Around a year ago, my party elected me as their European Parliament candidate. Little did I know what exactly would be expected of me and how it is to be a candidate? For some, the European election is the highlight of the year, a testament to how important the European Union is to us and what it needs to improve it. Still, for others, and yes, I am not just talking about those who do not care about politics, the European election is the least important one, one you do not even have to think about. As always, of course, there are those who are in between, but for a European enthusiast like me, this was struggling to understand.
As I embarked on my campaign, I was filled with thoughts on how to execute the perfect strategy, how to incorporate the most effective tactics from others, and how to bring about a positive change in my community. However, I soon realized that even the most brilliant plan could falter without the support of the people. It was a stark reminder that political change is a collective effort, and without a united team, achieving a liberal change seemed almost insurmountable.
People often say how amazing it is that someone is active in voluntary service, but usually, there is little to no appreciation while doing it. It is frequently easier to criticize than to be the one doing it. But when you believe it is worth trying anyway, do it! There is almost nothing worse in this case than later asking yourself, why have I not done what I desired to do?
Some people ask me, “Lina, would you do it again?” And well, although it was super stressful, emotional, and exhausting, it was still an experience I did not want to miss in my life. The (emotional) support given on a national and European level and the possibility of representing my generation are highlights of campaigning for liberal change. The personal growth and the lessons learned from this experience are something I cherish and would not trade for anything.
Elevating Reflections on the EU Election
