I am currently an ESC volunteer at the Youth Center in Bucharest, a place where I had the opportunity to develop both my communication and organizational skills. It was the first time I participated in a volunteering experience, and it motivated me to continue on this path.
I found out about this opportunity through a friend who had been a volunteer at this center for several months.
What motivated me to sign up for this project was the fact that a few months earlier I had participated in an exchange program that strongly motivated me to learn new things and improve the way I communicate. After that European project, I realized that such opportunities open many doors, like meeting different people and it pushes you to step out of your comfort zone. It is very important to meet people from different backgrounds, with a culture and customs different from your own. Through the activities created at the center, we were able to bring all of these experiences to as many people as possible. Through the various projects that took place, participants were able to discover different environments and even speak with people from those backgrounds, learn about other cultures in depth, and perhaps even develop a passion for them.
Secondly, the friend who introduced me to the center motivated me greatly to sign up, as he spoke highly of his experience, telling me how he felt included, and that he had the chance to meet people from all over the world. The way the activities are organized, in a friendly environment that encourages collaboration among volunteers, was one of the things I appreciated the most. Whenever I encountered a problem, I never hesitated to speak with someone for help, and people were always willing to assist me.
In most cases, the fear is not feeling integrated, but here, even though you meet people completely different from yourself, I never once felt that way. On the contrary, the fact that we are all here with the same purpose, to help and promote the activities, is something that bonds you to the people you spend time and work with.
Finally, I can wholeheartedly recommend this type of experience, as it makes you want to keep being part of this environment. It is a welcoming place that you look forward to returning to, and it motivates you both personally and professionally.
