Melisa Berisa: I want to set a good example for young people
- Details
- Thursday, 25 June 2020 11:22
The name Melisa is of Greek origin and means bee (from the Greek - melitta, melissa) or sweet as honey. This is exactly how our interviewee is - smart, hardworking, and charming. Melisa Berisa had finished the second grade of the Secondary Vocational School Ivan Uskokovic with honors and she is a class president. Berisa hopes to finish school as a valedictorian. While her friends are taking a break from school obligations, she decided to have additional education during the summer, and she was hired by the NGO Young Roma as an associate on education projects. She says she will never stop learning, contributes to the Roma community, motivates young people and sends positive examples. She is combative and responds to adversity and obstacles with even greater dedication and hard work. Maybe it has to do with Leo, her zodiac sign, or a strong sense of self-awareness, but this girl knows her way!
You are attending the Secondary Vocational School Ivan Uskokovic majoring in motor vehicle driving. Why did you choose this profession?
BERISA: I finished the first and the second grade with honors. I did not regret that I chose this major, even though after primary school I wanted to enroll in medical school because it offers many opportunities (free driver's license) and is very useful because as soon as you finish high school you can find a job or start your own business. When it comes to my major though, in case one does not want to stay in this direction after the third grade, they can choose the program for postal and logistics technician or traffic officer.
The first program seems very tempting to me because it offers a lot of employment options. I am communicative, I love interacting with people and that position is noticed, which I find important for members of the Roma community, in terms of integration, and showing good examples.
Can you tell us more about the first day of school?
BERISA: At the time of enrollment, I was bothered by a sense of uncertainty, I was afraid, I wondered if they would accept me. Some students have and some have not until now. There were contemptuous looks. But I had a ready answer to that behavior. Discipline, good manners, commitment, culture... That is something crucial when it comes to overcoming obstacles. Show them that you can be like them, even better!
You are the president of your class. What does this "title" mean? How much has the approach of other students changed towards you since then?
BERISA: I became the president in the first grade and continued to be so in the second. The class teacher, having in mind my excellent grades and sociability, asked the students to suggest someone who could perform that function. Everyone thought it was me. I was very pleased with their action and of course, I accepted it. After this „title“, many looked at me differently, accepted me as „one of them“, however, some have had a different opinion. Being the president means representing a group of students as we strive to be the best in school. I talk to everyone in the class, give them an incentive to learn even more, and not to look only after themselves but the whole class in order to stand out.
Do you have friends from school that you hang out with afterward? Do you have difficulties communicating with teachers?
BERISA: I don't have a good friend from school, unfortunately, most students still have prejudices. I have good communication with the professors. I am especially grateful to professor Zorka Milacic who taught me Montenegrin language in the first and second grade. She's retired now, so I'm going to miss her a lot. I would love to thank her for instilling in me a love for literature and poet Laza Kostic. I love the poem Santa Maria della Salute. Because of her teaching style I read some books I didn't have before the time.
How important is the role of Roma students mentors in education? How did your mentor help you?
BERISA: In the first grade I learned that I would have a mentor Ana Kosovic, to whom I am immensely grateful. She was available to me at any time of the day or night. I hope it will remain the same next school year. Mentors are our guardians, they do a lot and make our journey easier.
How do you spend your free time?
BERISA: I run an Instagram page for one brand, so in that way, I also do a little bit of social media marketing. I like to walk, ride a bike, spend time in nature. My dad is a bicycle mechanic. It's our home business. The most important thing for me is to be with my family as much as possible. My brother works in Bar, he is a member of the Army of Montenegro, so I am very happy when we are all together.
Do you plan to continue your education after high school?
BERISA: As I mentioned before, I am very interested in a job in the post office or a bank, so I hope to enroll in the postal and logistics program. I am also considering enrollment in a college, since my brother graduated from the Faculty of Security and Criminology. But, we'll see, it's still early.
The NGO Young Roma recognized your commitment, excellent grades in school and hired you as a assistant on education projects. Tell us a little more about the work of the organization.
BERISA: That's right. I am an assistant in the field of education. I will hold that position from June to the end of July. It's about administrative work - I write reports, process data, send emails. This engagement means a lot to me and I would like to continue working with NGO Young Roma. I want to set a good example for young people.
You have attended numerous conferences, seminars, workshops. Could you pick out some that you liked the most? How important are training and this type of informal education for you?
BERISA: Last year I attended the education conference. In June last year, but also this year, I was at a workshop for acquiring business skills on the premises of the Employment Agency. I broadened my horizons, acquired many useful skills, met interesting people, and learned interesting information about Roma community affiliation, culture, and language.
What would you recommend to young members of the Roma community?
BERISA: My message is to listen to yourself and your heart. Some parents forbid their children to go to school. You have to be strong, learn, progress, and fight for yourself. Do not be bothered by the prejudices, you can be better, better than everyone!
What are the ways to deepen the interaction between the majority and the Roma community?
BERISA: Teamwork, organizing joint ventures, workshops, crafts, etc. Why, for example, the Romani language would not be taught in school? The majority of the population is not informed about Roma culture, language. Someone must introduce them to the richness of the Roma heritage that must be preserved and nurtured. Did you know that Charlie Chaplin was a Roma? There are so many positive examples both in our country and in the world.
The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union and the Council of Europe
