The reward of life to me is no longer about a place we stand or want to be, but about the journey itself we take to the next uncertainty.

Today 10 years ago, I started my first UN internship in Vienna.

In this past decade, I finished my master’s, did 5 internships with 5 UN organizations in 3 countries. 4 of them were unpaid.

I did countless consultancies and short-term contracts, and moved from Paris to Geneva to Vienna, and will probably continue moving in the future.

The most important lessons I’ve learnt? To give up searching for the comfort zone, instead, search for movement, for the flow of positive growth. Stay prepared for change.

I’ve also learnt about some sad realities, things or people that we can’t change. But more importantly, to see them as a self-reminder and advance on our own path, regardless, sometimes fast, sometimes slow.

The reward of life to me is no longer about a place we stand or want to be, but about the journey itself we take to the next uncertainty. And the ultimate success a person can have is to enjoy the ride, dare being herself, dare making different choices from the majority, stick to herself in the development without being distracted from the bigger picture of life which to each person is different, and we will only be able to accept ourselves when we are willing to accept differences, which is the only way to happiness, and the only way to peace.