www.mihub.eu Page | 5 Accepting that opportunity marked a turning point in my integration journey. The training opened doors to new opportunities and strengthened my confidence. Soon after, I began speaking at events like Youth in Migration, and became a panel speaker at major conferences such as the Cyprus Forum. These experiences solidified my voice in the migration and integration space. Today, I am proud to work in Cyprus as a Junior EU Project Officer and Expert Advisor on Human Trafficking and Integration. My lived experience as a trafficking survivor fuels my advocacy and professional mission. I regularly participate in conferences, seminars, and policy discussions, both in Cyprus and abroad. I’ve pursued leadership and coaching training, learned basic computer and first aid skills, and continuously invested in my personal and professional development. I have had the honor of addressing international audiences, traveling for advocacy work, and networking with ministers, ambassadors, and other key stakeholders. These milestones remind me of how far I’ve come—and how proud I am of myself. However, the journey has not been without ongoing challenges: • Raising a child alone and balancing parenthood with work responsibilities • Limited access to childcare during work travel • Language barriers and cultural adaptation • The psychological impact of past trauma • Discrimination and lack of access to nationality, which hinders full societal integration Despite these hurdles, I remain determined. Cyprus has helped shape the person I am today, giving me space to grow personally and professionally, even if full inclusion is still a work in progress. To my fellow migrants, especially those still waiting for asylum decisions: I know how overwhelming the uncertainty can be. I understand the hopelessness, the isolation, and the loss of motivation. But while you are in that waiting period, don’t stop living. Don’t stop learning. Seek out NGOs, attend workshops, and take part in training programs. These are the spaces where transformation begins. You don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need to keep showing up. And remember—I failed many times before reaching where I am today. Every failure taught me something. Every setback made me stronger. Every closed door encouraged me to knock louder on the next one. Your consistency is your key. Your community is your compass. Keep moving forward!
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