A Ukranian from Lithuania: The Second and Last Month in Türkiye

 

Hello again! This is my second and last blog-post during this term, which I want to dedicate to the topic of Volunteering itself. I want to share the reflections and findings regarding that, which we were able to formulate during those two months of our experience so far. There are only 5 more days left before we depart. And you can feel that kind of atmosphere when everyone has a bit of mixed moods about saying goodbyes so soon and leaving the new discovered comfort zone, and glad at the same time for everything we got through.
Before accepting this challenging offer to go to the program abroad to be called an international ESC volunteer I knew no one, just as the majority of us. But what happened is that we created a real family. 

Group of people from completely different countries gathered for something special. From accommodation and food share to deep soul connections and common sense of humor. Two birthdays during this time. Staying overnight at somebody’s place. Traveling around the country and exploring together. Crying and laughing. Getting those unique dead jokes to be understood only between us. Creative marvelous projects with the help of collective mind, hand by hand. The way we all somehow complete each other… this is a true friendship with all its aspects. We are definitely gonna keep in contact after. “From ‘me’ to ‘we’ with Erasmus”.

Our caring boss and mentors are also to be mentioned. There are lots of things to miss…

Except for people, our chance to be here allowed me to perceive the concept of Solidarity. Now I can sincerely confess that I feel changes, particularly, there is a tangible difference. My mindset has expanded and I became even more conscious than ever before. Continuous learning activates, and your mind constantly searches for some solutions and gets ideas. Non-formal education performs its primary aim.

Volunteering turns out to be not about help only. This is a style of life. New philosophy and driving force. This is something that opens your heart… When you are making boxes in the circle of your friends and putting some foods and goods there to be supplied to families with the children who have oncology, you realize you are here for something important. In this life. This fulfills it with a higher meaning. When you give motivational speeches at the university for students who are wondering about your path and seeking some inspiration and piece of advice. Or when you just play with kids to entertain them and boost their development in intellectual games. When you prepare Speaking clubs to help people to improve their language skills and overcome fear. When you hold these precious Cultural Evenings to spread the knowledge about your countries among other foreigners in front of you, and catch that thought your presentation and its way builds the whole world, causing mindset shifts and upgrades.

Your personality transforms. You are never the same anymore you were before volunteering.

Whether you want them or not, changes come. For that reason whatever you want to get better - communicational, organizational, practical, leadership skills, adaptability and internationalization - exchange youth projects are here for that purpose. So many surprises, so many new people are yet to come to your life. Just let it happen. Apply and go.

As I mentioned in the beginning, I knew no one. It was like a step into the darkness of a cave. But some time later I already stepped inside the real caves in Cappadocia, and all expectations were met.

In addition at last, I want to advise a couple of places to visit from my own recent experience – one spot in Ankara and one city in Türkiye.

The first is the Presidential Library. It’s really grand and special. I’ve never visited anything like this before. Moreover, it is located in a very interesting area of Ankara with modern high-rise buildings in creative designs, in particular, there is a mosque nearby.

Access to the library is free, at the entrance security control will only check your passport. Going there initially I hoped to walk around for a little time and just take pictures. But seeing the place in person, I literally couldn’t get enough of it and cut admiration of the aesthetics of everything. Architecture, interior... ranging from a huge globe in the main hall and these countless vintage bookshelves on every floor, when you look up and feel an inexhaustible source of information... to paintings, stairs, elevators, up to the books I randomly selected with pictures of my beloved Istanbul. It really took my heart, and in total, I spent about three hours there. I even caught a dip in the atmosphere of kinda "Harry Potter".

So if you are impressed, take your time to visit. I recommend to go there on a sunny day at sunset, so you will see the library in the golden rays of the sun and you will be able to observe its set (the library also has numerous terraces with views to all sides), and illumination when it gets dark around and the evening lights come on.

The second is the city of Trabzon. Straight away I let you know that it’s really far, 12 hours by bus one way. I went there to meet my Erasmus friend. And never regretted. The city is located on the coastline of Black Sea, there are lots of palms and cedars. Nature there is completely different, and it’s gorgeous. We were going to places in the mountains (so high that there was snow even), riding by car on the roads literally betweens the cliffs with the numerous small rivers and waterfalls on our way, and spring flowers. Fog, rains, sun. Karadeniz region traditional head accessories with pendants. So, if you want to explore another part of Türkiye, you can go there. Absolutely lovely.

All the best!

For any questions and suggestions, you can reach me by @valeria_kushnirova in Insta.