Maier Egger Manuel–Cooking course trainer
1. How long have you been at the Vocational School and how did you end up working in Romania?
M: 5 years ago! Because my mother is a German language teacher in Guatemala, she has always been a role model for me. She is very hardworking, strong and works with her heart and does everything for the children. I learned to cook at school because I like food. I wanted to combine my passion FOOD with TEACHING! So I went to college in Austria to become a teacher. I worked in gastronomy and then I found out about this possibility of working with young people at the CONCORDIA Vocational School. I immediately wrote to those in charge in Austria and was thrilled when the director of the campus in Romania was called. Then he told me more about Concordia: what is the purpose of the intervention, what I have to do. He showed me photos, and I decided with great joy to come. There has not been a single moment of regret regarding this decision. CONCORIDA helps young people as much as they can, and I am thrilled to see young people succeeding after school.
2. What inspires you in your work?
M: I like my work. There are hard days and there are wonderful days. My biggest motivation is definitely the young people and the fact that we train them well. I want them to graduate from school with a solid foundational knowledge and a good start in their professional lives. It motivates me to see them not giving up, that they always see the positive side in life and that they prove what they can do, even when the situations are tough. Giving up is not a solution.
3. What do you think the young people you work with need the most?
M: We work with very different young people. Each individual has their weaknesses and strengths. So I like we work in a differentiated way with each individual to reach their maximum potential. Our young people need excellent motivation, positive role models and good training. It is also important to listen to them and respond to their wants and needs as much as possible. Every time I try to consider the young person’s point of view and see everything from the adult’s point of view. Every young person can become an excellent cook, baker, waiter or gardener. I strongly believe that Concordia gives young people a good start in adult life.
4.
How do you spend your free time?
M: Different! I think I am a versatile person. Sometimes I like to do a lot, to travel a lot. Sometimes I just read a book. There are days when I love to try recipes at home and experiment and learn. Then, of course, I like to watch Netflix, YouTube or listen to music on Spotify. I also love learning new things! If I have a lot of motivation, I actually do sports hahahaha. I love animals, especially dogs and cats. I love city life, but also quiet nature.
5. What have you always wanted to do and haven’t been able to yet?
M: To travel to Lyon, the city of gastronomy. I have to go there one day! Otherwise, I’m thrilled with my life. I just always try to make the most of it. I try to see everything positively.
6. How do you motivate yourself when everything seems difficult?
M: If I’m honest, on bad days, I’m happy to have my family. They give me substantial support and motivation. Especially my mom, who never gave up as a single parent of 3 kids.
It depends on the situation or the problem, even if it’s hard, I try not to give up right away. Even if I have to try again and again and again until I reach the goal. This only strengthens me.
It’s mainly the younger generation at school who motivates me. I want to be with them and not give up right away. Or I turn to my number 1 solution: chocolate. Hahaha!
Flash questions:
7. Spoon or fork?
M: Knife! hahaha
8. Romania or Austria?
M: Lyon–France. I like the entire world. I think there are beautiful parts in every country.
9. Dessert or main course?
M: Dessert–normal!!!