CHASING DREAMS

Working at an international level had been my goal from an early age and I once dreamed of becoming the UN Secretary-General. The pursuit brought me to Europe.

 When I started my foundation year at WIUT, I was determined to do international law. Although, my classes were law inclined, I wanted to push my own boundaries and decided to apply for a law school abroad the same year. I was accepted to the Riga Graduate School of Law, and that have led me to new opportunities and the chance to keep working towards my goal of building an international career.

 A year later [in 2012], your daily class at WIUT has changed to Riga Graduate School of Law. Tell me more about your experience studying and integrating into European culture.

 Although I felt completely at home within a day of being in Riga, there were many things I had to figure out, from the university system to simple things, like what groceries to shop for; I suddenly had been pushed to be more independent.

 I stayed with girls from Germany, Spain and Sweden who went to the same school, and they helped me get around in the beginning of my stay. I think living with people from different European countries helped me adjust quickly. Besides many locals speak very good English and Russian which was helpful in making my integration smooth.

 Eventually, after Riga you found yourself doing master’s degree in International Relations at the University of Bologna. What made you choose this particular university?

 While studying in Riga, I also did an exchange semester in the University of Malta within “Erasmus +” program where I met two Italian friends from Campagna. They inspired me to learn their mother tongue. After completion of Erasmus+ program, I would travel to visit them in their hometown called Roccamonfina. This is how I got acquainted with Italy.

 Upon my return to Riga, I started making plans for studying in Italy and applied to two universities that would fit my interest: University of Bologna and University of Florence. I have heard of University of Bologna as one of the oldest and prominent universities in Europe in international relations major and particularly liked that they offered the European Affairs curriculum in English.

 Eventually, I learned about my acceptance to University of Bologna after randomly checking my spam e-mail at a library in Vilnius while being on a business trip. I immediately cancelled my plans, collected all documents within a couple of days and confirmed the offer. Ever since, I regularly check my spam folder.

 How would you describe your experience studying at the University of Bologna?

 Studying was different from Tashkent and Riga. Unlike long, case study exams, our curriculum was steeped with vis-à-vis exams with professors.

 I have never been more stressed in my entire university life than for my first Italian exam. It felt the professor may ask pretty much anything, and I spent days trying to revise and absorb the entire course material. On the exam day, there were around 30 students in the room taking the same exam and waiting for their turn, so I spoke with the professor in front of my classmates, which was an extra stress. It went well in the end. A good thing about oral exams – you are told your grade right away. Students may refuse a grade if it is not satisfying and re-take the exam in the next session. I knew some people who would be sitting exams again and again until they get the highest grade.

 Now, let’s talk about your work experience. Why is it important for young people to engage himself or herself with internships?

I would like to break down several reasons. You should do internships while studying because you need to get a grasp of field work. Then, you need to define your own interests. Building your network is the next reason. Also, one should boost his/her CV. Last but not the least is embracing new cultures. Otherwise you are not going to make the best use of the time and opportunities to identify a career which suits your skills and values.

 When I was a communucations assistant intern with the World Food Programme, along with preparing technical content and communication materials, I was once asked to print out participants applications for an international workshop in Canada. You know, printing is one of that manual jobs you would rather avoid. I printed all files, organized them alphabetically and created an accompanying table with participant’s names and data. It took a while but my supervisor was very happy with the result and extra effort I put in delivering it.

 I was consistently given more work related to the project like preparing email and presentation templates - which are rather basic things too, but I would never mind doing that. In the end I was offered to get involved in the project as a responsible for communication and a focal point for 50+ participants. I was sent to a mission to Vancouver to provide support on the day. It was a cool experience and an opportunity to meet some prominent economists and development experts.

 This is an example of a lesson I learned almost from all my experiences - you should be open minded when it comes to your tasks and responsibilities, especially when you work in a small team, you will very often need to get “small” things done to be able to deliver a big project.

 You know, I have recently realized that most of my work experience so far has been related to digital communication. When I joined Web Communication Unit at European Parliament as a trainee, I knew that this is exactly the environment I want to work in.

 But, how do you know that?

 I never get tired of my job. I enjoy writing, creating digital stories and audiovisuals interviewing people, working on social media and other things we do here. It is a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

 Speaking of your current traineeship with European Parliament. How did you get in?

 Before coming to European Parliament, I have tired applying to Brussels based traineeships at the European Commission, Committee of Regions, European Economic and Social Committee, but none of them worked. Perhaps, the time wasn’t right.

 All applications, including the European Parliament one, must be filled in and sent online. I filled in the application along with motivation letter, indicated unit preferences and pushed that “send” button. I give it to luck as well, because I have become one of the thousand candidates to be selected. Currently, we are working on 2019 European Election.

 What makes this traineeship memorable?

 Among other several reasons is meeting lots of Uzbeks even though I expected it to be my most ‘European’ experience as it’s in Brussels and in the European Parliament. In this regard, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Brussels is doing their best to bring together the Uzbek community abroad. They are very friendly and supportive.

 As a person with high interest in politics, what do you think about ongoing changes in Uzbekistan?

 I am very positive. I like that reforms are addressing different areas from investment to foreign policy and people’s basic needs. Besides, it does feel like Uzbekistan is opening up to other countries. I am excited to see the long-term impact.

 What also makes me happy is the call our country is doing for its citizens abroad.

 Do you miss home?

 I certainly do. I miss Tashkent, my family and friends, four seasons in Uzbekistan, the culture, the colors. Often times, I find myself reading or watching something on the Silk Road.

 What is the future like for you in 5 years from now?

 Future is indefinite but I see several opportunities for an international career either abroad or in Uzbekistan.

 Do you think there is a room for homecoming?

 I was actually thinking if I would be able to contribute. Yet, if I come back I feel like I might need the right platform to apply my skills. Like I said, future is indefinite; you never know what is going to happen next.

I never felt a big difference in cultures, nor did I have culture shock. Since Latvia shares the same Soviet history, our cultures resemble in many ways. Yet, what I find unique about the Latvian culture is how people feel close to nature and take care of it. One of the main Latvian festivities Līgo, for example, celebrates the summer solstice.