These last months in Izmir have been some of the most beautiful and intense of my life. When I first arrived, I didn’t know exactly what to expect — a new country, a new language, new people. But now, as I prepare to leave, I realize just how deeply this experience has touched me.
Of course, there were difficult moments. The tiredness from the long days, the distance from home, the cultural differences, the language barriers. But all of that was softened — even transformed — by the people I met. The other volunteers became like a second family to me. We shared everything: work, dinners, laughter, and sometimes even tears. We supported each other, we grew together. And slowly, Izmir started to feel like home.
This city has something special. Maybe it’s the light, the sea, the kindness of the people, or the way the streets come alive in the evening. I know I’m leaving a piece of my heart here. And I’m bringing back with me countless memories: the projects we created, the children’s smiles, the workshops, the spontaneous dancing, the shared meals, the late-night conversations, the trips that turned into little adventures.
But most of all, I’m bringing back the feeling of having lived something real. Something that changed me. I’ve met people who opened my eyes, who made me feel seen and valued. I’ve learned to be more patient, more curious, more open. I’ve learned that communication goes far beyond words.
This is not just a volunteer experience. It’s a life experience. And I’ll tell everyone about it, because I truly believe everyone should live something like this at least once. It teaches you how to love, how to overcome obstacles, and how to appreciate the little things.
Now that it’s time to say goodbye, everything feels bittersweet. I don’t want to leave, but I know that these sad and nostalgic feelings are part of the beauty of it all. They mean that it mattered. That it was real.
Thank you, PIYA, for giving me this opportunity. Thank you, Informagiovani, for always being by our side. Thank you to all the volunteers who became my family. Thank you to my Turkish friends who welcomed me with open arms. And thank you, Izmir, for everything you gave me.
You will always have a place in my heart.