We are born, we live, we die. But time is not linear. Look closely and you may notice that time is cyclical and rhythmic. Observe the seasons; the same four come around each year. Even ice ages have a cycle on this earth. These colossal events began long before humans arrived and they will continue to cycle long after we have gone. However, in our lives, we perceive time to be linear.But I invite you to take another look. Keeping an open mind, like that of Grecian philosophers, free from preceding ideology, and perhaps you too will see the cyclical nature of your own life.

I want to share my story with you, for a few reasons;

Firstly, I’ve only just come to realise this philosophy and I’m 34 years old. I wish it had happened sooner. I wonder if perhaps my parents, teachers or other influencers were not as introspective to achieve this cognizance but I’ve always been a deep thinker and boundlessly curious; one of few benefits of being an only child. So if I can help others, I will.

Secondly, a realization of this magnitude has brought me closer to understanding the meaning of my life, what I can influence, and what I cannot.

Thirdly, I was asked to. But I didn’t see it as an obligation, it is an opportunity.

On 1 July I joined CERN as a recruitment and sourcing specialist and today I was asked to write a blog post describing my experience joining the Organization.

For me, it was not simply a job I applied for and fortunately secured. The process started many years ago when I was a child…

My parents introduced me to skiing at the age of 3 and I was stuffed into a class while they enjoyed their Alpine holiday. I cried the whole day, probably the whole week. However, they persisted and I grew to love it. Not only that but I started to speak French from a young age, and when I reached the age of which it is taught at school in England, I was already correcting the teacher on her pronunciation. Which wasn’t met with a motivating response. It was the nineties after all.

I studied French until I was 18 years old and I competed at national level in slalom and giant slalom. I decided to study visual communication at university, I had a keen eye for design and photography and I wanted to exploit that. Over the years I discovered that communication in general was of great interest to me; how to do it succinctly, effectively and successfully. After taking the tough route into Talent Acquisition (through extremely bold London agencies with only one, single-minded goal) I realized I could use my love of language and communication for a greater good and help people with their lives.

While all the above was going on, I found time to study topics that interest me. Art movements like Surrealism, Dadaism and Futurism; philosophies such as Epicureanism and Stoicism; scientific theories inspired me greatly too, especially Darwinism and most recently quantum mechanics.

I don’t profess to be an existentialist but I really do feel that most of the events in my life have led me to this point, right here… surrounded by the mountains that shed my tears so many years ago, surrounded by linguists that speak a language I studied at length, being part of an institution that has already answered so many of my questions and seeks to answer more.

When you realise that you are part of a cycle, you will feel a sense of belonging. Belonging in this life, belonging on this earth, belonging in this universe. And that’s when this fragile and transient life really starts to mean something.

Everyone has their own story to tell, each as beautiful as the next. As I begin this new chapter of my life at CERN, with much to contribute, to learn and look forward to, I can already say: why not take your chance and apply to join this unique Organization to help further our understanding of the universe? Who knows, I may be the recruiter you meet at interview, and we can exchange on the meaning of life, the universe and everything.

Take part!