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WHAT A GREAT SUMMER!
This year marks the 10th anniversary since the new EERC opened its doors to Romanian students. Friends and families of alumni, prospective students, and host families joined us at the "Decade EERC" Retrospective and Award Banquet in Brasov this July. Read Roberta Tripea's report in this newsletter for details. Many thanks to Diana Moisuc for acting as master of ceremony, to Vilcea EERC families who crossed the mountains, to the Decade committee, and to our American guest families Springer and Balsamo.
Just a month later, across the ocean our students Crenguta Irimie, Andreea Calianu, Edi Ingversen , Sorina Bularca, Oana Poenaru and Ana Maria Stan, along with alumni chaperone Andreea Barbu, spent few weeks in Boston making new friends and memories in camp as well as with their host families. Highlights of their stay included swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, exploring the city of Boston, and even a trip to New York City. We hope the students and host families enjoyed their month together as much as we enjoyed having them over this summer. We look forward to summer 2019!
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The "10th Anniversary Retrospective" has been not only one of the most successful EERC events in Romania but also an evening full of emotion. We all had the chance to get together with our fellow colleagues from our experiences and reminiscence the good times we spend in Boston, we have been able to meet the Alumni from other corners of Romania, many of which we didn't know before and also the young students from an upcoming generation of EERC participants. The Balsamo and Springer families warmed our hearts with beautiful words about their experiences hosting and about Romania, as it has been their first time visiting the country. At the Banquet, a smaller and maybe less formal event due to the strong friendships of the attendants, it was the perfect time to share thoughts of the past and the present, to review what EERC, as an organization, has been through in the past 10 years and to thank to all the people involved in it, to share some outstanding achievements of our Alumni.
I would say that even though this has been a page about the last 10 years, it wasn't as much about the past, as it was about where EERC is standing now and how much it accomplished since the first generations of students that were brought to the American continent. And right now, we are more than 80 Romanian students that took part in this project who were encouraged to broaden their perspectives, overcome their limits, become better people, and bring that "better" home in order to influence the development of the young Romanian generation. We hope that the work of the whole EERC team will continue to inspire our teenagers many years from now on.
Roberta Tripea, Brasov
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Who can forget our EERC day trip to New York City! The students had the
opportunity to explore the city and absorb as much as they can
: the sights
, the sounds, the food, the culture, and so much more. Highlights of the excursion included the New York Public Library, Grand Central Station, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, and even a panoramic view 48 stories above Times Square at the Marriott Marquis !
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left: Andreea B, Oana P, Sorina B |
MY SUMMER IN BOSTON
Openness is a word I use to describe my EERC experience. Because of the program, I had the opportunity to open up not only my mind to new experiences . I was able to show those around me the best side of myself. The atmosphere without prejudice helped me feel more secure, and made me want to discover more about myself. I was able to get out of my comfort zone in order to allow myself to explore without being afraid to live in the present.
I stayed in a camp called Frank A Day, and let me tell you it was one of the best places I could have been. The spirit of teamwork and friendship the camp embodies are truly unique. I think it is the best place to make memories; a place in which everyone learns about responsibility, respect, honesty and taking care of yourself. Consequently, one of my favorite aspects about the camp was that I was not allowed to use my phone, which reminded me to live in the present and to be happy that I am alongside some outstanding people.
I opened myself up in front of everyone, which enabled me to be myself, to take risks, to be brave; It is more important to enjoy the moment than to get caught up in what others might think of me. I learned to believe in myself (fun fact: it was inside of me all along!) and I freely expressed my beliefs and opinions.
I tried new things, I lived alongside Americans, I experienced a bit of their lifestyle, and I saw what sports they like and what they eat from day to day. Their curiosity in learning about the history, traditions, customs, and great things about Romania truly impressed me.
I can say that EERC taught me to aim high and not be afraid of failure, to have an open mind towards everything around me, and to never miss an opportunity to tell those around me how much I appreciate them and to thank them for what they do, because one day they might be an ocean away.
Sorina Bularca, Brasov
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REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER 2019
WILL OPEN ON NOVEMBER 1st
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Hello, dear EERC family! I joined the wonderful EERC family in 2012 as a 14-year old girl with big dreams in her eyes and so much curiosity in her heart, eager to discover what the world has to offer.
Currently I am a student at Erasmus University, Rotterdam, pursuing a future career in the world of Economics and Business. I am the Secretary and the Marketing Officer of the Eastern European Students Association.
This summer I had the great opportunity to come back to the States as the chaperone of the 2018 EERC newbies! The airport meeting and the flight were a great opportunity for the group to socialize and become close friends, to ask questions and receive unexpected answers.
The first moments in Boston put us in the position of transitioning the experience from the future to the present. And what a transition: meeting the EERC family has brought so much love and warmth that the uncertainty and stress were erased instantly. For me, seeing my American family has been a dream come true all over again. That was the moment I realized that I have all the "ingredients" to "bake" a sweet summer adventure.
Organizing every detail of the daily trips and also being the person showing the others the beauties of Boston made me see that I was not a tourist anymore, but part of Boston.
One significant day of the trip was of course the trip to New York. Just thinking about it gives me that "New York State of mind". Just close your eyes and visualize the Empire State Building, the Central Park, the Central Station, the so famous Times Square and then visualize an enthusiastic group of both Romanians and Americans taking everything in. In one word: unbelievable!
Going to musicals, running in the rain at Harvard University, being amazed by MIT, getting lost in the Museum of Fine Arts, taking so many photos, taking the T and so many other incredible activities made my visit to the States unforgettable!
I would like to thank everyone for believing in EERC because that means that you also believed in me and in so many others. You offered us a place under the sun; we offer you a place in our hearts.
Keep bringing the world closer to us! Until next time!
Andreea Barbu, Vilcea
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EERC IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THE ROMANIAN CENTENNIAL AT BOSTON
Tuesday, Nov 26: Family Evening; Andover, MA
Wednesday, Nov 27: Burns Library Soiree; Boston College, MA
Friday, Nov 30: Music from the Heart; Boston College Chapel, MA
DECEMBER
Saturday, Dec 1st: Centennial Banquet; Andover, MA
Sunday, Dec 2nd: Art and Soul Exhibition, Sorin Bica; Framingham, MA
Saturday, Dec 15: Romanian Caroling Fundraiser
Questions? Wish to join the festivities? Send an email to eerc@eercboston.org
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USE AMAZON SMILE FOR EERC
Thank you!
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