Blog: Carolina
Living in the Netherlands means... Starting over, but achieving more
This time, we are highlighting Carolina's story. Her story is part of the campaign 'Working Together for Tomorrow.' You can find more information about this campaign at www.terneuzen.nl/samenwerkenaanmorgen.
Less than half a year ago, Carolina from Portugal decided to pack her bags and move to Axel. She wanted to build a new life with a better workplace and more peace and space to develop herself. In Portugal, she had a decent office job, but felt trapped in a work environment with little opportunity for development, change, or progress. “Everything stayed the same there, and people weren’t open to new insights or ideas. During my previous visits, the Netherlands felt very open and organized. I knew: here I can start over and achieve more,” says Carolina.
Axel as a new home
Through her brother, who had already lived in the Netherlands for a few years, she found a temporary job. From there, she started looking for more stability. Carolina decided to personally distribute her CV and set her sights on Axel. That’s how she walked into Albert Heijn, where she spoke with Operations Manager Robin. They clicked immediately, and since then Carolina has been working in the store’s sales-ready team. “It’s been the best decision of my life. I was very warmly welcomed here, have great colleagues, and really feel like part of the team,” says Carolina. Robin confirms that feeling: “Carolina was our first employee who didn’t speak Dutch, but her open attitude meant she quickly connected with everyone. She brings joy and positive energy, which lifts the whole team to a higher level.”
Besides her work, Carolina is slowly but surely building a life in Axel. She lives in an apartment with her dog Blue, enjoys walking in the woods, cycling to friends, or working out at the gym. Recently, she also has a Dutch boyfriend with whom she does fun things. Carolina: “I feel like I belong in the Netherlands. In the short time I’ve been here, so much has already fallen into place. That gives me confidence for the future.” She is especially proud that she has recently started taking Dutch lessons. Twice a week, she sits in the classroom to master the language. “That’s important to me, because it shows that I want to invest in this country and really be part of society.”
A look at the future
Carolina sees her future in Axel. Her wish is to further develop herself here, both in her work and in the language. Whether she will ever do something with the beautician training she completed in Portugal, she doesn’t know yet. For now, she is mainly focused on building a network. The openness of the people here helps with that. “In Portugal, I often felt that things were happening behind my back. Here, people are honest and direct. That makes it easier to trust people and make real connections.”
Working together for tomorrow
Carolina’s story shows that (labor) migrants actively contribute to society. At Albert Heijn in Axel, she is valued for who she is and what she brings. Manager Robin sums it up nicely: “It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, as long as you bring good energy and add something. To the team, but also to the living environment.” Working together for tomorrow starts with openness, trust, and a smile in the supermarket.
