Choosing a career was difficult. I found it hard to make up my mind, so I tried out work experience as a veterinary practice assistant, a healthcare assistant, a cook and a business administrator. On top of that, I was only 14 years old in the third year of secondary school. I was born on the cut-off date, which meant I was still placed in the same year group as the older pupils. On several occasions, a company turned me down, saying they'd chosen a candidate who was a bit older and more mature.
I've learnt a great deal and have become more independent and self-assured.
Work experience on a farm
A careers adviser told me about the Wallierhof programme. It's a transitional scheme combining school with a work placement on a farm. As I love animals, I applied. Being accepted helped me get over the recent rejections.
On the farm, I look after cows, sheep and other animals, pull up weeds and carry out minor repairs. I also do housework and cook. I've learnt a lot and have become more independent and confident. And I feel at home with my host family, whose children are my age.
I recently reapplied to the University of Applied Sciences of North-Western Switzerland for a commercial apprenticeship, which I hadn't been offered last year. They thought it was a strong application and offered me the apprenticeship. I'm really looking forward to it.
