To all the future volunteers, enjoy the insights of my volunteering journey in Italy! Love, rosie:)
As the sun sets over the rolling hills of Italy, casting a golden glow upon ancient architecture and landscapes, I find myself reflecting on the transformative journey I’ve embarked on as a European Solidarity Corps (ESC) volunteer. Seven months into my adventure, I’ve been fortunate to witness the beauty of this country, immerse myself in its rich culture, and most importantly, make a meaningful impact in the lives of the VET students I’ve closely worked with.
My decision to volunteer in Italy was fueled by a desire to challenge myself, broaden my horizons, and contribute to positive change. Little did I know that this journey would not only test my limits but also redefine my understanding of life in its different forms, cultures and personal growth.
Working alongside VET students has been both rewarding and challenging. Teaching them essential skills such as communication in another language, decision-making, willingness and pushing them out of their comfort zone has not only empowered them but has also provided me with a sense of fulfillment. Witnessing their progress, from hesitant learners to confident individuals ready to conquer the world, has been nothing but inspiring.
However, amidst the highs, there have been lows. There were moments of doubt, frustration, and homesickness. There were times when the workload wasn’t enough,the boredom was kicking and the language barrier felt insurmountable. And then there were the days when I questioned my decision to come live and develop myself as a person in Italy.
One of the toughest challenges I faced was the period of uncertainty when there was no work assigned to me. It was during these moments of downtime that I truly understood the importance of patience and resilience. Instead of focusing on the negatives, I used this time to explore Italy, immerse myself in its culture, and learn the language. Every setback became an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery.
As I look back on the past seven months, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. Despite the hardships and obstacles, I’ve achieved every goal I set for myself, even before the 12-month mark. From mastering the art of being patient and
consistent with my goals,to being fluid and flexible within my routines and finally to be able to express and communicate in Italian, I’ve grown in ways I never thought possible.
The most significant achievement of all is the profound impact this experience has had on me as a person. It has taught me the value of adaptability, the power of perseverance, and the beauty of embracing the unknown.It has shown me that growth lies not in the
destination, but in the journey itself.
As I continue on this one in a lifetime adventure, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities I’ve been given, the lessons I’ve learned, and the people I’ve met along the way. And as the sun sets once again, casting its golden glow over the Italian landscape, I am reminded that the greatest adventures are often the ones that challenge us the most.
This program is co-funded by the European Solidarity Corps program of the European Union.
The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an
endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be
held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. //
Подкрепата на Европейската комисия за изготвянето на настоящата публикация не представлява
одобрение на съдържанието, което отразява гледните точки само на авторите и не може да се търси
отговорност от Комисията за всяка употреба, която може да бъде използвана за информацията,
съдържаща се в нея.
