My graduation

I had such a lovely graduation day. When I was thinking about this day, I did not really picture it in any way, but once it was over, I had wonderful feeling of accomplishment and happiness. 

Now, when I look back at the end of my studies, I do not really think about the very last lecture, final exam nor about my thesis defense. The first thought that come accross is my graduation - the day that I spent with my best parents ever, my brother and his wife, my step brother and his family and of course, with my dear boyfriend. 

Reunion times :)

I guess this semester can be called "Reunion semester"  

• I got to see my great friend Eduardo from Peru after three years; moreover, we had AIESEC Peru reunion in Budapest
• my brother got married and he also invited our two step brothers with their families for the wedding; I guess that was the first time for all of us to get together
• we had Nebraska reunion in Munich during Octoberfest
• Laurie, my friend who I met in Belgium, came to the Czech Republic and I got to see her at least for a while
• Hanna, another close friend who I met in Belgium, came to Prague
• Lou and Rozelin, the couple at whose place we were staying in D.C. visited Czech Republic
• Linkin, my best friend from Nebraska, came to Europe for a few days; we spend one day together
• Adinka, my best friend from high school, came back after one year in Brazil and stopped by Prague 

More reunions to come :) I am very happy and thankful for all these precious moments. 

Dual-career marriages

We have been talking about this topic a lot. Why? Because we were concerned that one day we will have to choose - either career or family. We thought that there was no possible combination of these two. So many people and statistics seem to prove so. 

Few weeks ago, during one lecture, we were discussing this topic again. Our teacher seems as very smart guy, I really admire him for his openness and experience. He told us that it is not matter of choice "either, or". But that there is always possible way to combine these two things and if we try, we can find or create a mechanism to make it work. He said that he is persuaded that in most cases it is possible to find suitable solution for both. We just need to look for the right way.  

Moreover, we discussed this issue a bit with one HR lady in ABB. She seemed persuaded that there is no problem having family and career at the same time. Of course, there will be times when the mother of the family will have to be a bit in the back, when children are little. But later, there should be no problem to maintain work-life balance.  

That was really unexpected encouragement! Let's see what the future brings. 

Warrior of Light by Paulo Coelho

Každý bojovník světla už se někdy bál jít do boje.

Každý bojovník světla už v minulosti zradil a lhal.

Každý bojovník světla už kráčel cestou, jež nebyla jeho.

Každý bojovník světla už trpěl kvuli malichernostem.

Každý bojovník světla už si myslel, že není bojovníkem světla. 

Každý bojovník světla už pochybil v duchovních povinnostech.

Každý bojovník světla už řekl ano, když chtěl říci ne. 

Každý bojovník světla už zranil někoho, koho miluje. 

Proto je bojovník světla; protože tím vším prošel a neztratil naději, že se polepší. 

What I have learned so far :)

... that optimistic and positive thinking people leave much longer than pessimists.

... that extroverts are more prone to the divorce than introverts.

...that children's attitude to money (if they are more generous or more stingy) is formed during the first three years of baby's life.

...that sometimes, instead of making a compromise (none of the parties is happy with the solution), it is much better for both parties to find the third alternative, acceptable for all. 

...that stress can be managed by efficient relaxation and that it really works!

...that people that have long term goals are usually more successful than people with no plans.

...that it is important to clear your expectations in a relationship. 

Is it for the best to try everything?

During one of my classes our teacher asked us kind of interesting question: "Do you think that it is for the best to try everything?" As he explained, most of the young people think that they should use their youth to try "all the stuff", whatever that means. 

As he explained later, everything we do, will leave a trace on us - it can be deeper or lighter, but it is impossible to predict what trace it will be. If we take such an extreme example as drugs, there is always huge risk that one will become dependent on this shit. Therefore, it is highly important to choose all the stimuli and things that could somehow influence us. If there is the possibility of choice.  

He especially referred to all the opportunities for young people. Compared to the period twenty years ago, we can go and do whatever we want, there are no limits. And sometimes we have impression that we have to be everywhere, study abroad, visit Asia, Africa and Latin America, backpack in all the different parts of the world etc. To be honest this explanation really appealed to me, since I recognized myself in this statement. 

However, it is important to make choices - to carefully choose what we will do and where we will go. It may seem very easy and obvious, but it definitely was not for me. I felt bad about passing some opportunities and challenges. In order to make good choice it is important to know ourselves very well. If we know, where we are heading and what we want to accomplish, it is much easier to choose the right way and to filter all incoming messages.

Update

It's been a while, I know, sorry for that. But I guess either I was not in a mood for writing, or there was nothing that interesting to be shared with you, or I just simply took a break from writing. 

I have come back to the old continent and now, I am in Prague again. Two semesters ahead of me, first one has started quite successfully. I actually really enjoy my studies this semesters. All my courses are so interesting that I never skip any seminar nor lecture. It does not bother me to be at school from 9:15am till 6pm and I am glad to be back the next day again. I am unbelievably happy with my choice of minor specialization. I have learned so many interesting things, concepts and ideas, I will definitely share some of those with you in next posts. 

Wish you wonderful week!!! <3