Ciao ragazzi! Finally, we are here—the end of a magical two months. It’s bittersweet, looking back at my time in Orta Nova and remembering everything that happened. Here’s my recollection of a volunteering experience lived to the fullest.
Reflecting on my journey, I am filled with a mixture of emotions. These two months have been nothing short of transformative. The initial welcome at Orta Nova, the friendships forged, and the countless memories created are moments I will cherish forever. Our shared house, and the lovely quaint Kyathos, quickly became a second home filled with laughter, learning, and late-night conversations. I have learned a lot from a lot of people, grown in many ways and I have definitely broadened my horizon.
Throughout these two months, the most important part for me was the youth exchanges. We embarked on three remarkable ones: “Log In Back To Life,” “Mad About EU,” and “Spray It Away.” Each project brought its own unique lessons and opportunities for growth. “Log In Back To Life” taught me about mindfulness, social media addiction, and the importance of reconnecting with nature and mental health. As someone who grapples with these issues, the insights and techniques I gained were invaluable.
“Mad About EU” was a deep dive into discrimination, prejudices, and stereotypes and how we can use music to combat them. We, as Beyond Borders, supported another NGO called Dreams and Reality on their project. The discussions and activities underlined the significance of unity in diversity. It was also such a pleasure to create a song and music video on the topic with singers and artists from all over Europe. I had the chance to work on all the different departments of the creative teams, which taught me a lot.
“Spray It Away” focused on using art, particularly graffiti, to address social issues and promote positive change. This project unleashed our creativity and allowed us to express our hopes and concerns through vibrant murals. It was empowering to see how art can be a powerful tool for social commentary and community building. It was a nice addition to the previous project, where another form of art was used in a similar way. We also had a guest for our last project, a talented graffiti artist, who guided us throughout the process. A powerful and emotional end to our project run for sure.
Each project not only helped me grow intellectually and emotionally but also strengthened the bonds with my fellow volunteers, both local and international. The teamwork, shared challenges, and collective achievements created a sense of unity that I will always hold dear. The guidance and support from Maria, Sebastiano, Rocco, and Carmine were crucial in making these experiences so enriching. They were all so warm and helpful that they were able to create a sense of family.
The connections I’ve made here, with both the local community and my fellow volunteers, are precious. We’ve shared our cultures, stories, and dreams, and in doing so, we’ve built bridges that go beyond borders. I am incredibly grateful for the friendships that have blossomed and the unforgettable moments we’ve shared.
As I prepare to leave Orta Nova, my heart is heavy with the sadness of parting but also full of gratitude and hope. This journey has broadened my horizons, deepened my understanding of cultural exchange, and fostered personal growth in ways I never imagined. I have discovered new passions, improved my skills, and gained a clearer sense of direction for my future.
I hope to return here someday, to revisit these places and reconnect with the incredible people I’ve met. This experience has left a mark on my heart, and I will carry the lessons and memories with me always. Volunteering with Beyond Borders has truly been a transformative journey, and I am thankful for every moment.
Here’s to the adventures that lie ahead and the lifelong connections made during my time in Orta Nova. Grazie mille, and until we meet again.