Each year, JCI European Academy helps develop members leadership skills, whilst finding out more about themselves. This year, we have four members attend the academy and we asked them to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) to tell us about their experiences. If after reading this, you think you would like to attend the academy drop make sure you're on our mailing list and follow us on social media. [gallery columns="5" ids="2969,2970,2971,2972,2973,2974,2975,2965,2964,2966"]

Anne-Marie Lestic

JCI Brighton local President 2017

Do you want to test the limit further? Do you want to become the best version of yourself? Do you want to be empowered to make a positive change? Do you know what you want? I am Anne-Marie, an adrenaline junky and I believed that I knew myself very well but I felt alone in my quest and though I could do better. JCI European Academy opened multiple doors to make my dreams come true. This is truly priceless. A playground for creativity is created by outstanding European trainers and an amazing organising committee. I have learnt so much about myself as a leader. I have learnt so much about myself in a team. I felt respected and valued for who I am. My biggest surprise is that it was not a four days experience; It is a life changing one! I bet you wonder why… it is because I have made friends for life (8 countries to visit and stay in), new business partnership and kick off project that are my dream project ( Kilimanjaro hike). It seems to me that everything is achievable and with support of like-minded people, I know that I will change the world. I have seen from actions that we are making the world a better place with the JCI team. This is very empowering. This quote from Margaret Mead, since resonate “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” I would highly recommend that you get your ticket to change your life and to change the world now!

Cheryl Hill

JCI Manchester Local Council Member

The people who are members of JCI in my mind are exceptional people, they are the people who have the drive to do more, offer more and become more. They want to take themselves to that next level and they know with JCI this is possible, because what JCI offer isn’t something you would get anywhere else. I joined JCI back in January 2016 and it was the start of a journey for me. My job at the time didn’t really seem to be offering much in the way of providing opportunities for me to develop and I knew I needed to do something about this. I needed to be the change. When the chance came to apply for the JCI European Academy I thought this is really not for me. I was on the board as Finance Director and certainly not planning to be our local President any time soon (although I will do it one day), so why would I need this? Long story short I was convinced by two members who had done it previously and then moved to the thought process of why the hell not. So August rolls around and I pack my bags and I’m on the plane and then I panic, what am I doing, why am I going, this is madness, let me off the plane!! And to be brutally honest I had a major wobble. I arrived at the hotel and I hid in the extra luggage room and cried. I genuinely was terrified that someone would work out how little I knew and mock me for it. But it was too late I was there and so with a heavy heart and eyes that stung I made my way into the room and started on what was about to become one of the best experiences of my life. It was truly an unbelievable journey, every little thing we did during those four days impacted me in ways that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Also friends that will be friends for the rest of my life, what you experience with your fellow JCI members, the dedicated and hardworking trainers and the committee who organise the whole thing, is something that will connect you forever. It’s truly life changing to be with so many like-minded, ambitious and fun people. It’s infectious and you can’t help but get caught up in the whirlwind. All that worry, all that stress that had weighed me down disappeared across the days and I went from being sad and unsure to being empowered and strong. That’s what JCI does, it did it for me and it can do it for you. If I could go back and talk to myself and say it’s all going to be ok, I don’t think I would, because the contrast of how I felt when I arrived to how I felt when I left was phenomenal. You never know how something is going to work out, but even more so if you don’t try. I have so many exciting plans for next year and I know that I wouldn’t have had the confidence in myself to start taking those steps without the academy and without the amazing network of friends I’ve made

Ruta Rataviciute

JCI London Deputy President 2017

The quality of trainers, programme, tools and peers was outstanding. Having attended hundreds of trainings in my professional career, my expectations were quite moderate, and I looked at the awes of previous attendees with a pinch of skepticism. But I was surprised to see that this was so much more than just a training. It actually was a huge shift in my mindset which I've never had a chance to experience elsewhere. It sounds unrealistic, but I got fully prepared for my year of presidency in those 4 days: I got all the confidence I needed, I sharpened my people skills, I heard loads of new ideas that can be applied to my chapter, I had a super great time and I made plenty of like-minded friends for life. For the first time in my life I understood that I should fully embrace my personality as it is, as well as fully accept others as they are, and do my best to play to everyone's strengths. I believe it is essential in taking up the leadership role. I'd very much recommend this Academy to all aspiring leadership positions both in their JCI and professional careers. Also anyone interested in learning more about self. I warn you that it might be hard moments but totally worth it! Also it is a great opportunity to those who are looking to proceed their careers in sales, training, organisational development, recruitment, coaching or any other HR related area. So grab this opportunity while you can and join a huge line of EA fans. And I am confident that all other 94 people who attended the Academy with me, will second my praises!