Right now, I am an ESC volunteer at Fundația Județeană de Tineret Alba (FJTA). This journey was a very important experience of my life in terms of personal growth and professional guidance. In my first days of adult life but still young man, I felt pressure when I tought what to do in my life; and the fact that I didn’t have a direction was heavier day by day. Nowadays, all the world is going with a lot of velocity and you have to figure out how to join this travel, because there are not many good oportunities left, and it’s more difficult to create your own chance than to take one. For that, you have to know yourself and to be aware of your skills, in order to take advantage of them and have a big impact nearby. Volunteering throught the European Solidarity Corps has provided the space and time I needed in order to find out a way that leads me to improve and get me from overthinking point to le’s do it! point.
One of the most important things I have done here was to share my experience with other. What I have valued most during my time here is the opportunity to bridge the gap between the fear of public speaking and the art of authentic communication. I had the chance to lead workshops on emotional management and speech structuring, helping others understand how to handle nerves and express their ideas clearly in front of an audience. Organizing these activities wasn't just about teaching techniques, it was about building confidence, both for the participants and for myself. Seeing someone who could barely speak above a whisper at the beginning of a session deliver a thoughtful, steady message by the end gave me a deep sense of fulfillment. It allowed me to sharpen my skills in facilitation and empathetic communication, showing me how to turn personal vulnerability into a real tool for connecting with people.
To be honest, what really made this experience special wasn't the tasks themselve, it was the people around me. Being part of a team where everyone genuinely listens and ideas actually get built together? That's a game changer. Yes, the official workshops taught me a lot, but I learned just as much from quietly observing the other sessions happening around me. The moments that truly stayed with me were the small, unplanned ones, solving a problem over coffee, or seeing something from a completely different angle thanks to a colleague.
I've come to see ESC volunteering as a kind of dress rehearsal for real life. You get to explore what you truly care about, but in a setting where it's totally fine to stumble. It helped me stop worrying about "what if I'm not good enough?" and start paying attention to what actually lights me up. This journey at FJT Alba is more than just a chapter I'll leave behind, it's a valuable opportunity to grow, to figure out who I am, and to contribute to something that feels meaningful.
