Hi everyone!
Time flies! When I first arrived in Türkiye, I
wasn’t sure if I could adapt easily. Everything was new – the environment, the
people, the rhythm of life – and I knew I would need time to adjust. But now,
as I reach the end of my second month, I find myself wishing I could
slow down time. This experience turned into something much bigger than I ever
expected. It helped me grow, build meaningful friendships, step out of my
comfort zone, and most importantly – discover new sides of myself. ESC was
not just a volunteer program for me; it was a life-changing journey.
Over the past month, I had the chance to work in different educational and social environments. One of our main destinations was Altındağ İmam Hatip School, where we conducted speaking lessons with students and took part in various school festivals. The time we spent with the students was full of laughter, curiosity, cultural exchange, and meaningful conversations. Their enthusiasm, honesty, and warm smiles are memories I will carry with me
.jpg)
We also had the pleasure of visiting Gülnihal College, where we organized creative activities for younger children. During the school festival, we hosted a range of fun and educational games – from box games and face painting to origami sessions and English Q&A games. The happiness on the children’s faces and their excitement during each activity reminded me why I love being part of these moments.
After these amazing school activities, we had a short Bayram holiday break, which I used to explore some of Türkiye’s most beautiful and historically rich cities. I finally had the chance to see the legendary Istanbul, walk through the magical fairy chimneys of Nevşehir, and discover the unique charm of Kırıkkale and Eskişehir. Each city offered something special – whether it was the mesmerizing views, kind-hearted people, or vibrant culture. The landscapes were simply breathtaking – so beautiful that even photos couldn’t do them justice.
Following the break, we resumed our weekly office-based
tasks, including food packing for people in need. Although the task
was physically tiring, it felt spiritually fulfilling. Right after that, we
attended Speaking Club sessions at Damla Konak, where we met new
participants each week and engaged in thought-provoking discussions. These
sessions not only helped us improve our communication skills but also created a
space for diverse ideas, cultural exchange, and deep connections. We continued
holding similar sessions during the weekends in our main office, which added
even more depth to the experience.
As ESC volunteers, we also had the opportunity to both organize and attend workshops and Culture Days. We explored the cultures of Slovakia and Georgia, learned fascinating facts, and broadened our worldviews. In the mental health workshops, we talked about how to protect our well-being and discussed methods to make learning more effective and enjoyable. These conversations were truly enriching and reminded me how important it is to care for both mind and soul.
Speaking of workshops, I had the honor of
organizing and leading my own session on “Leadership and Participation.”
Standing in front of a room full of participants, sharing my thoughts, and
leading group activities was a bit nerve-wracking at first – but incredibly
empowering. I challenged the participants with a real-life problem-solving
activity, where they had to work in teams and present their solutions. The
variety of ideas and creativity shared in that room amazed and inspired me.
And finally – perhaps the most emotional
moment for me – was celebrating our Azerbaijan Culture Day in Ankara.
Many young people joined us to learn more about my country. I had the chance to
speak about Azerbaijani culture, traditions, and even cook
traditional national dishes for everyone. Watching them taste our food with
joy and genuine curiosity was such a touching experience. Sharing my culture
with others in such a warm and supportive environment filled me with pride and
happiness.
I would like to express my deepest
gratitude to both the ESC program and the ANDER organization
for making all of this possible. Their support, guidance, and belief in us
volunteers turned this project into an unforgettable journey.
I truly hope that our paths will cross again
someday – whether in another city, another project, or simply in life. Until
then, I’m leaving a piece of my heart here in Türkiye.
Teşekkür ederim, Türkiye.