#presentense

Spanish Present Tense

Launch Night was absolutely AMAZING and I am SO PROUD of all of our Fellows! Each of them had their best pitches (15-second verbal blurbs about their ventures) yet! :)))

From beginning to end, I couldn't have asked for a better way to end the 2012 Global Fellowship. I got to the office at around 9:15 and immediately started preparing for Launch Night. After making PPT's, organizing everything we had to bring, helping the Fellows with their Executive Summaries, and going out to a DELICIOUS Korean Restaurant nearby, we were finally ready to roll out to our venue, which is the JVP Media Media Quarter on Hebron Rd. 

I am so glad we chose this space, because it was absolutely incredible! We were in this courtyard that had beautiful greenery. It was both elegant and intimate at the same time-a perfect combination for an event like Launch Night! I didn't get to take many photos of Launch Night because I kept having to run around everywhere, but here's a picture of the courtyard we were in: 

The actual evening progressed like this: First, we set up all of our equipment, helped the Fellows set up their booths, set up registration, etc., and ran a rehearsal of the pitches. Then, guests started arriving and we all mingled and talked with people while eating delicious finger food (the quiche and wraps were absolutely amazing). After some initial schmoozing, all of the Fellows pitched their ventures. Then, finally, to wrap up the evening, all of the guests could visit each of the Fellow's tables and ask questions about the ventures they were most interested in. 

My involvement at PT started with the Jerusalem Fellowship Launch Night, which was an amazing event in itself. I've come full circle now, though, with the Global Launch Night. Close to 100 people (or maybe even more-the place was packed!) came and I just had a fantastic time. From helping to run the event to recording the pitches to talking to so many different people to seeing the Fellows shine, it was certainly a night to remember. :)

After all the excitement of the event, we PT staff all went out to celebrate at a restaurant in the Shuk. There, we toasted Michael and Shira, who are unfortunately both leaving PT Israel. :/ But on a happier note, we also toasted them for a successful Global Institute and just for being awesome. :) 

Last night was the culmination of everything we've all been working so hard on. I am so happy for the Fellows and so proud to be a part of PresenTense! :) 

What I Learned From the 2012 Global Institute Fellows (list is alphabetical by first name):

From Adi Arbel: 

The Mexican laffa > the Tunisian laffa at Waffle Bar

In any situation, a smile or laughing face can never hurt. Charisma is the best kind of charm. :)

From Cynthia Ferman:  

Shopping is an art.

Even when we have a million and one things going on in our lives, it's always worth it to pause everything to spend time with family and friends.

From Daniel Jacobs: 

Ramen ISN'T just that fried stuff that comes in a box. ;) 

How to get out of your comfort zone and dive headfirst into a new world. You will always be firmly grounded in the scientific community, Daniel, but it's also fair to say that you'll now have a place among entrepreneurs as well. :)

From David Yehuda Stern: 

British people are unfortunately quite hilarious (taking so much effort to admit right now).

How to deviate from an idea even when it's successful to plunge into the unknown and how to be genuine: to ourselves, to others, and to our work. 

From Emily Engelson: 

How to be beautiful (on both the inside and outside!)!

Creativity is not just about having an artistic eye or interesting perspective. It's about getting out of the box of dissatisfaction that constrains us; it's about having the guts to pursue a dream, to break out of our own skins and explore life from the perspective of others from all around the world!

  From Evan Malach: 

You're a talented singer! Thanks for sharing all of your videos, Eval. :D

A second chance is a privilege, not a guarantee. No matter how many chances we get, we have to make each one count. 

From Jessie Mallor:

All colors are neutral and color blocking is incredibly classy. 

The best kind of teachers are the ones who never stop learning. 

From Justin Sakofs: 

How to present with animated enthusiasm! ;) 

It is entirely possible to balance your career, passion, as well as family as long as you're willing to make the effort. Kol Hakavod. 

From Melisa Goldfinger: 

Enrique Iglesias is only worth listening to because he's guapísimio. 

Courage: courage to face a whole new language, courage to face a whole new country with its own complications and idiosyncrasies, and courage to fight for what you believe in even when society dictates the opposite. 

From Tomi Büchler: 

Budapest is awesome (Don't really know if you could have stressed this point any more. :p).

No news = good news. Sometimes we forget the power of efficiency when it comes to language. Whenever you had any input, we knew it would be thoughtful and concise, because otherwise you wouldn't have given your opinion. Stay classy, Tomi. :) 

From Tobias Finkelstein:

The best venture in the whole world (sorry guys) is openforbusinessonchristmas.com. :D

What it means to have "kibbutz" attitude: how to always look out for your friends. 

From Yana Rebrova:

Funny Russian phrases. :D

In order to have a balanced life, all of the legs on your table have to be the same length. I hope you will always find that balance in your table, Yana. :)