You must be the change you wish to see in the world

Bettina has quoted these words of Gandhi several times in her speeches. I enjoyed listening to her speeches, and in many occasions she made me feel proud of being her colleague and her friend.

But Gandhi also said that "genuine laughter is true eloquence and more effective than speech". This is why I prefer to remember Bettina for the many genuine laughters we had together, rather than for the brilliant speeches she made.

"No matter how insignificant the thing you have to do, do it as well as you can, give it as much of your care and attention as you would give to the thing you regard as most important. For it will be by those small things that you shall be judged". Bettina achieved great things as President of the European Youth Forum; but the greater lessons I learned from her are related to insignificant things, like love and friendship. And, for those, I will always be grateful.

Now that your life is going to change, Bettina, and that you will be making less speeches, please keep sharing the laughter and giving this insignificant friend the care and attention that only important things deserve.