I am currently an ESC volunteer at the Youth House in Oradea, and this opportunity has been meaningful and helpful in many ways.
When you are young and at the beginning of your career, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Everybody seems to be moving so fast, and there is always that lingering thought: “Am I doing enough? Should I be achieving more by now?”
Volunteering through the European Solidarity Corps helped me better understand what I want to do and how I want to do it. It allowed me to develop skills that I might have been too anxious to fully use before, such as organizing events and communicating with potential partners and collaborators. It also helped me clear my path from many “what ifs.
” Instead of constantly questioning whether I should try something different, I began focusing on what truly aligns with my values and interests. On a personal level, I realized that when you invest your time in projects that truly resonate with you, you gain more than you expect, even if the experience is temporary and just one chapter in your journey.
What I am most proud of so far is organizing activities and events focused on mental health. It had been a long-time dream of mine to create small spaces where, even for just a few hours, people could connect, be open, and discuss intimate, vulnerable topics, the kinds of conversations that are often only seen on reels or podcasts. Seeing my plans and objectives
come to life gave me a new sense of self and confidence.
Learning to say “no” and set my own boundaries has been equally important. Working closely with others, especially in an international setting, naturally brings challenges (from language differences to differing perspectives). Recognizing and honoring your own needs early on is crucial for growth and well-being.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that volunteering through ESC is kind of like a trial. It gives you the chance to truly “test” your passions if you choose a niche that excites you, while also allowing you to expand your horizons, learning new things, discovering opportunities, and improving skills along the way. It is a unique opportunity to grow both personally and professionally, while contributing to something meaningful.