1. Hi! Please tell us a little about yourself, and what brought you to CERN?

Hi everyone. My name is Marco Scocco, I'm a 28 year-old technician taking part at CERN in the Technician Training Experience Programme (TTE), from Italy. I am interested in mechanics, mechatronics, and technology, and I am always eager to learn and further develop my skills. Furthermore, I worked in Italy and Malta before joining CERN and have done a lot of volunteering work in Italy, which helped me to grow up a lot - I think helping other people helps yourself to be positive and gives you another perspective in life.

I love travelling, knowing new cultures, meeting new people, doing sports, playing drums etc. Since I was a child, I considered CERN like a peak to reach/a mountain to climb or the moon for an astronaut. With my curiosity, my knowledge and thanks to the support of my family, friends and coaches throughout my life, I am now at CERN! I don't want to stop, I want to "push my life to the limit", using a racing metaphor. 

2. What do you do at CERN today?

I am currently working for the SY-EPC-LPC (low voltage power converters) team. My main activities are:

• CAD design. I created the 3D model of the power converter HL-LHC2kA-10V with all the 2D drawing for the custom mechanical parts, Bill of materials, datasheets, etc with some modules. Now I am doing the same thing for the new power converter: HL-LHC600A-10V.
• Electring wiring schematics and cable list for the modules.
• Mechanical assembly of the modules. Creating cables and soldering some components, like resistors, capacitors, etc. 
• Running a few experiments to calculate the power, voltage and the current in real situation.
• Purchasing the commercial parts for our converters.

3. What is working at CERN like for you?

Working here is a "chance", using my supervisor's word. I think it's the best word he used on the 1st day I met him. It's a chance to learn, work and have a good time at the same time. Every day is a challenge, and I want to learn as much as possible from my colleagues during my time at CERN. I also want to share the knowledge gained.

CERN is a place you can meet new people every day from every nation. Different cultures can give you a complete vision of the world, and I hope this year to meet new people and share my experience. I met new amazing people even during my French courses organized by CERN - which are very good. I love the CERN clubs as well, and soon I will join the CERN ski club. I am sure it will be amazing. So #staytuned! Then the future will be written by me, and here I can put the basics for a brighter one.

4. What have been the main challenges you encountered along the way?

Since I was 4 years old, I discovered to have a neurological problem that influenced my life a lot. That's why I want to give all the best of myself in any situation, even when everyone surrenders and gives up. Sometimes it may appear that I am stuck or angry with everyone, but in reality, I am recovering the energy to do a better work for the next time. Sometimes I just need some time for myself. I meditate, and I always find a good reason to carry on. I believe a challenge is an obstacle to overcome.  I would like to publish my autobiography soon to explain how many difficulties I had to overcome and how I won my fear and issues!

5. What advice would you give potential applicants?

I suggest everyone to give yourself a chance, believe in you. You'll never know if you never try. Life is only one, and you'll never know what it's going to happen. It could be the best opportunity of your life! Give your best and never think it's impossible. As Kobe Bryant said: "be fast or be last, just do it!". Your time is now, don't delay it! I hope to leave a message of hope to everyone because we are a single a part of a big puzzle and without a single part, it cannot be considered complete. And to conclude, I say everyone to be positive in any moment. It could be difficult, I know that, but you have to act. The next person could be you!

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