The Intern life: My experience so far
Have you ever had someone tell you that life will find a way when things weren’t going your way? People often talk about having faith and about how that which is meant for you, will be yours. And it’s really hard to agree with that when everything you think you want, isn’t what you're getting. It’s very easy to be pessimistic, and to expect the worst, in these moments. Or at least, it was for me.
Earlier this year I was searching for an internship for the new school year. During this search I got rejected from multiple organizations where I really wanted to work. Organizations I’d been eyeing for at least a year and where I dreamed I would start my professional life. And getting rejections from those places hurt, because they were prestigious organizations that did the work I wanted to do, and interning for them would look amazing on my curriculum vitae. But once you’re on the other side, you understand why it didn’t work out like you wanted it to. At the time, it was hard for me to see that it might’ve been difficult for me to fit in these organizations. These recruits probably saw it when I didn’t. Other factors might have played a role too, I don’t know. But I can honestly say that I’m glad I didn’t get those internships. Sure, it would’ve made my academic path shorter and run a little smoother (because now I have to study for an extra 6 months to a year). The places I’m currently interning at are so great that I kind of get mad at myself every time I even think about complaining. It’s so comforting to know that the children I work with will understand me. Knowing that I don’t have to translate every single sentence I want to say. Knowing that I have coworkers with the same language and culture as me. I get to open up and just be me, without having to translate myself. I get to tell jokes as is, or saying phrases as they are, without having to translate. It’s a feeling that I didn’t expect to experience. But it’s easier and it’s so freeing. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side, but this time it is, and I’m glad.
This experience has cemented my wanting to come back after my studies even more. I’m one of the lucky ones: there are job opportunities in my field in Aruba. There’s much to do in the field of education and people are needed. And I might not have known this if I’d stayed to do an internship in the Netherlands.
So, it’s okay to feel discouraged when your applications are rejected. But it’s important that you stride on, because that which is meant for you, might just be around the corner.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blogpost are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official views of Phryme Magazine.