Finding Purpose Along Izmir’s Shores
Merhaba! My name is Irmina. This year I finished high school in Poland and decided to embark on an adventure as a volunteer. The organization was chosen and it was the time to fly to Izmir. The purpose was to find meaning in life, but is it even possible? The best I can do is explore, learn, and grow in this majestic city of many shores. “The only journey is the one within.” as Rainer Maria Rilke once said – volunteering, provides an opportunity to embark on this inner journey, helping us explore our true selves while contributing to the greater good. In the process, we not only assist those in need but also learn more about our own values, purpose, and the impact we wish to create in the world. Let the story begin…
Our first activity as volunteers with the organization was held in Aşik Veysel, Izmir during the Small Children’s Festival. It was such a great experience. We had so much fun and got to be creative with the things that were given to us. We prepared plenty of origamis for children to color, made signs for face painting opportunities. We also came up with other ideas that all the passer-byers loved. Our tables were always crowded. Every space was occupied by someone painting the stencils, learning how to make origami or someone having their face painted.
I learned a lot during the activity but the most important thing for me was working together in a team and being creative. It was also the time I got to know how much I need to learn the Turkish language. If you, the reader, want to go for a similar exchange one day, start learning the language even before you come abroad. Thanks to our mentors from the PIXEL team we were able to communicate with the people at the fare. I will always be grateful for this experience.
Other volunteer work
Our daily life consists of many different workshops and activities. My favorite so far are the English Conversation Clubs all around Izmir. There are so many reasons why I love doing them. I am so grateful I can share my knowledge and allow other people to learn the language. By leading a conversation club I am developing valuable skills like communication, leadership, organization, and adaptability, which will help me later in my personal and professional life. At the end of the day, it’s the most rewarding experience to be a part of a learning community and shape future generations, even if only one person at a time.
Challenges
As human beings, especially in another country, we face some different challenges every day. Overcoming them makes us stronger and more confident. One of the biggest problems for me is the language. Only a small percentage of locals can speak English, but we are trying to communicate anyway. We study the Turkish language diligently, therefore one day this problem will be non-existent.
Cultural differences were a pretty big change for me. In Izmir, I quickly noticed that the approach to crossing the street was a bit different from what I was used to. People didn’t always wait for the pedestrian lights, and drivers often continued through intersections without stopping. It took some getting used to, but I adapted to the flow and found myself becoming more aware of my surroundings when crossing the road.
Also, another visible difference I had to adapt to was a more flexible attitude toward punctuality. Meetings and events often began a bit later than planned, and deadlines were sometimes treated as suggestions rather than strict limits. Unlike in many EU countries, where precise time management is emphasized, here there’s a more laid-back approach. Adjusting to this rhythm taught me to be more patient and adaptable, and I soon started embracing the relaxed flow of schedules.
My time in Izmir has been full of new challenges, cultural insights, and rewarding connections. From adjusting to different daily rhythms to immersing myself in local traditions and learning from the inspiring people around me, each day here has taught me something new. Volunteering abroad isn’t just about the work—it’s about opening yourself up to unfamiliar ways of living, connecting deeply with others, and embracing the surprises along the way. As I continue this journey, I’m excited to keep exploring, learning, and growing in this beautiful city that’s starting to feel like a second home. See you next time…
