely memorable. We didn’t know each other, but had an instant bond of common values.

I have spent the last year working for PricewaterhouseCoopers in Kenya. This has developed new facets of my professional ability whilst offering a rare opportunity to work in a top multi-national on another continent. From getting mugged and visiting poverty stricken areas to seeing corruption, wealth, and the reality of foreign aid. Residing in Africa has allowed me to live in a house with 5 Kenyans, work across diverse industry's, challenge corporate culture and enjoy every facet of the life and landscape of Sub-Saharan Africa. Even including a couple of safaris to see the wildlife and experience the magic moment when the sun rises over the foothills.

The AIESEC exchange program has allowed PwC Kenya access to top international talent, and has offered international graduates like myself the opportunity to participate in another culture, way of life, and perspective on the world. 3,000 graduates apply to PwC in Kenya each year. One of the 20 positions available is allocated to an AIESEC trainee. There is an absolute belief in the tangible benefit AIESEC exchange adds to the bottom line, to the firm's culture and to the individuals involved.

5 years of practical experience in AIESEC and 1 year as an exchange participant allows me to choose the role, company and countries in which I wish to work next. Many of my closest Australian AIESEC friends are in similar positions, so we don't get to catch up very often. 2 of them working for an e-mobile startup in Malta, 3 on the International Committee for AIESEC, 1 in a training company in Poland, 2 in corporate management in the UK, 2 in government jobs in Canberra, 1 in manufacturing in Melbourne, 2 with PwC in Sydney, 1 writing a book in Canada, 2 back doing further education, a few still with AIESEC in Australia and AIESEC internationally, and one working with International Aid in the Philippines. I think you get the picture!

AIESEC spans the world and brings people and cultures into positive contact. Allowing young people the opportunity to learn, grow, and discover their passions and dreams in life. Ensuring that the future generation of global leaders believes that positive change begins with them. Offering a platform and framework for short and long term global improvement. Best of all, it has been an amazing amount of fun. Travelling, meeting, greeting, sharing and laughing with thousands of people like you and I from all over the world."