Victoria Shuuya - Medical Laboratory Sciences 3rd year
Brief: An intern at Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) School of Life Sciences and Facility Management in Wädenswil, Switzerland
Share your achievement/success story in detail. I'm privilaged to be one of the students chosen to do a 3 months B360 intership in Switzerland. I'm currently working as an intern at Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) School of Life Sciences and Facility Management in Wädenswil, Switzerland.
Tell us more about your journey leading up to this moment. I was not planning on applying for this intership for two reasons. Firstly because I had recently lost my dad, so I didn't want to leave my mom alone at home when she needed me the most. Secondly I lacked confidence in myself and my abilities. My friends persuaded me to apply, but I first asked my mom if it was okay to apply. She happily gave me a go-ahead and I prayed about it and gave everthing into God's hands. My sister helped me send in my application and she told me I will get the intership, but I didn't believe her at that point. I was later called in for the first interview infront of a panel. To be honest I was very nervous because this was my first interview. The panel was asking me so many questions including questions about my dad, which made me very emotional. I thought I would cry but I managed to hold those tears back and all I could hear in my head was my dad's voice saying, "you can do this my child". When I was chosen for the second interview, I knew right then that this intership was meant for me because I had faith. The bible says, faith is confidence in what we hope and assurance about what we do not see.
My second interview with the president of B360 was better because I was calm and relaxed. My friend and I were chosen for the third interview and as I waited to be called in, I remembered how my dad would always tell me that one day my education will take me places and my confidence level just went up. The interview with the professor from ZHAW, who is currently my mentor went very smoothly. I was finally selected from a group of about 9 students from my course. I thank God that all things worked together for my good, and this was evidence that God is faithful and when you commit everything to Him, He will establish your plans.
What does this achievement mean to you and how will you use it to motivate others? This achievement boosted my self confidence and helped me stop comparing my abilities to those of other people. I'm learning new things everyday, some are not even related to my career path. Apart from practical experience, I'm also gaining transferable skills like teamwork, project management, research and analytical skills, networking, communication and flexibility. I'm also learning to be independent and this is helping me to make better decisions and more open to people and new opportunities. I know that hardwork is important but nothing is more important than self-belief, because it is the key to success.
What are your plans for the future? Complete my honours degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences. After that, I leave everything in God's hands because He alone knows the future and He will make it all work for my eternal good.
Share with us your success quote! "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" ~ Isaiah 41:10. "