Secret elixir of youth

Padua, Second Semester of 2014/2015

If you want to know the story of my role model, first, you have to travel time with me…

Back then, I used to be one of those lucky guys who were always supported by their parents concerning future career plans. In high school, I was gifted by them with the freedom of choice of what to study and what to choose as a profession. I could have become anything - the only requirement was to do the chosen one with all of my heart. However, some teachers in my former high school used to spread the idea of the existence of some so-called “unnecessary career choices” meaning that certain fields of study are just a waste of time. In their opinion, it is impossible to find a job with a Humanity of Arts diploma, so to speak. I started losing faith in my teachers, the ones who I should have looked up to. I felt like they were dissuading me, from choosing psychology/ any Arts field. They told me what to do without asking me about my dreams. I felt unimportant. I felt invisible.

Later at university I continued lacking a role model, too. I had meeting with my professors only twice a week for those half-an-hours, after which they were always rushing to their “real” workplaces. Outside of the four walls of the university, I ceased to exist as a student in their eyes.

Besides many other reasons, this was one of the main motivations for “changing climate” and applying for Erasmus. I decided to go to Padua, full of hopes of getting off the treadmill of my life and returning to Hungary with energy, new goals and experiences.

I met my role model at the University of Padua. Professor Monzini, a fake name I just invented now because I don’t think it’s fair to talk about someone behind their backs. If you ask me to describe him, I would say that he is a ‘crazy genius’ who –despite his exceptional results in research of the field of his profession- is quite an extremist when it comes to human relationships. Briefly, people either hate or love him. If one belongs to the first group, feelings usually originate from his crude manners to spot students to ridicule and deeply insult them in front of the class. To be honest, I simply condemn this habit of Mr. Monzini. However, his determination and vast knowledge immediately captivated me; still, these were not the main reasons for him becoming a role model to me.  

Once, in the last fifteen minutes of one of his courses he sat on top of a desk and explained us why he loves teaching. Having conversations with the youth of twenty-something on a daily basis is the most precious gift to the 57 years old Mr. Monzini. Every day he learns something new. He feels like a time-traveler, like being 23 again, while people of his real age, his friends, his acquaintances look at least 70. Would this be the secret elixir of youth, the ingredient of the Philosopher’s Stone? The reason for talking to us about this was that our group was asking a few questions about what was taught in class. This speech made me realize that teaching is Mr. Monzini’s everything.  

He gave me motivation. It all became clear: What he represents is merely the profession I had chosen – psychology, which is precious and carries tons of opportunities. Besides enjoying it, it can provide me with a living and stable, significant ground for my whole life. I found the counterexample of my former high school teachers, the one who inspired and reassured me of goals and dreams that worth having.

After returning from Erasmus I did a 100% when it came to studying because I was determined not only to become a therapist but a teacher, because, as far as I heard it, according to Mr. Monzini this is the elixir of eternal youth. And I wish to stay forever young.