I remember like now I’m about 6-7 years old. My sister and I sneaking out of the window and running to the lakeside.  Its sunrise… we climbing to the top of the tree to pick the best blossomed branches to make a bouquet for our mom. Its not only us…all local kids at the same trees pushing each other off the tree. The competition is high. Sometimes I would hash down and land on my bottom but straight back climbing again. This was the only way to celebrate International Women’s Day, we used to call it ‘8^th of march’ in Ukraine. And also, a card, handmade card. My mum still has some of them and when I visit her, she always shows me just to laugh at my spelling when I was child. How little she knows. I still laugh from my spelling right now, but now is in English.  

The difficulties of being non-English in the Uk. When I write a report and say: “ a nun is a protective factor …” you would think, obviously, she is a nun. But I meant a nan, as a grandmother. The pronunciation is another level and sometimes put me in awkward situations. I wouldn’t make it without my colleagues who know and understand me. But please, please tell me when I say riffle but mean rifle… You won’t offend me, you will help me to be better.

I’ve been in the UK for nearly 11 years and in million years would never think that I would be working in the police.  I went through difficult journey of acceptance and loss of identity. I remember days when I had no friends at all and was embarrassed talking to people. After a year and half, I decided that I have to change something in my life and overcome my fears being different. I started to talk and tell people to repeat or explain what they are saying. I started to read people’s faces and elaborate when they looked puzzled. I started to read books, watch TV purely in English. I started to socialise with my neighbours and had got my first job in Stansted airport. 

Few jobs down and I am pressing button ‘apply’ to any job I see with likeable salary. The phone ring:” Good afternoon, you applied for the administrator job, we would like to invite you for the interview”.” Oh yeah, please send me all details vie email” – I responded and carried on shopping with my friend, as the job can wait but my new shoes cannot. When I looked at the email the next day, the interview I had agreed for was …….IN THE Police HR Recruitment team. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

Interview went well. This what I thought. I wasn’t been offered a job I applied for, but they liked my personality and offered me an assistant role. It was difficult at the start. For some reason the perception of me was very low. I was told – “You are not ready”, “I don’t think you can do this job”, “I will ask …..”. I was fighting for my reputation and respect. But do you know what was the barrier? Not my language. A manager. After few months my manager has changed, and the new manager asked if I would like to take up the administration role and showed respect and trust. After few months my name was known across BCH as most helpful administration in HR. My manager not only trusted me one portfolio but asked to take on another portfolio – 7 forces recruitment and, in her absence, acting up opportunity. I felt respected. I fall in love with the Police as an organisation and understood that the line manager is matter. 

I have decided that I was ready to challenge myself more and applied for the role in Vetting and in Counter Terrorism Policing. I have been offered a role in both.

Of course, ERSOU, CTP sounded more intriguing, and I became a CT case officer in Prevent.

I just would like to say, we are women are strong, intelligent, beautiful and valued. I want us to respect each other and support to overcome the difficulties we may have in our careers. Happy International Women’s Day ! Z vos’mym Bereznia !!!Z Jinochym dnem!!!