As I entered the final month of my volunteering program in Ankara, I carried a strange mix of emotions: a little disbelief at how fast time had passed, and a big sense of gratitude for everything I had experienced. This month turned out to be the most colorful, lively, and unforgettable period of my stay.
One of the highlights of this month was definitely meeting many new people. Each person brought a different story, a new perspective, and fresh energy into my days. Especially the new volunteer who came from Tunisia we connected so easily from the very first moment. Exploring the city, working on projects together, sharing tea breaks… even introducing Ankara to her became something I really enjoyed.
Spending time with the students at the school and the course was another joyful part of this month. Teaching them, making learning fun with games, and sometimes laughing so hard together in the classroom… Every lesson felt like a chance not just to teach, but to grow together. Their curiosity and warm energy made this whole experience even more meaningful for me.
Another beautiful aspect of this month was that I spent the entire month in Ankara. Staying here allowed me to truly settle into the rhythm of the city. I explored new streets, discovered my favorite coffee spots, and even the paths I walked every day started to feel familiar. Ankara’s calm but cozy spirit was exactly what I needed.
And of course… the food adventures! One of the iconic moments of the month was definitely trying tantuni for the first time. That warm, juicy, incredibly delicious wrap was enough to make me say, “Yes, this was absolutely worth it.” Sometimes the little flavors make the biggest memories.
We also had the chance to visit several universities this month. Among them, Hacettepe stood out the most for me. The campus, the atmosphere, the energy of the students… Walking around there made me wonder what it would be like to study at such a place. The other universities were beautiful too, but Hacettepe definitely left a special impression.
And maybe the most special moment of all: being in Ankara during Republic Day . The lights across the city, the celebrations in the streets, the pride on people’s faces… The atmosphere was unforgettable. It felt as if 29 October is celebrated with a different warmth and intensity in Ankara. I felt like I was living inside a moment of history.
With such a full and meaningful final month, this volunteering experience has taken an even more valuable place in my heart. The memories I carry aren’t just about the tasks I completed—they are about the people I met, the flavors I tasted, the places I visited, and the emotions I felt. Ankara is no longer just a city for me; it has become a chapter, a story, and a warm memory.