This summer I had the amazing opportunity to find work as a YEP Summer Student. The YEP program provides Military Dependants with the opportunity to be employed with meaningful work in their community.
I was lucky enough to work as part of the Military Community in Brussels at the Canadian Support Facility.
It’s always scary starting a new job in a new place, let alone in a new country!! I thought I had no qualifications or business working in such an important hub for the community. Little did I know it would be the perfect fit.
First day on the job, my brand new supervisor offers to give me a lift home. Picturing a car I say yes, only to arrive outside to a bike with a giant bucket on the front!! “Hop in!” she says.
Reluctantly I do… on route home we pass by local who chuckles and calls me a “Big Baby” (fair enough I’m sure we looked hilarious going down the side of the road☺)
This was just the start of the fond memories I would make from working with such lovely ladies. Whether we had lost internet (which happened a LOT) and took to filling out birthday cards (for those with birthdays in August – full disclosure, Katelin is responsible for the rhyming), being restrained in a musty carpet, or was just doing computer work we always found an enjoyable way to complete every task (while still being productive and efficient of course! ☺)
While most of my friends back in Canada have been working at Tim Hortons, McDonalds, or a retail job to scrape by, I am thankful to have the opportunity to work in such a fulfilling job alongside other people that experience all the same rewards and stresses that comes with being a military family member. As well I was able to provide information and support for new families about to experience the same roller coaster that is moving to Brussels.
Overall I couldn’t be more pleased with this opportunity and the amazing people I have met who I am sure to never forget (couldn’t even if I tried ;-) ). Saying goodbye will be hard – but I know in the Military world we can always meet again. And remember, for anyone leaving or arriving again this year… if we were meant to stay in one place we’d have roots not legs…