June 2025 was an
incredibly emotional, meaningful, and unforgettable month for me. It marked not
only the conclusion of my volunteering journey in Turkey, but also a time of
deep reflection — on everything I experienced, everything I learned, and above
all, everything I felt. And when I think about it all, one word rises above the
rest: gratitude.
Traveling
Through Turkey – Istanbul and Trabzon
The first week of
June was our official holiday, and I decided to make the most of it by
exploring more of this diverse and beautiful country. My first stop was
Istanbul – a city that pulses with life every hour of the day. Walking along
the Bosphorus gave me a unique sense of freedom, of being right in the heart of
history and modern life interwoven together. I was mesmerized by the grandeur
of Hagia Sophia and the serenity of the Blue Mosque. The vibrant chaos of the
Grand Bazaar offered a sensory explosion – bright colors, the scent of spices,
the hum of voices in countless languages.
Of course, the
food was unforgettable: fresh simit from street vendors, perfectly grilled
kebabs, and sweet baklava that melted in my mouth. Istanbul felt like a living
mosaic, and I was just one small piece discovering her stories.
After Istanbul, I
headed to Trabzon – a city I had dreamed of visiting for years. The Black Sea
region had long fascinated me, and I finally had the chance to see it with my
own eyes. Trabzon had a very different rhythm than Istanbul – more peaceful,
yet full of soul. I explored the local city center, wandered through bustling
markets and cozy tea houses, and most importantly, spent hours simply sitting
by the Black Sea.
That moment by the
water – the salty air in my lungs, the wind playing with my hair, the sound of
waves – was deeply moving. I wasn’t just crossing off a place from my travel
list. I was living a dream. And I allowed myself to fully feel it: peace, awe,
and a kind of fulfillment that only nature and long-held desires can offer.
Festival
at the Altindag School – Beautiful Connections
The highlight of
the festival was the children’s performances. They sang traditional and modern
songs with such passion and energy that it brought tears to my eyes. Some
played traditional instruments, others classical ones. Their confidence, their
bravery to perform, and the pure joy radiating from them were incredibly
inspiring. I was deeply touched by how much beauty and talent resides in such
small people with big dreams.
Watching their
eyes shine and hearing their voices sing was like witnessing the future with my
own eyes – hopeful, vibrant, and full of light. That day reminded me why
volunteering matters, and how powerful it can be to simply be present, to
encourage, and to believe in others.
University Talk and Community Work
Another important
moment of June was the opportunity to speak at Lokman Hekim University about
our volunteer work. It was both humbling and exciting to share my story, the
challenges I faced, and the lessons I learned. We talked about cultural
exchange, service, growth, and how volunteering isn’t just about helping others
– it's also about discovering who you really are. The students asked thoughtful
questions and genuinely listened. That conversation gave me hope for the future
and reminded me of the importance of sharing and listening.
Throughout the month, we continued with our regular conversation clubs – both at Damla and in the office every Saturday. These were special gatherings where people of different ages and backgrounds came together to talk, laugh, and learn from one another. The power of human connection through simple conversations became clearer and more meaningful with each session.
Another deeply
touching experience was our weekly volunteer work with the ANDA organization,
where we packed food for those in need. It wasn’t just about placing items into
bags – it was about humanity, dignity, and compassion. Every time we prepared a
food parcel, I felt grounded and grateful. Knowing that a small act like this
could have a real impact on someone’s daily life moved me deeply. This taught
me that helping others doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s
the quiet, consistent kindness that truly matters.
Mental
Health Workshop and Slovak Culture evening
One of the most meaningful personal projects I led this month was a workshop on mental health and well-being, held at Keçiören Gençlik Merkezi. The topic is close to my heart, and I was honored to create a space where students felt safe to reflect, express, and ask questions. We talked about stress, emotions, self-care, and breaking stigma. It was incredible to see how open and engaged the students were. The honesty in the room created a powerful sense of connection – proof that no matter where we come from, we all face similar struggles, and we all benefit from compassion and awareness.
As the month – and my journey – came to a close, I had the privilege to host a Slovak Cultural Night. I prepared a presentation about my home country – its nature, history, language, traditions, and values. I created a fun quiz with small prizes and prepared traditional Slovak food: "granadír" (a potato and pasta dish) and zemiakové placky (potato pancakes). It was a lovely evening full of laughter, curiosity, and meaningful cultural exchange. People asked questions, shared stories of their own countries, and together we celebrated diversity through food and friendship. It was one of those nights that made the world feel a little smaller, and a lot warmer.
A Grateful Goodbye
Now that this
journey comes to an end, I can honestly say that volunteering in Turkey has
changed me in ways I could never have imagined. I came here to give, to help,
to share – but in truth, I received so much more than I gave. I received love,
support, lessons, new friendships, and a deeper understanding of the world and
myself.
Volunteering
taught me patience, humility, and empathy. It taught me to listen, to be
flexible, and to celebrate small victories. It showed me that connection
matters – with people, with communities, and with purpose. I learned that
kindness transcends language, and that simply showing up can sometimes mean the
most.
I leave Turkey
with a full heart. Grateful for every child I met, every meal we packed, every
student who spoke bravely in English, every colleague who became a friend, and
every moment that made me pause and say, this matters.
This is not the
end. It’s a beginning – of a new journey, rooted in everything I’ve lived and
learned here. Turkey, you will always have a place in my heart. Thank you for
everything.