As I approach the end of my ESC volunteering journey, I can
say with full confidence: this experience has been one of the most beautiful
and unforgettable chapters of my life.
I still remember my first days in Türkiye – everything felt
new: the language, the people, the environment. I wasn’t sure if I could adapt
easily. But now, at the end of my second month, I never imagined saying goodbye
would be this hard.
My final month has been nothing short of amazing. The
organization we worked with – which quickly became like a second family – not
only taught me the true spirit of volunteering but also helped me develop
skills in teamwork, coordination, and leadership. Every day brought something
new to learn, and I grew so much both personally and professionally.
At Altındağ İmam Hatip School, we had English speaking
lessons and joined in their school festivals. At Gülnihal College, we played
games, painted faces, and interacted with the children through fun and
educational activities. The joy in their eyes and the laughter we shared will
stay with me forever.
We also had weekly speaking clubs where we met new people
and discussed meaningful topics. These sessions helped me improve my language
and communication skills while building real connections.
We also attended and
helped organize Culture Days and workshops at the office. I learned about
Slovakian and Georgian culture, and we had eye-opening discussions about mental
health and learning techniques.
One of the highlights of my experience was organizing my own
workshop titled “Human Rights and Social Justice.” It was both exciting and a
little nerve-wracking to lead, but it turned out to be an incredible
experience. Participants worked in groups to solve real-world problems, and I
was truly inspired by their creativity and critical thinking.
And of course, Azerbaijan Culture Day in Ankara was one of
the most emotional moments for me. I had the chance to represent my country,
share our traditions, and cook traditional Azerbaijani food. Seeing people
enjoy our culture and hearing their kind feedback truly touched my heart.
During the Eid al-Adha (Qurban Bayramı) holiday break, we
also had the chance to travel and explore some of Türkiye’s most beautiful
cities – including Istanbul, Cappadocia, Kırıkkale, Nevşehir, and Eskişehir.
Each place had its own magic, and the landscapes were absolutely breathtaking.
This journey helped me get to know Türkiye more closely, and I completely fell
in love with its beauty and culture.
Participating in the ESC program gave me much more than just
volunteer experience – it taught me about life. This journey expanded my
worldview, helped me form meaningful friendships, and gave me memories I will
cherish forever. Looking back now, I feel nothing but deep gratitude for every
moment, every person, and every lesson along the way.
