Dear AIESEC network,
My name is Nguyen Trung Kien, current LCVP TM of AIESEC in FTU Hanoi, session 2122. This is my output for the LCP Challenge – a requirement to be an eligible candidate in the Local Chapter President 2022 Application process.
Regarding the topic “Journey of Applying LCP 2022”, I have driven through all the insecurities to write these words, and be ready to be THE LEADER OF OUR ORGANIZATION.
This journey has started from a blurry day 3 years ago since I didn’t understand what my job was in this organization. Recalling the memory in one Reflection session dating back to my Reco Spring 2019, when I was touched by the statement “Touch someone that you believe will become an LCP in the future”, it had harbored a big ambition in me – even though I had not stepped into the probation period yet. That session, that Reco, and this organization has all filled me with a strong sense of belonging and empowered me to become a GREAT LEADER as of today.
This ambition had been actively cultivated with a clear development pathway when I told my VP after IGNITE 2019 that “I want to become LCVP oGE, then LCVP TM, then LCP”. With meticulous 3-month-preparation, I successfully applied and was selected as LCVP oGE 2021. Knowing that my journey would not conclude in this position, I started preparing for the LCVP TM position in the next year at the beginning of my VP oGE term with experience accumulated as being OCP TMP Spring 2020, and L&D Specialist in TM function as a second JD for 6 months. Whatever I want to achieve, I always put in 100% effort for preparation so that I can stand out not just as a better choice but as an OPTIMAL option.
There was a time I deemed it opportune to realize LCP-to-be ambition after one VP term and decided to submit candidacy confirmation for LCP 2122 election, but 1 week of preparation dawned on me that I was not good enough to drive our LC during uncertainties. Suffice to say, this one week sunk in depression, self-doubt, and emotional fluctuation has been the most dramatic experience I have ever had in my AIESEC journey. So when I knew that Khanh Linh – my teammate in the EB team and my current LCP – also decided to apply for the position, I withdrew and instead, supported her. Throughout the application process in which we discussed LC’s current situation, directions & strategies for the following term, I concurrently made the decision to apply for the LCVP position one more time, because I believe this organization needs not only one, but both of us as its LEADERS.
Second time securing the VP position still challenges me a lot. Being VP TM has given me so many failures, exhaustion, and self-doubt that sometimes igniting my fleeting thoughts of leaving this organization. But tracing back as to why I have tolerated all these things in all these years, the reasons are worthy: I believe in the IMPACTS that I can create on people in AIESEC and the IMPACTS that AIESEC can create on society. AIESEC has been my life-long passion that only if I continue the journey in bigger responsibilities do I push myself to the limit to become the LEADER that this organization deserves. So my application process began on 26th July, when I asked for the first endorsement letter and arranged meetings with all VPs and my 2 LCPs. Having spent 15 days on the application package since the release date, but now I am still asking for feedback & consultancy from alumni to present to the whole plenary the most qualified output.
To me, the LCP position is definitely not the final destination of my @ journey. The idea of driving from HN to HCM city by my own motorbike to join the MC team, then relocation to the Philippines to be a part of the RO team, and flying to Canada to be in a whole new level of management has occupied my mind for a long time. In short, I seek constantly changing experiences that challenge me every day. And as long as I still believe in the IMPACT that I can make on society, I am having a worth-living life.
AIESECly yours,
Trung Kien.
