Food for Thought is a special event where we mix storytelling with dinner. It’s like bringing two different things together to make people feel close. The event held on September 14th featured a very special guest – Morten Meldal, a Danish chemist and Nobel laureate. His achievements and captivating storytelling made this event truly extraordinary.
Meldal is famous for his groundbreaking work in chemistry, particularly for developing the CuAAC-click reaction, a significant contribution to the world of organic synthesis. What’s even more amazing is that he achieved this milestone independently, showcasing true innovation.
As a new member of the Crossing Borders team, I eagerly took part in ensuring the event’s success, alongside my dedicated colleagues. Together, we worked diligently to make sure that everything was just right for the approximately 70 guests in attendance.
At the beginning of the event, we all had to stand up and say our names and where we came from. It was amazing to hear where everyone was from. There were so many different backgrounds, languages, and stories in the room. It made me feel really happy and connected to everyone. Even though I didn’t know many people there, it felt like I was part of a big family story before dinner.
The evening itself was a mix of intellectual enrichment and a warm atmosphere. Meldal shared his life story, including the challenges he faced on his path to winning a Nobel Prize. What truly stood out was his ability to inject humour into a serious topic, keeping the audience both informed and entertained.
One question from the audience struck a chord with me: “How did you keep going, even when it took so long to achieve something as significant as a Nobel Prize?” Meldal’s answer was simple but profoundly inspiring: “Just do it!” These words serve as a reminder that determination and persistence are the keys to achieving greatness.
After the talk, we all sat down to have dinner together. There’s always something special about sharing a meal with new people. It was a great way to end an evening full of interesting stories and ideas. I couldn’t help but reflect on the unique and inspiring experience I had just been a part of.
So, here’s to new adventures, learning from great people like Meldal, and remembering the motto: “Just do it!” Copenhagen is already beginning to feel like a second home, and I eagerly look forward to more adventures and opportunities in the days ahead.
Authored by Luka Tsibadze
A little about me – I’m Luka from Georgia. I’m doing a year of volunteering through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) in Crossing Borders and that’s part of my story. I am and have always had a passion for exploring new places. Landing in Copenhagen was the start of an adventure I won’t forget. Little did I know that one of the first days of the journey would lead me to an exceptional evening hosted by Crossing Borders.
