I don’t remember anymore who I’ve told and who I haven’t — not long ago I happened to win a regional competition. More precisely, the regional stage of a national competition. And to be even more precise — I shared first place with an employee of a regional government body. I’m still not sure what swayed the jury into awarding two first places; maybe it was the fact that I’m just a regular village guy.
One way or another, a win is still a win — I brought glory to my district across the whole region (and I mean that without any sarcasm). They promised a cash prize — and gave nothing. I was a bit sad about it, but decided: it’s a crisis, what can you do. People can’t even make ends meet on their salaries.
However, I wouldn’t be writing these lines if the story ended there. When the regional administration sent an official inquiry to my workplace asking “will your winner travel to Kyiv?”, my management replied: “at his own expense — be our guest.” I was a little surprised (after all, it’s a state competition, so the business trip should be covered by state funds), but I agreed. I figured that either way, it would be a chance to visit friends and relatives in Kyiv. I’ll go.
But that’s still not all when it comes to money. A month passed. Next week is the competition stage in Kyiv. The regional leadership calls me and announces: “If you’re coming, bring us 145 hryvnias — one way.”
And there you have it. Not only am I going at my own expense, but apparently by bus too. I want to take the train. And now I’m wondering — will they at least provide accommodation? Or will we be sleeping at the train station? Because the competition runs for three days.
All these facts lead to some very discouraging thoughts about the state and its attitude toward its staff and people in general. I’ll go for a walk and think about whether any of this is worth it for me…