Just as I'd mastered the intricate dance of automating power plants, a new ambition took hold: to live and work in Switzerland. This dream, however, required a bold leap – a shift from the familiar world of heavy industry to the precision-driven realm of pharmaceuticals and chemicals. The transition was akin to stepping onto a different stage. Gone were the towering structures and the hum of massive machinery, replaced by the sterile gleam of laboratories and the intricate workings of chemical processes. It was a challenge that pushed me beyond my comfort zone, demanding I learn a new language of scientific terms and regulatory protocols.

My career as an automation engineer was taking an unexpected turn. Suddenly, the confines of my desk felt miles away as I found myself collaborating with teams scattered across the Europe. The thrill of working on multinational projects was tempered by the daunting realization that I was stepping into a world where cultural nuances and communication styles varied wildly. Early on, there were plenty of stumbles. An email that seemed perfectly clear to me was met with confusion from a colleague in a different country. But with each project, I became more adept at navigating these complexities. I learned to listen more than I spoke, to observe and adapt to different communication styles, and to appreciate the humor and perspectives of my international colleagues.

Stepping into the corporate world after college was both exhilarating and daunting. The rigid 9-to-5 schedule and unfamiliar office dynamics were a far cry from my carefree student days. My rusty language skills led to awkward and embarrassing misunderstandings, but it also fueled my determination to improve. Despite the initial setbacks, I gradually adapted to the corporate environment, learning valuable lessons about resilience, communication, and the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone. It was a transformative period, marking my transition from student to professional and setting the stage for the next chapter of my life.

If I were to define this phase of my life, I would paint it as an entire lifetime within my life. It was a period that taught me invaluable life lessons—lessons in resilience, independence, and the importance of supportive people around you. These experiences have a great impact on me, the person I am today, and I wouldn't trade them for anything.

I still remember the time of the admission tests for high school entry, being worried about the high school I would get into, what major would the class have… I even remember a phrase that I was telling to my uncle during that period “these exams will define my life, either in a good, either in a bad way”.

Vivid memories resurface from my days in kindergarten or primary school, where I would often find myself blushing with embarrassment over various situations.

Have you ever found yourself gazing into a mirror, questioning the depths of your identity? We all go through phases of self-reflection, attempting to unravel the intricacies of our being.