Name: Maryisa Huseynova
Project Title: Activate the Local Environment 2.0
Type of program: European Solidarity Corps
Organiser: Semper Avanti, Poland
Sending Organisation: Bridge to the future, Azerbaijan
Volunteering is a powerful way to give back to the community, gain valuable skills, and create lasting memories. At the beginning of the year, I embarked on a volunteering journey that not only changed the lives of others but also transformed my own perspective on life. In this article, I will share my meaningful volunteering experience, highlighting the lessons I learned, the challenges I faced, and the profound impact it had on me.
My volunteering journey commenced with excitement and curiosity. I packed my bags, full of anticipation, and embarked on an adventure that would change my life.
One of the most enriching aspects of my ESC experience was the opportunity to work alongside volunteers from different countries. The diversity of our backgrounds and perspectives created a vibrant atmosphere of learning and mutual understanding. Together, we forged friendships that transcended borders.
As an ESC volunteer, I was pushed out of my comfort zone on numerous occasions. Whether it was overcoming language barriers, adapting to a new culture, or taking on leadership roles, each challenge allowed me to grow as an individual. I developed problem-solving skills, resilience, and a heightened sense of responsibility.
While volunteering is a highly rewarding and enriching experience, it’s important to acknowledge that there can be some side effects or challenges associated with volunteering. Being in a foreign country means you may encounter language and cultural barriers that can hinder effective communication and understanding. This can be frustrating and challenging. Language or cultural barriers can make communication difficult. This can hinder effective collaboration and understanding. Additionally, staying away from home for a long time has effects such as homesickness and missing relatives.
Despite everything, my journey as an ESC volunteer has been an incredible and life-changing experience.It allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals, enriched my own life in ways I could never have imagined and grow as a person.