Exclusive Interview with Senior Regents Birte and Zsófia: “It’s scary, but the more you open yourself to new experiences, the more you’ll grow”
As we count down the days to ISLI 2025, we caught up with two of our Senior Regents, Birte and Zsófia, to learn more about their roles, their experiences, and the exciting journey ahead. With their invaluable experience from ISLI 2024, they are now ready to guide and inspire the next generation of participants and regents. They have stepped into their new roles with a clear vision – one that’s rooted in responsibility, teamwork, and the power of self-expression.
For Birte, the transition from a Regent to a Senior Regent means taking on a level of responsibility that goes beyond just guiding participants. "Being a Senior Regent is not just about following; it’s about leading and setting an example for others," she shares.
The shift from being a part of the group to shaping its dynamics is something Birte is embracing wholeheartedly. There’s a sense of ownership now – she is no longer just participating in the magic of ISLI but actively contributing to it.
Yet, with this new responsibility comes a bit of anxiety, as she wonders where she, as a Senior Regent, will fit into the mix. “I’m excited, but I do worry about how we’ll integrate. I hope there won’t be a divide between the ‘seniors’ and the rest of the group,” she admits.
Zsófia, on the other hand, sees the Senior Regent role as an opportunity to create a deeper level of connection, both within the Regent team and with the participants. “There’s a lot more responsibility, but it’s about supporting each other and helping the regents, not just giving instructions," she says.
Her focus is on making sure that the teamwork between the Senior Regents is seamless and that everyone feels empowered to contribute. It’s about creating an environment where the group can function like a well-oiled machine, not just in the practical sense, but emotionally as well. “The emotional support we offer each other and the regents is just as important as helping out in other ways,” she reflects.
A cohesive and strong team, already
Birte is enthusiastic about the strength she sees within this year's cohort of regents. “They’re already a very strong group," she says, her voice tinged with both excitement and slight apprehension. “I’m a little worried about how we’ll fit in – I’m hoping we don’t create a divide like seniors vs. the rest of the group. But so far, they’ve shown that they can collaborate really well.”
Zsófia agrees but also sees a different strength: "They’re excellent communicators and cooperators. I think they have a really solid foundation to build on, and they’ll be able to work together even in tough situations."
Like Birte, she admits that there may be a slight distance between Senior Regents and the rest, but they are united by a common goal: to create an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Both Birte and Zsófia agree that this year’s group of regents is already shaping up to be something special. “They’re strong, really strong,” Birte says with a proud smile. But it’s not just about individual strength; it’s the ability to cooperate and communicate that excites them both. "I think they’ve already shown that they work well together," Zsófia adds. "And that’s key – being able to lean on each other and communicate effectively will make all the difference."
On a balance between leadership and friendship
However, with strength comes the potential for distance. As Birte puts it, there’s a fine balance between creating bonds and maintaining boundaries. “I’m worried that we might create a barrier between us and the rest of the group. We don’t want a ‘seniors versus the regents’ situation," she says. Still, she’s confident that the group will find common ground, driven by their shared mission to make ISLI 2025 a transformative experience for everyone involved.
As they look ahead to ISLI 2025, both Birte and Zsófia have clear goals for the participants. For Birte, the key takeaway she wants everyone to have is simple yet powerful: “Be yourself.” She believes that authenticity is the foundation for growth, and she wants to create an environment where participants feel safe to express who they truly are.
Zsófia echoes this sentiment, urging participants to embrace every new experience ISLI has to offer. “Step outside your comfort zone. It’s scary, but the more you open yourself to new experiences, the more you’ll grow.”
With their experience, dedication, and passion for fostering an inclusive, authentic environment, Birte and Zsófia are more than ready to lead ISLI 2025. Their commitment to ensuring the success of the regents and participants alike sets the stage for an unforgettable journey ahead.
As ISLI 2025 draws closer, stay tuned for more insights into the dynamic team of Senior Regents and the exciting plans they have in store. Tomorrow for example, we discover more about Zsófia. Stay tuned.
