Some go to projects to run away from something, others – to run after something. Although project coordinators try to convince us that the former is not the right reason (no matter how far you go, you won’t run away from yourself), in my opinion, it doesn’t matter. Change of environment can be stimulating for self-exploration, development, and it can even direct you back to your true self. I returned more joyful and self-satisfied from the voluntary work.

It was the vicinity of nature, some kind of isolation from society and social networks as well as balance between activities of the project and free time that motivated to turn focus on myself. I hiked, went for bike rides and afternoon runs along flocks of sheep, across the fields and through apple orchards. I learned to play musical instruments and do crafts from other volunteers. While working on personal projects, I got to know positive effects of common plants and learned how to edit videos. During activities led by other teammates, I became aware of what really brings me joy and which goals I should realize. However, it is only a part of activities, besides informatively interactive lectures and practical tasks, from which we all learned something new.

In addition to practical skills, we developed organizational and group leading skills, improved to express opinion and share tasks. It proved that even boring, monotonous or physical jobs can be fun if done together. It’s good to remember to support and cheer each other up. Finally, during these times of change, I started to care less about things that are out of my control. The less you try to control situation, the more you can enjoy every single moment of it.

The topic of the voluntary work is not crucial. Most significantly, what you will get out of this experience, is self-development. Appreciate the time that you devote to a certain goal, the people who help ideas come true, and moments which are unique and unrepeatable.