As of today, I remain uncertain as to whether the content of this first report will fully align with the expectations of its readers. Nevertheless, I consider this initial month within the ESC project to have had particular personal significance, deserving a corresponding level of description.
Primarily, it is essential to acknowledge that experiences of this nature are both demanding and enriching, even when they only constitute a fractional segment of your lifetime. Two months may seem fleeting or protracted, depending on the perspective adopted: you may perceive cultural and linguistic disparities as barriers, fostering a sense of distance, or alternatively you choose to emphasize the elements that foster a sense of connection and belonging to what is going to be your new home.
Turkey is a contradictory and very fascinating country: its culture and stunning landscapes are all to be discovered! Speaking about culture, I believe Turkish mindset and lifestyle have been trying to teach me something very important and essential, something we often forget when we grow up and fill our lives with future expectations, doubtful responsibilities and hurry: Turkey has reminded me of the importance of slowing down. Stop, look around and recognize priorities because we often run after futilities and forget of what’s important.
Furthermore, during this inaugural month, I have come to recognize that our perceived limitations are often greater than initially presumed, revealing much more resources after we have being tested and stretched and pulled. Over time, our beliefs can ossify and become like stones hindering the flexibility and open- mindedness necessary for navigating a multifaceted and ever-evolving society. Personally, I have discovered a capacity for patience beyond my prior estimations. Living everyday with people possessing divergent mindsets, habits, and modes of communication can present challenges, yet we can decide where our focus should be.
In this context, I have reinforced a principle long held in theory but often challenging to perform in practical situations: our significance within the vastness of the universe is infinitesimal, yet we often magnify our personal problems disproportionately. It would be better for us to adopt a solution-oriented and discerning perspective: what course of action will optimize our well-being and fill our lives with meaning and ease?
Let irony serve as our guide, and curiosity as our compass, guiding us towards
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