Hello and welcome to my second blog post about my volunteering in Türkiye. It’s hard to believe how much time has flown by since my first post a few months ago. A lot has changed since then, and I’m now halfway through this experience. Time seems to be slipping through my fingers, but the more I go on the more I’m getting used to the activities I’m involved in.
This journey is somehow teaching me much about myself and helping me develop both personally and professionally. I’ve come to appreciate the value of adaptability and learning through challenges, and I’m grateful for every lesson this experience brings.
In this blog post, I’ll share more about my volunteering with the PI Youth Association, dive into my social life here, and some of the beautiful places I’ve had the chance to explore. I’ll also take a moment to reflect on my inner journey, on how this experience has shaped my perspective, challenged me to grow, and contributed to my personal development.
My workshops
I’m taking the workshops at a much easier pace now that I’m more confident with them. Most of them continue as usual, and everything is starting to feel more natural. Looking back to just a few months ago, I can see how much some things have changed and, at the same time, some things have stayed the same.
My favourite activities remain those at the refugee centre where I’ve noticed that the bonds I’m forming with the people there are growing stronger and more meaningful. It’s incredibly fulfilling to feel those connections deepen with each passing week.
December brought some changes. The introduction of new activities gave me some motivation just when I was about to lose it, perhaps because routine was having its effects. At the moment, I’m also working with very young children, and it’s such a refreshing time. They remind me of the joy in simple, carefree moments—running, jumping, drawing—without the pressure of expectations or rigid plans. It’s freeing to let go of some structures and just enjoy the spontaneity of these activities.
My life in Izmir
My life in Izmir is now way busier than a few months ago, filled with more responsibilities, a mix of events, an active social life, and thoughts about the future. I’m going out quite a lot, I’m meeting new people every week, and I’m realizing just how grateful I am for the people I’ve met along the way. Each interaction adds value to this experience, thanks to shared point of views, meaningful conversations, or simply learning from the perspectives of others.
Of course, having a lot of conversations with different people also leads to some reflection. The challenges I face inevitably lead me to think more about my future and how this experience will shape the path ahead. Thankfully, it’s during these moments of uncertainty that the support of other people becomes vital, reminding me that I don’t have to deal with these thoughts alone.
Visiting New Places
A few weeks ago, I travelled to the southeast of Türkiye with some ESC volunteers from Izmir. We visited three cities: Gaziantep, Mardin and Diyarbakır where we participated in a training together with other ESC volunteers from across Türkiye.
It was very interesting, not only because I got to learn about the different ways people approach ESC projects but also because of the way that region of the country is different from what I’ve been used to here, and this deepened my understanding of Türkiye’s rich diversity. Diyarbakır was especially stunning for me and the energy of the city is unforgettable.
Visiting new places has always been more than just exploration for me, it’s about stepping out of my usual life and discovering that there is much more than I thought. Embracing something different makes me somehow question myself and my choices. Each new place or person I discover brings a new perspective, challenging the way I see myself and what’s around me.
At the same time, it is also good to come back to what’s familiar and appreciate what I have. No matter where I go or what I encounter, at the end of the day what I want is to try to get the best out of what I do.
Looking ahead
I’m changing, growing, and understanding so much about myself during this experience. Every challenge I’ve faced has been an opportunity to learn and grow, teaching me the importance of staying on the path, even when it feels difficult.
I don’t know exactly what the next few months will bring, but one thing is certain: the time I’ve spent here is shaping me into a different person, in ways I may not fully realize yet. A version of myself that is more aware and open to life’s possibilities.