The reason I came to Belgium was for the internship. I wanted to see what European politics were like and get a different perspective of issues. The fancy building filled with big dreams did not let me down. The European Parliament is the only elected branch within the EU. Each Member of Parliament (MEP) serves for 5 years. MEPs represent the people of the European Union and strive to fight for their countries' best interest.
Who I worked for, Livia Jaroka, is very special because she is the only Roma (gypsy) MEP in Parliament. Her drive and strive for equality for this minority (which is the biggest in Europe) is amazing. Right now the National governments of the European Union have to draft a Roma Integration Strategy which is meant to improve their education, health, employment and housing issues.
All of this was possible because of her efforts. She breaks the stereotypes of Roma by showing that with the right education they can be as successful as any European. She actually breaks many other stereotypes, such as being a member of the largest conservative party and fighting for minority rights. However, it is Livia's modesty that makes her so amazing. She has achieved so much within the European Union, yet, still thinks she has not done enough.
Aside from my MEP, I also learned from being in the EU in a time of economic crisis and political upheaval. I got to read news about the Euro and sit in meetings where politicians would talk about it.
Everyday at Parliament was something new. When you walked through its halls you would hear and see people from different countries. With 23 official languages there was a chance you never understood what anyone was talking about.
Now my days at Parliament are over. Yet, I'm not sad. I feel fortunate to have had this opportunity and I believe there are so many others to come.
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