ready, set, go?

...bicycle bell, stroopwaffles, shoe polish, licorice drops, amsterdam map, notebook, cheese shop magnet, pen, strippenkart for public transport (all thanks to AIESEC reception pack)...what else do you need to be READY to live in Amsterdam? (I mean apart from an apartment :P)

...shiny shoes, ironed shirt, working permit, learning goals, security pass, knowing where the cafeteria is, a bunch of welcome flowers from your colleagues...what else do you need to be SET to start your traineeship?

...10s of different documents to read, half an hour chat with another trainee about the project, being asked into a team conference call about global implementation...what else do you need to feel like you are on the GO?

...after my first day i realise that what I need to feel more able to contribute and learn during my traineeship is not from my manager or team mates or AIESEC buddy...but is from within...the courage to ask for what I need...

...sounds simple enough i guess and not such a big deal since it is only my first day, but i am thinking about the beginning and beyond it...it can be difficult at the start to ask for what you need because you feel like you are needing so much from those around you...but what they need the most is my contribution...and i think like all habits you want to form & keep, having courage to ask for what you need, needs to be started early and then, like all habits, it will become easier and more impactful...