Chapter 1: The Power of Experience

It is my firm belief that there is always a way out of any situation. Life often presents us with multiple challenges simultaneously, but these hardships can ultimately fortify those who are resilient, while those who feel overwhelmed may seek guidance from professionals.

Let me illustrate this with a personal story.

During one memorable New Year's Eve, I found myself participating in an extraordinary internship in Germany. I had earned this opportunity through significant achievements and was surrounded by a group of school principals, the youngest of whom was around 50 years old. The directors were genuinely puzzled about how I, a mere 25-year-old, ended up among such esteemed individuals.

To be honest, I was unsure how to respond to their questions, although deep down, I knew that my hard work had led me here, having already executed several regional projects. Throughout the internship, I faced numerous challenges: constant schedule changes without notice, dull excursions, being overlooked during meals, and occasionally being treated like a messenger. To top it all off, I was in a foreign country with only a grasp of academic language and an overwhelming need to prepare authentic materials.

At my lowest point, I shed a few tears and dreaded the remainder of the internship. However, just as despair peaked, we were redirected to Düsseldorf, where I met the incredible Andre. He was slightly older than me, exceptionally bright, self-taught in three languages, an immigrant from Poland, and had a passion for psychology and nightlife.

Andre quickly became my mentor. We spent our nights exploring bars, where he introduced me to the joys of beer and taught me to understand spoken language more naturally. During the day, we would skip tedious lectures to discover hidden streets away from tourist traps. He shared invaluable insights about the roles of psychologists and the educational institutions that shape them, knowledge I still cherish today.

Crucially, Andre had five years of personal experience in therapy, and he generously imparted tips on the practices of German therapists. The internship was a whirlwind of exhilarating nights, grueling early mornings, exhausting days in libraries, engaging consultations, and once again, more fun-filled nights.

As a parting gift, Andre presented me with a Christmas tree, a method for working with immigrants, translated manuals on Gestalt therapy, and a newfound desire to embrace life fully!

Meanwhile, my fellow directors continued to endure the lectures, relentlessly teasing me, but I was no longer affected. My comprehensive 13-page report demonstrated that true learning comes not from lectures but from lived experiences.

The more varied your experiences, the more vibrant your life becomes—so embrace them! The more you say "Yes" to life, the greater your chances of walking down a path adorned with success and joy. Choose the path of a warrior, and your spirit will grow ever stronger—so take that leap!

This video, titled "Break into Learning and Development with no formal experience | key projects I did to pivot!" explores how to transition into a new career path without traditional qualifications. It shares personal projects that can help build relevant experience and skills.

The second video, "Career Growth Opportunities (5 Ways to Enhance Your Career Development)", offers practical tips for advancing your career and seizing opportunities for professional growth.