This past month, I had the unforgettable experience of volunteering with Beyond Borders as part of an ESC project. Even though it was a short period, the impact it had on me was profound. I learned so much about myself and had the opportunity to meet incredible people from various cultures.
During the project, we hosted a Youth Exchange for a week with participants from different countries. Meeting these people and learning about their diverse perspectives was truly enjoyable and enlightening. My main role involved managing social media, taking photos, and creating and editing videos. Through this work, I discovered a deep interest and talent in digital media that I hadn’t fully realized before. The constant support and encouragement from the Beyond Borders team were instrumental in this discovery. They always praised my efforts and motivated me to explore my creativity further. I now plan to continue pursuing this passion with enthusiasm.
One of the most significant personal developments I experienced was in empathy. Working closely with people from different backgrounds helped me understand their struggles and joys, deepening my sense of empathy. I learned to see the world from others’ perspectives and to approach situations with greater sensitivity and understanding.
Another important aspect of this experience was the support I received in learning Italian. The Beyond Borders team and local volunteers were always there to help, offering their time and patience generously. Their encouragement and willingness to assist made a huge difference, and my Italian improved significantly. I now feel much more confident in my language skills, thanks to their unwavering support.
Living in Orta Nova was a beautiful experience in itself. The area is peaceful, and the people are respectful and kind. Our neighbors were incredibly helpful, always asking if we needed anything. Even the children in the neighborhood, who spoke only Italian, became our friends. Every evening, we would try to communicate, with them eager to learn English and us trying to improve our Italian. These interactions were not only fun but also heartwarming, as they showed the power of human connection despite language barriers.
The Beyond Borders team went above and beyond to ensure our well-being. They were attentive to our needs and addressed any concerns we had, both professionally and mentally. Their support extended beyond just the project tasks; they cared about our overall experience and personal growth. This holistic approach made us feel valued and supported throughout our stay. Working with the Beyond Borders team and local volunteers was an absolute joy. They were all warm, helpful, and deeply committed to the project. Their dedication and positive attitude created an inspiring work environment where everyone felt motivated and appreciated. The local volunteers were always ready to lend a hand and share their knowledge, making our work more effective and enjoyable.
This volunteering experience showed me how valuable it is to contribute to the community and help others, no matter how small the effort might seem. The skills I gained, the friendships I made, and the lessons I learned will stay with me forever. This journey has inspired me to continue volunteering and to pursue my newfound passion for digital media with zeal. It is a testament to the fact that when we give our time and energy to help others, we receive so much more in return.
Reflecting on this month-long journey, I realize that it has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. The combination of professional development, personal growth, and cultural exchange made it a truly transformative period. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Beyond Borders project and for the lasting impact it has had on me.