It is hard to believe that I am already six months into my volunteering journey in Turkey. What started as an exciting leap into the unknown has slowly become a place of routine, connection, and growth. Over time, my experience here has evolved in ways I could not have fully imagined when I first arrived. Since January, our volunteering activities have changed significantly. Unfortunately, we no longer visit kindergartens, which was initially a big part of our work. While this was disappointing at first, the change opened the door to new and equally meaningful opportunities. It pushed us to think creatively and explore different ways to engage with the community.
One of the most impactful experiences during these past months was organizing and delivering a workshop on gender equality together with other volunteers. We worked with children to help them better understand equality between genders, encouraging open discussions and challenging stereotypes in an age-appropriate way. Seeing how curious, thoughtful, and engaged the children had reminded me how important early education is when it comes to building a more equal future. It felt empowering to be part of a space where learning went both ways. Another workshop that is especially close to my heart was one I organized myself: building carton houses for street cats. As anyone who has spent time in Turkey knows, cats are everywhere and very much a part of daily life. During the winter months, nights can get extremely cold and windy, and many street cats struggle to stay warm. Together, we built simple but cozy shelters to help protect them from the weather. It was a small act, but a meaningful one. And honestly, I have now petted so many cats that I have completely lost count. One of the most memorable moments of my volunteering so far was accompanying a day trip to Ödemiş for people with special needs. The trip gave me the chance to meet many new, inspiring, and genuinely interesting people. The atmosphere was full of warmth, laughter, and openness. Beyond just the day itself, we were also given the opportunity to discuss and plan possible workshops with them in the future, which is something we are incredibly excited about. Knowing that this connection will continue makes the experience even more special.
Outside of volunteering, life in Turkey has been full of simple joys. I have enjoyed countless plates of delicious Turkish food, from comforting home-style meals to street food shared with friends. My Turkish has improved more than I expected, thanks to daily practice and the patience of the people around me. Slowly but surely,conversations feel easier, more natural, and more rewarding. Looking back at these six months, I realize how much I have grown. Not just as a volunteer, but as a person. This experience has taught me adaptability, empathy, and the value of community. And while I know there is still time left in my journey here, I am already deeply thankful for everything Turkey has given me so far.