Mickey Mouse Routine

I am a huge fan of the workplace morning routine. Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert, explains that having a routine in your workplace will give you a greater feeling of control, set your focus, and make you more productive. Before the COVID-19 crisis abruptly ended our study abroad experience, I had formed a new routine in Brussels.

Each morning on the way to European Parliament, I would read the latest news and take 7 stops to Luxembourg, which drops you right in front of the 15-story-tall postmodern styled building named after Altiero Spinelli. Entering the main building of the European parliament, I would present my badge to security and pass through the glass revolving doors. Next, I would stop at the IT desk to collect the daily login information for the visitors’ WIFI before reporting to my office on the eleventh floor. Most days, I would pick up coffee for my bosses and myself from the Mickey Mouse café, a delightfully colorful café inside the parliamentary building. Although my morning routine in Brussels was simple, it helped me adapt to my new work environment, reduced stress and created consistency in my work.

Living in a new country can be nerve-racking, especially if you are working in large institutions like the European Parliament. By creating the structure that accompanies a routine, I soon became familiar and comfortable with my workplace and around the other individuals in my office. This comfort boosted my confidence, enabling me to work more freely with my coworkers and bosses. Asking my bosses for clarification on an assignment or to gain more experience by sitting in on meetings was no longer stressful. Learning my bosses’ routines allowed me to predict their schedules. For example, one of my bosses liked to take a break around 3 pm most days, so without communication, I knew I should try to submit my assignment before then so he could review them.

The best part of my routine was spending Thursday evenings with my fellow interns sharing drinks and work stories at a bar near the European Parliament. Place Lux is the hot spot for young interns and staff working in the European Parliament to mingle with their peers after the MEPs go home for the weekend. For me, this signaled the end of the workweek and was a great way to bond with fellow Furman students and my coworkers. I learned a lot about other students’ experiences as interns outside of the classroom setting, which promoted open communication, a strong work ethic, and a greater comprehension of the responsibilities and aspirations of each individual.

When Greta Thunberg came to Brussels, I was unable to attend her address to Parliament. According to the Washington Post, the European Parliament has banned external visitors for the next three weeks as a precaution against the fast-spreading coronavirus but waived its own rule for Greta’s visit. Although I was unable to experience her speech firsthand, some of my peers were able to tell me all about the event, the atmosphere, and the reception of Greta’s speech later that night over a meal and drinks. Creating this routine allowed me to adapt to my new culture and my place in it while bonding with my fellow Parliamentary interns.

As someone whose life revolves around their planner, I understand how routines can appear boring and stifling. On the contrary, routines can pave the way to productivity, fulfillment and exceeding our known potential. During my time in Brussels, my routine provided me with a comfortable work environment, a strong group of friends, and a way to experience the highlights of interning in Belgium.