A few days ago I was discussing with my colleagues about how and why we came to Brussels. I filled in my application for auxiliary agent (temporary limited employment) the very last evening before the deadline. I found it by accident on some Czech government page.
One little paper can change your life
Few weeks later I received a phone call from the personnel service of EP asking whether I want to come to work in Brussels for a WHOLE year! And I hesitated. My law studies were just at the halfway stage and I was having one of the best times of my student life. In the end I have decided to come for a “trial” year. A “stage” in the EP would always look good in my curriculum, n’est-ce pas?
I made this decision 6 years ago. Did those years bring me anything special? Hmm, let me think! I have settled my home in Belgium, got married and had a child, finished my studies. I worked in 3 different services within EP and always learned a lot and had a great boss. I met two presidents and a Pope. I have seen the Dalai Lama, the UN Secretary General, the Queen of the Netherlands and tens of other personalities from all over the globe. I have touched a Stanley Cup trophy. But most important I meet and talk literally daily to colleagues and friends from 27 different European countries. And doing this everyday for so many years just has to open your eyes, unlock your heart and enrich your soul.
I have touched a Stanley Cup trophy…
We posted on Tuesday an article on EP front page about Parliament’s traineeship programmes and how they influence the stagiaire’s life and career. The other day I met a guy who used to be a trainee in our unit few years ago. Well now he works as an expert in president Buzek’s cabinet. I always knew he is the bright and intelligent one, but this in not a bad start of career for a 30 years-old guy at all!
It’s time to make my point. What I am trying to say here. It’s always worth it to fill in some application for whatever you want or dream of. You never know how thing will end up and where a brave step on unknown paths might bring you.
Tvůj děda by byl na tebe pyšný, jsem ne tebe pyšná, my všichni jsme na tebe pyšní.
[Edit by Tibo - translation: "Your grand-dad would be proud, I am proud and we are all proud of you"]
Very nice message, and very true. Never listen to the pessimists, always aim high, and believe in yourself and your dreams. Skepticism is the sadism of embittered souls (Cioran).
New post by Martina on our team's blog: "Make your step on an unknown path" http://tinyurl.com/yj69res