A Weekend to Remember!
Our CEO, Lukas, pens down his feelings from a weekend filled with friendships, real connections, and a shared mission!
Stepping into Project Access, it’s hard not to feel a sense of belonging right away. When I first joined in 2021, the organization was described to me as a “utopian” space – something that, by definition, doesn’t seem like it should exist. Yet here we are: some of the busiest students and graduates you could possibly find, somehow juggling school, internships, and enough caffeine to fuel a small rocket, all while dedicating their time and energy to a greater cause.
“After more than three years of involvement, I can confidently say it truly lives up to that description every single day.”
As we arrived in London, the city welcomed us with its typical moody skies and the fast-paced, head-down hustle of commuters rushing through the streets and on the tube. But stepping into the Project Access Summit felt like entering a parallel universe (no offence, London, I always love coming back!). Inside, the atmosphere was the complete opposite: warm, inviting, and full of genuine smiles and heartfelt greetings.
“It was a bit like walking into a family reunion.”
A family made up of talented, funny, and passionate individuals with a shared mission to improve access to education.
As we prepared for the weekend, one big question lingered: what would it take to break the ice? Would we rely on board games, speed dating, or perhaps karaoke was the way to go? After all, we were bringing together quite a few people who may have never spoken in real life, from across teams, countries, and directorates. But it took only a few seconds before we found ourselves deep in conversations about everything from “You were set on fire by your barber?” to how to better the education system.
“You know you’re in the right place when conversations like those feel perfectly normal side by side.”
What really sets Project Access apart is the incredible kindness of everyone involved, paired with their sheer selflessness and readiness to help, whether it's handling the tiniest details or tackling bigger tasks. I’m beyond grateful to everyone who came together to make this weekend happen, from creating marketing materials to organising workshops and making sure our speakers felt welcomed and cared for. Some people even gave up their own lunch breaks just to scan tickets and hand out entry stickers. Our wonderful board members, Emily and Jesper, travelled all the way to London, and attendees came from every (truly remote) corner of Europe! The level of preparation, from the outreach efforts to the final reports, was nothing short of heroic. Everyone’s commitment to making this event a success left me genuinely touched (and in awe).
The heart of Project Access didn’t just shine through in the casual conversations; it also came alive during the workshop sessions. We took a hard look at how to define our core values – how to encapsulate a culture that balances Slackmojis and team calls while still getting stuff done efficiently, all while feeling comfortable and connected. The unity in our responses was striking.
“Safety, integrity, responsibility, passion, community, social mobility, purpose, joy, impact, trust, respect, and open-mindedness – these aren’t just buzzwords; they are the principles we truly live by.”
As the weekend drew to a close and we said our goodbyes, I couldn’t help but reflect on just how much this experience meant to me. Project Access has always had a clear mission: breaking down barriers in education and tackling inequality. That’s the thread that unites us all. But there’s something even deeper at play—something you can’t fully capture in a mission statement or on a website. It’s harder to describe, but it’s what makes this organization feel truly special – yes, utopian.
“It’s the people. The sheer talent gathered in one room is awe-inspiring, but what truly shines is the kindness that radiates from everyone.”
Each person is so inspiring, so genuine, and so eager to help each other succeed. It’s more than just a group of like-minded individuals working towards a common goal. At the end of the day, it really does feel like a family; one that’s built on collaboration, support, and a shared vision of moving forward together.
I walked away from the Summit with more than just a notebook filled with ideas. I left with a renewed passion for our mission and a deepened connection to this incredible community that I’m so fortunate to be part of. This Summit wasn’t merely a highlight of my year; it was a powerful reminder of the extraordinary things we can achieve when we unite and support one another. So, here’s to the next Summit!