Lydia Kaupitwa

AT WoRk

MOTOREX is an excessively big company which not only focuses on lubricants, but also on aerosols and detergents. It was an amazing moment working with such a magnificent company.
My arrival into the company was quite scary from the fact that I had no knowledge about lubricants and so. However, life is all about learning and being open to new experiences, therefore this is what I had to endure. I must say, it was a very good experience working with oil, different devices and equipment and above all working with different experts. My level of confidence and ways of communication have been improved greatly.
In the long run, I have come to a realisation that, teamwork is the backbone to real progress and this is a life experience.
I have met kind people within the workplace, those who have been willing to help throughout and have been open to any sort of conversation.

Host Family

I was fortunate enough to have lived with a generous and welcoming family. I understand that it was also a challenge for them to host a stranger with a different way of life. They have been willing to sacrifice most of their time to take me to places and explain to me literally everything due to the language barrier. They have been interested in knowing me better and my culture. I have felt comfortable and have developed a sense of belonging within an abbreviated period. They have fulfilled my wishes, something that I really appreciate.

Highlights and Challenges in Switzerland

The first and most important is every work-related experience, which will help in my professional development. Meeting and interacting with new people and learning more about their ways of living. Furthermore, visiting places in Switzerland and knowing how to ride a scooter really made it all.

My biggest challenge was with time. Being an unpunctual person meant that I had to run every day to catch the train, if not then I had to wait for another 30 minutes.

The language barrier was another thing. I had to memorise everything shown to me when I had to use computers for analysis as they are in German. This also prevented me from communicating with some people and worse not understanding announcements in the train.

My Future Plans

Thus far, I only have short term academic plans. I have planned to do my honour’s degree next year, since I will complete my bachelor’s degree this year. After that, I will hopefully join the chemistry industries and see where life takes me to.

However, deep down, I would like to help as many people as possible in the future, academically or in any other ways. I do not entirely want to be an employee, but also an employer. I am still working out this idea and define the person who I really want to be in the future. 

Personal Message

Learning is a continuous process, and one should always be open to it. To all the future chemists that may go through the same path, I advise them to get rid of their expectations and just absorb whatever they are exposed to. One must be open minded and must be willing to get out of their internal comfort zones. To any other B360 potential students my message is that they should work out on their punctuality, because being a minute late has a consequence of a long wait.

Do not be afraid, if it needs to be, ask for help. Lastly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all B360 stakeholders, because without your effort it could not have been possible for me and any other student. I would also like to recognise my university for cooperating with this amazing organisation. I am so thankful!!