Ivanka was afraid that there was nothing she could do to stop a promising future slip away.
There is a widespread mindset in Moldovan society that Radion, the manager at House of Opportunity Comrat, summarises as “nothing depends on you”. This broadly means that you are a victim of circumstance and that there is really nothing you can do to change things. When threatened with a situation that seemed beyond her control, Ivanka, a resident at House of Opportunity Comrat in southern Moldova, found herself retreating into this way of thinking.
In contrast, the idea of taking the extra step and asking what yet hasn’t been done to change your situation, is provoked and discussed constantly with residents by the House of Opportunity team in Comrat. By drawing on what she had learned from the House team, Ivanka was able to take the initiative.
In September 2023, Ivanka began working at a local school, where she applied her creativity with the children she taught. Her dedication and hard work was noticed, and she was offered more working hours. Ivanka was taking significant steps in building a positive future. She wanted to continue working at the school and desired to secure a teaching position to follow her graduation from university.
However, changes in legislation this year seemed to close the possibility. Ivanka panicked. She was afraid that the job she dreamed of might slip away from her.
The first thought that came to Ivanka’s mind was to quit everything and try to find another job, but, through discussion with the HOP team, she remembered what she and her fellow House mates had been taught about overcoming fear and she decided to act. She went to the headteacher, and expressed her desire to continue teaching and asking if there was something he could do to help. After listening to Ivanka, the headteacher went to the Ministry of Education. Three days later they received an answer – Ivanka could be hired to work at this school!
When asked what helped her overcome her fear, Ivanka replied, “I remembered what you taught me about overcoming fear, about knowing your abilities, and always asking the question; what else can you do? These two things helped me not to give up and to do more than I thought I could. Now I’m sure I’ll have a job from September.”