RSPD Participants Share Their Experiences

As part of our coverage of the RSPD School, we interviewed two participants – Ivana Vlašković and Danijel Bačan – and asked them the same set of questions to learn more about their experiences, motivations, and reflections on the program. Here’s what they shared:

.           

Mentor Bingo
How would you describe your mentor in three words?

Ivana: Inspiring, organized, patient.
Danijel: Supportive, insightful, motivating.

Green Microphone
 If you had a “green microphone” to send a message to decision-makers, what would you say?

Ivana:  Ecology is a continuous process shaped by our daily actions.
Danijel: Make sustainable choices the easiest choices – we need real action, not just awareness.

Classic questions
What are you most proud of?

Ivana: I applied to gain practical experience in advocacy and policy writing, and I got much more – new friendships, unforgettable memories, and a deeper understanding of environmental issues. I also became more familiar with EU environmental regulations and how they affect candidate countries like Serbia and North Macedonia, as well as member states like Croatia.
Danijel: I helped coordinate communication and kept everyone on track. I’m proud of how smoothly everything went, even under pressure and tight deadlines.

Behind the Scenes
What did you do when you weren’t working ?

Ivana: We explored cities, took countless photos, and spent evenings in deep conversations about life, our dreams, and the future. 
Danijel: We mostly bonded over badly made coffee, chaotic card games, and collectively pretending we had a solid plan for the next day (we didn’t).

Photos That Speak Louder Than Reports
If you were a photo from the project, which one would you be and why?

Ivana: The chaotic SpongeBob brain meme – it perfectly captures the creative chaos of writing policy briefs together. 

Image source: Still from the animated series SpongeBob SquarePants (Nickelodeon / Viacom), edited using ImageResizer Meme Generator

Danijel: Gratitude – for the people, the laughs, and the feeling that we were part of something truly meaningful.

Final Message for Future Participants
Ivana: Be curious, stay open, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
Danijel: This program is about more than learning policy – it’s about learning from each other. Embrace the chaos of teamwork, ask questions, share ideas, and enjoy every moment – it will stay with you far beyond the project.

Through Ivana’s and Danijel’s words, it’s clear that Regional School for Political Development is not just an educational program – it’s an experience of growth, connection, and shared purpose that leaves a lasting impact.