Merhaba everyone! I’m Sarra, a 22-year-old French woman who just graduated with a bachelor’s degree and recently became a short-term volunteer with Pi Youth Association. Let me share my experience in Izmir with you and how I came to this decision.
Why volunteering? Although I was familiar with volunteering, this is my first experience. After graduation, I wasn’t sure about which master’s degree to pursue, but I knew I wanted to try volunteering. A year-long break seemed like the perfect opportunity. After some research with my local association, I found the Pi Youth Association’s ESC project in Izmir, and their goals and wants for the youth aligned perfectly with my values and interests.
Since arriving on November 14, 2024, I’ve been immersed myself in Turkish culture—enjoying its landscapes, vibrant cities, amazing food, and its welcoming people. In just two months, I’ve grown a lot, becoming more confident and open to new experiences. It’s amazing to think that I arrived in an unfamiliar country with just two weeks of preparation and made it my home. The people I’ve met here, – other volunteers, the kids and adults I work with, the office team, and especially my local mentor – have made this experience unforgettable.
Indeed, while I was teaching others during the workshops I was at the same time learning from them. Something I didn’t expect, something I had no experience of, but in the end this is what made me grow the most— I had to adapt myself and my knowledge to different groups of students, going from babies of around 5 years old to grown-ups in their 60’s. Thankfully, I could also enjoy some free time here in Izmir — free time that I spent mostly in bazaars and sightseeing. I also had the opportunity to visit Istanbul— something I had always wanted to do, and it was absolutely mesmerizing.
I today consider myself completely satisfied and very happy with how this experience turned out. I am thankful for the association and the people that trusted me, the volunteers that helped me and with whom I’ve shared this whole adventure and became friends with. And for sure, I encourage everyone to try this kind of experience if the opportunity present itself.
