Winner of the Round 4, Voice of the Region Competition

Fingers crossed!
Essay by Sonja Budisa Milenkovic, 26 years, Belgrade

It is a hot July morning in the capital of Serbia and I am one of the victims of public transport. Dizzy from the heat and squeezed between unknown people, I am nervously looking at the watch, counting every move of the fastest needle.

Photo source: aspanational.wordpress.com

Will I make it to the exam on time?

Yes, I am one of around 220 000[1] students in Serbia and though the number seems large at first sight, the statistics show that not all of us reach the final destination: with 6.5% of university graduates, Serbia is considerably below the EU[2] average.  

Few years ago I began my studies with big expectations, encouraged by my family saying: Education is the key to secure life. I was told that with university degree I’m going to get a decent job. This I’ve heard many times; at university during lectures, at home during family lunch, in supermarket waiting in line for cash register. Tiring.

Just like now, when listening an old man criticizing public transport while our bus is stuck in the middle of a crossroad.

During my studies, I became interested in non-formal education. I’ve always admired academic community, but subconsciously knew that there was something missing in the education system. When I started travelling and meeting young people from around Europe, I realized how big a gap there is between education and labour market. At that time, crisis began in Europe, but despite that I was enjoying meeting my international friends, graduates who mostly couldn’t find a proper job. I started collecting their advices, improving my skills through alternative channels of education.

Finally, this bus started to move. Maybe I will make it.

When I graduated with high GPA, I joined 70,539 unemployed[3] persons with university degree in Serbia. I was not disappointed, I was prepared for such an outcome. I watched my colleagues being lost in painful jobless reality for years. I decided to throw myself in turbulent labour market like an inexperienced swimmer trying to survive in deep water.

I didn’t find a safe harbour, but I am still swimming. Handling several part-time jobs. I continued my education with master studies, because I believe in knowledge. Even if formal education didn’t bring me what I expected or was promised, it brought me many values: friendships, memories, motivation, vision, optimism...