Few things flatter us, dear SELEDAmas, than when we are not mistaken for “those people with the minds the size of a senafCH QnTat.”  It don’t happen a lot, but when it happens… we feel like the biggest ants on the hill.  The kind people at the Ethiopian-American Constituency and our favorite, favorite organization, the tikus hyles at the Ethiopian Students Association International, may SELEDA’s Qulibiew Mike protect them all, invited us to participate as, ehem, speakers at an upcoming sibseba that we think might just be the dawn of a new era in the lives of the Ethiopian Diaspora.

On March 31, 2001 the ESAi and the EAC will be “passing the torch to a new generation of Ethiopian leaders” at the 2001 Youth Leadership Summit at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. ( Amen belu , amen bleNal . Bow… kiss… bow… kiss.) And lordy, lordy, do they have a lot to offer… Seminars on weighty subjects such as “Practical tools for becoming an effective leader in the U.S. public sector” and “Personal skills for becoming a successful community leader.”  And we fit into this…how?  We dunno.  We just like to stare down from katanga and mismar tera and be faithful tifozo s of such ambitious endeavors.

Very regrettably, there was no “Impractical tips on shull - affing your way through life ” seminar we could give pointers at, but we are sure it was an oversight.  Rumor has it that SELEDA upper management might go there anyway to “see how the other half lives.”  But they usually don’t travel where a roped-off VVIP section is not reserved for them, along with full-time staffers to dab sweat from their foreheads.  But, in case anyone sees them, please tell them to call the office.  It is time for their next 12-step program.  And please, please ignore any wayward SELEDA interns who just might start ranting about “e-sebawii working conditions” at SELEDA.  They… they’ve developed strong proclivities towards exaggeration ever since their lunch hour was cut down to 11 ½ minutes.

Also, part of the festivities will be a Q &A with people better qualified to speak on subjects that have eluded us so far … self esteem, self-confidence, leadership and “how to deliver a captivating and persuasive public address.”  (Maybe next year the organizers will think about adding topics such as self-flagellation and “how to make enemies and influence subordinates.”)  EAC will also introduce a much-needed networking program “designed to help Ethiopian students obtain information about summer internship opportunities at government agencies and public service organizations.”  We are tellin’ ya, the dawn of a new generation.

SELEDA deeply, deeply salutes the symposium of the millennium.  May it reach its goals.  May it inspire, illuminate, enthuse and arouse a new beginning. For more information call 202-530-5297.