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This week the time has come for the next interview with a CD member: this time the Projects Director himself Manos Valasis. Being very talkative, he told me about his definition of happiness, challenges and… read yourself!
Michael: What is inspiring you in life?
Manos: In life, in general? I don’t have a life at the moment, so not much to say…
Mi: …so what do you have?
Ma: I have AEGEE.
Mi: What kind of life would you like to have after AEGEE?
Ma: I haven’t exactly decided yet, but something less intense than the kind I have now. Basically from the middle of November till the middle of December, I was never in the CD house not for more than 48 hours in a row. I was coming, sitting down, catching up with emails, preparing for the next event and flying again to somewhere. It was pretty intense. At the moment it is not the same, but it is a huge experience.
Mi: Is it a positive experience?
Ma: Yes, definitely! For sure in the end of September I will know how far my limits are, how much I can work.
Mi: So it is quite a challenge for you?
Ma: Yes, if something is not a challenge for me, it is boring.
Mi: What other challenges do you have in life?
Ma: At the moment not many, I am supposed to write my thesis, but I am already avoiding it for 3 years. Well, I don’t think I have more challenges for now.
Mi: What about future challenges after the one you are living now?
Ma: Maybe master?
Mi: Let’s talk even more about the future. Does your life have a purpose, an idealistic aim?
Ma: Yes, become a useful person to the society.
Mi: …and something less kitschy?
Ma: (laughing), no, I just want to be happy, having no one annoying me and me not annoying anyone.
Mi: What does it mean being happy?
Ma: In theory in means that you don’t want to change your life all the time, you keep smiling all the time… simple things like that.
Mi: Do you know people being happy as you’ve described?
Ma: Maybe…
Mi: Do you have any plan on how to achieve this state of happiness and constant smiling?
Ma: Well, I am already smiling all the time.
Mi: So probably you are already happy?
Ma: Could be.
Mi: Any last words?
Ma: Yes, after talking about this, I could say: “Smile! It makes others worry!”
Written by a guest blogger Michael Makowiecki