--- title: "Returning Stronger: Emily’s Journey of Resilience, Recovery and Growth" description: Emily’s journey through loss and cancer diagnosis highlights resilience and the importance of support in overcoming life's challenges and personal growth. image: https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(25)-1.png --- Resourcing the world - Newsroom - Newsroom - [Events](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/newsroom/events-listing) - [Latest News](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/latest-news) - About Us - About Us - [Ireland Company Profile](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/about-us/company-profile) - [Ireland Careers](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/about-us/ireland-careers) - [Ireland Management Team](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/about-us/ireland-management-team) - [Testimonials](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/about-us/testimonials) - [Veolia Water Technologies](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/about-us) - Veolia Water Technologies - 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Services - [Global Water Audits](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/services/global-water-audits) - [Hubgrade Digital Solutions](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hubgrade-digital-solutions) - [Installed Base Services](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/services/installed-base-services) - [Purified Laboratory Water](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/solutions/services/laboratory-products) - [Water Treatment Chemical Programs](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/services/water-treatment-chemical-programs) - [Mobile Water Services](https://www.watertechnologies.com/products/water-wastewater-services) - Resources - Resources - [Case Studies](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/resources/case-studies) Search [UN Goals](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/about-us/acting-and-committing-ecological-transformation) [Contact](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/contact-us) ![](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(25)-1.png) [![Reset](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hubfs/raw_assets/public/vwt-uk/images/back-arrow-icon.svg) Back](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie) # Returning Stronger: Emily’s Journey of Resilience, Recovery and Growth ![Veolia Water Technologies](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hubfs/Veolia%20Case%20Study%20Logo.jpg) by Veolia Water Technologies 14 October 2026 3 minutes read [![Reset](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hubfs/raw_assets/public/vwt-uk/images/back-arrow-icon.svg) Back](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie) Follow Connect with us When Emily Pieniak first visited Veolia’s Life Science Centre of Excellence, her focus was on developing her technical knowledge and becoming a better engineer. As a Field Service Engineer, the training gave Emily the opportunity to build her confidence, expand her understanding and gain valuable experience that she could bring back to her role. When she returned to the Centre this year for the next stage of her training, however, the experience was very different. Professionally, Emily returned with more confidence, experience and a deeper understanding of the systems she works with every day. Personally, she was returning after a year that had tested her in ways she could never have anticipated. ## A year that changed everything Unknown to many at the time of her first visit to the Centre, Emily had recently lost her nan to cancer. Having already lost both her mum and grandad to cancer, Emily and her nan had developed an incredibly close relationship. They spoke every day, making her loss particularly difficult. Shortly afterwards, Emily became seriously ill herself and was discharged from hospital just a week before attending her training course. Not long after that, while driving to a customer site, Emily received an unexpected call from her doctor. “You need to come in ASAP.” Knowing that something was seriously wrong, Emily immediately turned the car around, contacted her manager and went home. She was subsequently diagnosed with Stage 1 bowel cancer. *Nothing could have prepared her for hearing those words.* ## Learning to take each day as it comes While there were physical challenges throughout her treatment and recovery, the emotional and mental impact was even greater. Emily was dealing with the loss of her nan while simultaneously facing her own cancer diagnosis. She describes feeling empty, alone and angry, while struggling to properly process her grief because she needed to focus on her own recovery. There were positive days and there were difficult ones. Even now, when asked how she managed to remain positive, Emily says she doesn't always know the answer. One of the biggest lessons she took from the experience was learning that not everything can be controlled. Having dealt with injuries previously, Emily was accustomed to having a clear recovery plan, whether through physiotherapy or rehabilitation, with a defined goal to work towards. Cancer was different. It taught her to take each day as it comes, accept that some days would be harder than others and avoid becoming frustrated when things didn't go according to plan. Instead, she learned to adapt. ## Finding her way back to work ![DSC03049](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hs-fs/hubfs/DSC03049.jpg?width=803&height=603&name=DSC03049.jpg) *Returning to work became an important part of Emily's recovery.* It gave her focus and helped her adjust to life after treatment. Getting back into a routine, solving problems and supporting customers helped her rebuild some of the confidence she had lost. It also meant learning to listen to her body and adapt her day when necessary. Returning to the Life Science Centre of Excellence became another important milestone. This time, Emily wasn't simply returning as an engineer looking to develop her skills. She was returning with more experience, greater technical knowledge and a completely different perspective on life. Being back at the Centre provided a significant confidence boost and reminded her of how much she had developed, both professionally and personally. ## A different understanding of resilience Emily's experience has also changed the way she approaches challenges in her role as an engineer. One of the biggest changes has been becoming more comfortable asking for help. She has realised that she cannot always do everything herself and that asking for support is not a weakness. Instead, it can be an important part of overcoming a challenge. For Emily, resilience is not about never struggling. It is about being able to adapt to change, face difficult challenges and continue moving forward rather than giving up. One of the biggest turning points in her recovery came when she realised she needed to stop living in fear. Life can be challenging, both physically and mentally, but Emily didn't want fear to define what came next. ## The importance of support Emily credits a strong support network with helping her through the most difficult periods of her journey. Her family, friends and colleagues all played an important role, while support from Veolia also made a significant difference. Her manager provided an environment where Emily felt comfortable being honest about how she was feeling, whether that meant laughing, crying, becoming frustrated or simply saying that she couldn't talk that day. For Emily, support wasn't always about finding a solution. Sometimes, it was simply receiving a message while she was in hospital, having someone check in or knowing that people understood when she needed some space. *Those small acts of kindness made a huge difference.* ## Looking ahead The experience has changed Emily's outlook on both her personal and professional life. At work, she has become more determined and focused. Personally, she has developed a stronger desire to make the most of opportunities and experiences. Her message is simple: if there is something worth doing, don't be afraid to go for it. For anyone facing a cancer diagnosis or another difficult period in their life, Emily encourages people to be kind to themselves, accept support when it is offered and take each day as it comes. “You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.” Looking back, Emily would tell the person she was a year ago that the difficult moment she was experiencing would not define her future. A year from now, she believes, that person will look back with gratitude for how far she has come and how much stronger she has become. ### **A message from everyone at the Veolia Life Science Centre of Excellence, Celbridge** From everyone here at the Centre of Excellence, we are incredibly proud of you and wish you continued strength, happiness and success for everything that lies ahead. Your, resilience and determination throughout the past year have been truly inspiring. **We look forward to you again soon.**  ## Tags ## Related articles ![Subscribe](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hubfs/vwt-uk/subscribe.jpg) ## Sign up to blog notifications Receive the latest blog updates. {|error|} By checking this box, you agree to **Veolia Water Technologies's** [Privacy Policy](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/privacy-policy-veolia-water-technologies) and you agree to receive information on our products and services. Keep me informed ## Thank you for subscribing. 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