Welcome to Wingspan Conversations, the segment where we have a heart-to-heart with the people behind EUROAVIA about their experiences in the association. For this month’s edition, we talked to Pavitarpal Singhlitt, better known as Pavi, Secretary of the International Board (IB) of 2023-2024. Read on to learn more about his journey within the organisation.
The beginnings: from participant to trainer
Pavi joined EUROAVIA in 2018 in Aachen because he was looking for people with a similar interest in aerospace. Not long after, he participated in his first international event: the TNT in Leuven (just like Leo). He went into the event not knowing what to expect, but he left with a feeling of being home and part of a European collective. At the end of the TNT, or Train New Trainers, he became a EUROAVIA soft skill trainer. This marked the beginning of his path to the international side of the association.
“I really enjoyed myself [at the TNT] because I felt home. I didn’t feel German anymore, I felt European.”
After participating in many local and international events, Pavi wanted to contribute more to the organisation. Therefore, he joined the local board of AS Aachen, first as treasurer and afterwards as president. This way, he could give some of the experiences he has had back to other members. Furthermore, it prepared him for his current position as IB member.
For years, Pavi delivered trainings on a variety of soft skill topics, locally, online and all across Europe. This work as a member of the EUROAVIA Training System (ETS) taught him a lot about communicating with people from different countries and cultures. As a trainer, he learned to put himself in the participants’ shoes and understand their needs regarding the training’s topic. Later on, he also joined the ETS board, which gave him a better view of the interaction between the Working Groups and the International Board.
The experiences (and fun) along the way
Unsurprisingly, Pavi’s favourite type of international event is the TNT (don’t worry, he’s not biased). After all, it was his first event, where he met many great people and made some fond memories. Moreover, he has been a trainer at a TNT twice, allowing him to support a new generation of trainers.
“Being a trainer at a TNT is such a fulfilling task. At the end, you’re just happy that the next generation of trainers are there, to step in the same footsteps, and even further.”
Overall, Pavi’s happiest memories come from international events. He loves seeing familiar faces and getting to know all the new faces (beware newbies, he can be very talkative). For him, EUROAVIA’s spirit is about the unity and shared mission of the association. It is the collaboration and the connection between students with a passion for aerospace, which transcends national borders.
Pavi learned a lot over the years as EUROAVIA member and wants to share his experiences and passion for aerospace with the entire association. Hence, he applied for the International Board, to give back more than he could have as participant, trainer or coordinator.
Projects and goals as IB Secretary
As a member of the International Board, Pavi has the opportunity to organise and support a variety of different projects. However, he is most excited to work on the EUROAVIA Mentoring Programme, which launched its third edition quite recently. Plus, he is already looking ahead to the next instalment, which will include a couple of changes (a little teaser).
Lastly, one of his goals as Secretary is to ensure that all the Working Groups and members are aligned with the 5-year plan. Thus, the next International Board can have a smooth transition and pick up where this IB leaves off, continuing on the path with their own style.
If you would like to read more Wingspan Conversations, look at this article with our Treasurer!