Unique June

 

My volunteering journey, which began in May, turned into an unforgettable experience that left a deep mark on my life. During this time, which passed by in the blink of an eye, I had the chance to meet new people, connect with different cultures, and grow both personally and socially. Each day was a new opportunity to learn and contribute.

June, on the other hand, was the month when this experience reached its peak and found a special place in my heart. Through the Slovakian, Azerbaijani, and Georgian Culture Days, I not only got to know different traditions but also shared in their emotions, energy, and stories. These days reminded me once again how vast the world is, yet how deeply connected we all are.

In addition, the “Leadership and Participation” seminar allowed me to be more than just a participant—it made me an active learner and contributor. The discussions, exchanges of ideas, and workshops all helped me grow, transform, and feel empowered. During this journey, I became more than just a volunteer; I became part of a community, a family.

As the time to say goodbye arrived, memories of the friendships I made, the laughter we shared, and all the challenges we overcame together came flooding back. This has not just been a project for me—it was a life experience. I leave with a mix of sadness and gratitude, because the time I spent here gave me not only knowledge but also a true sense of belonging.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to both the ESC program and ANDER organization for making this entire experience possible. Their constant support, encouragement, and trust in us volunteers transformed this journey into something truly meaningful and unforgettable.

I genuinely hope our paths will cross again—maybe in a different place, through a different project, or simply somewhere along life’s road. Until then, a part of me will always remain here, with the memories, the people, and the moments we created together.

MY EXPERIENCES IN MAY...

 

Hello! I'm Gökçe Nur Altıkulaç
I'm currently living in Ankara, and this is where I'm experiencing my very first ESC volunteering journey. As someone who grew up here, walking through the streets I’ve known for years with a completely new perspective and collecting different stories in familiar places has been a very special and unique experience for me.

When I first started this ESC journey, I expected to gain new friendships, encounter different perspectives, and grow personally. However, I could have never imagined that my first month would be this full and meaningful. I can truly say that every day, I’ve drawn a new path for myself within a city I thought I already knew.

From the very beginning of my volunteering experience, a sincere and supportive atmosphere was formed among us volunteers. These people from different countries have taught me so much in such a short time. Getting to know different cultures made every moment we created together even more valuable.

Throughout this month, I had the opportunity to join various activities:

Engelsiz Ankara Festival
This festival, held in Gençlik Park, reminded me once again of the power of social inclusion. As ANDER volunteers, we set up a stand, chatted with visitors, played games, and created wonderful memories together. At other stands, we saw handmade jewelry made by individuals with disabilities, motivational books written by young people with cerebral palsy, and institutions supporting people with disabilities. It was deeply meaningful to witness the involvement of parents, youth, organizations, government officials, and citizens all coming together to support these causes. It truly felt like a society where everyone belongs.

Speaking Club

In our weekly speaking club, we come together with young people from various age groups to practice English, discuss self-development topics, and play fun games like Taboo. These gatherings contribute to my language development and provide a lovely space where we can understand and support one another.

Trip to Bursa

It was such a joy to explore a city I had never been to before with fellow volunteers. It was a perfect opportunity to both get to know each other and discover a new place. The intricate designs of Ulu Mosque felt like true works of art, and I was captivated by its unique architecture. Walking through the local bazaar, visiting the tombs of Osman Gazi and Orhan Gazi, and experiencing the Panorama 1326 Museum made me feel as if I had traveled back in time to the Ottoman era. It was like a journey through history.

Lokman Hekim University
We attended the Erasmus Congress and listened to the experiences of our volunteers. It was incredibly enjoyable to hear their stories—how things that are normal for us can be surprising for them, and to see the world through their different perspectives.

In this first month, I discovered unknown sides of a city I thought I knew well. Being an ESC volunteer is not just about seeing new places or joining events; it's also about rediscovering yourself, touching the lives of others, and growing together. Knowing that the coming month will bring even more experiences, friendships, and inspiration already fills me with excitement