Oh. my. gosh.

Dear AIESECers,

Over the last twelve years, the leaders of AIESEC U.S. (both staff and students) have dreamt of, envisioned and pursued an AIESEC that was bigger and better from that which they first joined. These leaders have consistently envisioned an AIESEC that was a household name, did thousands of quality exchanges a year, provided students with unparalleled cultural and professional opportunities, and that truly, on a large scale, helped to create international understanding and cooperation. To that end, the AIESEC U.S. leadership (past and present) has put in an uncanny amount of hard work, energy, and passion into building a viable organization capable of supporting such an incredible and achievable vision.

This vision was nearly achieved. However, for a number of reasons, the officers and senior team of AIESEC U.S. have found themselves in a place where achieving the vision is no longer possible within the existing current conditions. Due to the actions taken in recent months by some of the US membership, AIESEC International, their Supervisory Group, and the AIESEC US Board of Directors we believe the only choice is for us to transition out. There is no viable way to continue the effort. We have offered to the AIESEC US Board of Directors a transition plan so that AIESEC US is not at risk.

While this is unfortunate and disappointing for all of us, we want to thank everyone who has supported the pursuit of the AIESEC that we all thought was possible. That includes everyone within AIESEC U.S., alumni, and our external support. Furthermore, we want to thank those leaders that came before us for the opportunity that you gave us to continue pursuing this vision.

We wish the best for AIESEC U.S.

Sincerely,

Carly Lewis

Andrew Martin

Paul Fawell

Ashlee Moore

Michelle Schifrin

Dana Matl

I´m already nostalgiac for Guayaquil... and I haven't left yet.

I think that what caught and held my attention was the contrast. In the light of the streetlamps, the workmen were purple and gold against the blurry twilight as they propped their ladder against the wooden pole. Purple and gold, one -- he was missing most of his front teeth -- dragged the cable down the hill and became gray. Purple and gold, another climbed the ladder, a small bright glow against the graffiti'd walls. (Cada vez estoy más cerca a escribir tu nombre en el cielo.) Behind -- the flat, dusty field; the green-blue-purple hills of the ESPOL with the lights on the antennae twinkling on top.

And I, lone gringa, 3 km into my walk, blonde short curls and all, stop with one hand on my backpack and the other still clutching my key like a kinfe, and gape like a tourist.

(I am a tourist)

Finally I've seen the beauty that comes because, not despite of, the dust and cansancio and grime.