From Processes to People: How Xenia Found Her Place in Healthcare
From Processes to People: How Xenia Took the Step into Healthcare
Xenia Bianca Cionca speaks Romanian, Hungarian, and English at home, and Dutch at work. In Romania, she worked as a documentation specialist at an international car factory. She managed processes and procedures, developed technical documentation, and ensured quality standards. But in 2021, moving to Belgium changed her life.
Xenia Bianca Cionca: “My husband had been living here since 2018, and I visited regularly. Eventually, we decided to stay here together. It was a difficult decision because in Romania I had everything: a stable job, family always ready to help, and my grandmother who cooked for us. Here, I had to start over, literally from scratch.”
Intensive Dutch Learning and Practice
"Once we made the decision, I wanted to learn Dutch as quickly as possible. Learning the language shows respect for the country where you live and work. I found a place in a daycare for our baby and enrolled at Crescendo CVO in Heist-op-den-Berg. I chose the intensive course: four days a week, four hours per day. Within a year, I reached level 2.2. I listened to Dutch radio, watched films, read magazines, and later books on communication, psychology, and healthcare. These are topics I am truly interested in."
"I also practiced at least an hour every day. It wasn’t always easy, but doing it daily helped. The lessons were interactive and fun, with games, dialogues, and role-plays. The teacher was fantastic. At first, it was quite challenging because everything was in Dutch immediately, usually without explanations in English. But it was a positive experience that also helped me find my way in Belgium. I still keep in touch with some fellow students."
The Residents’ Smiles
"While still taking NT2 classes, I saw on Facebook that WZC Putte was looking for housing assistants. I didn’t know exactly what it entailed, but it was nearby, and I was ready. The first interview went well, the second too, and I could start almost immediately. I’ve now been working there for three years, and I enjoy it. It’s rewarding to care for others. I see the residents’ smiles when I arrive and ask how they are doing. Sometimes, I am the only connection they have. We’re not just staff there, but a kind of family."
Making the World Better
"I think I have finally found what I was always looking for: working with people. I love helping others and making their day a little better. In the future, I might work with children in childcare. But for that, I’ll need additional training."
"What have I learned? Everything starts with yourself. If you do good and are a good person, the world around you will also improve. I truly believe in that."