by Filip Terlecki
Screenwriters are taught to develop dynamic characters. They focus on creating multi-level personalities that jump off the page and attract an audience. Dexter Morgan, played fabulously by Michael C. Hall, or any of the characters on the new hit show Glee are perfect examples. On one hand, Dexter is a serial killer vigilante and on the other, he is a blood spatter analyst chasing bad guys (he's also a brother, a husband and one killer dad).
Glee, a musical comedy about a high school glee club, features characters that are all multi-talented, passionate and opinionated. One only has to listen to Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch), head coach of the cheerleading squad to understand her character's depth.
On her Twitter account, the Glee Club's arch-nemesis recently posted, "health insurance is for the weak. I perform all my own medical procedures." Simply put, these characters stand out.
Young professionals face a tough climb. They're full of ambition, talent and determination but the climb is often a tough one. The competition is plentiful and opportunities sparse. How than do you stand out from among the crowd?
A hard work ethic and wisdom is important; but people also like working with those that they find interesting. Your Polish heritage plays a key role here. Embracing your dual identity as a Polish-Canadian will add depth to your character and in so doing improve your professional career.
Your Polish heritage and by extension, your European background provides a treasure trove of tools. Poles tend to be very versatile people. Adversity has taught them to roll up their sleeves and tackle any obstacle in their way. Certainly the culture and history that has been passed on for generations has deepened the Polish character. Poles are ambitious, creative and hard working. Further, Poland's positioning at the centre of Europe has allowed it to benefit from a wealth of culture. There is a fantastic tradition of great music, poetry and cinema. Even the dark and not so flattering aspects of Polish history offer many valuable lessons.
There is also a wealth of contemporary opportunities here. Modern Poland is a bit like the Wild West and having swung its doors open to the rest of Europe it has now been reinvigorated with a creative energy. Young Poles are hungry and are making the best of their opportunities. The result is a lot of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
t;span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; color: black;">Tapping into all of this can give you an edge at work. A stronger connection with Poland and your roots will provide you with fresh ideas, creative solutions and new approaches to old problems. You will also benefit from an additional perspective and a much wider world view. You'll be a more valuable resource to an employer simply because you'll be able to bring more to the table. You'll be a more dynamic employee with an ability to handle a myriad of problems and possess a personality versatile enough to shine in any social situation.
The trick to really benefit from all of this is to foster your ethnic connection. Don't just observe Polish customs and traditions; be an active participant. Read Polish magazines and books. Watch Polish television and immerse yourself in Polish culture. The internet provides an immediate link to Poland. Use this opportunity to join online groups and make connections - you'll learn from them as much as they will learn from you. The same goes for all European resources available to you. Most importantly take advantage of the multitude of programs and professional development opportunities that are open to you. The School for Polish Leaders Abroad and Poland in the Rockies are just two examples of amazing opportunities right at your fingertips. Finally, makes sure to stay in touch with your Polish-Canadian contemporaries here - this is precisely the reason why an organization like the Young Polish-Canadian Professionals Association was launched.
Canada prides itself as being a place of great diversity. The ability to benefit from one's heritage is available to all. In fact this was the original intent of the Canadian Multicultural Act. Unfortunately, many tend to wither this opportunity away. It's a tough and competitive world out there and staying in touch with your roots and playing an active part in your heritage can help you stand out from among the pack. Create a personality that's multi-faceted and like the character on Dexter and Glee, people (and your boss) will notice. CR
Picture: Glee cast. Courtesy of Global Television.
Filip Terlecki works in television as the Head of Research for the National Geographic Channel in Canada. He is an alumnus of the School for Polish Leaders Abroad and is one of the founders of the Young-Polish Canadian Professionals Association.
