My ESC volunteering experience in Izmir continues to be an exciting journey full of learning, challenges, and unforgettable moments. As the new year begins, I can already feel how much I’ve grown, both personally and professionally.
In late December, I took a short break to return to France for Christmas. It was a great opportunity to recharge, spend quality time with family, and reflect on everything I’ve experienced since arriving in Türkiye. But as much as I enjoyed being home, I was excited to return to Izmir to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Ringing in 2025 in this vibrant city with fellow volunteers and friends was a fantastic experience — one I won’t forget!
One major change in my volunteering journey is that I’ve stopped working at the office to fully focus on my workshops. While mentoring volunteers in Nepal and contributing to humanitarian aid programs was fulfilling, I realized that my true passion lies in teaching and organizing workshops. This shift allows me to put all my energy into creating engaging sessions for my participants, who continue to make impressive progress.
And speaking of progress, my workshops are evolving in ways I didn’t anticipate. Many of the participants have surpassed the beginner level, which is both exciting and challenging. Teaching English to a group with mixed levels requires constant adaptation, creativity, and problem-solving. It pushes me to become a better educator, and I’m enjoying the process of finding new ways to make lessons effective and engaging for everyone.
Beyond work, sports have played a big role in my time here. In the past few weeks, I’ve had the chance to attend several matches, each offering a unique atmosphere. I experienced the electric energy of a basketball game in Karşıyaka, where the local team faced off against Fenerbahçe. I also watched a football match in Buca and a thrilling volleyball game between Göztepe and Karşıyaka. Sports culture in Izmir is intense, and being part of these events has given me a deeper appreciation for the city’s passion and spirit.
As I move forward in 2025, I know there will be more challenges, especially with the growing complexity of my workshops. But I’m ready to embrace them, keep learning, and continue making the most of this incredible opportunity. Izmir still has so much to offer, and I’m excited to see what’s next!
