Kateryna's Second Month

 This month was even more engaging to me than the previos one!!!

We volunteered as teachers in a Turkish school, which was both exciting and challenging. At first, I was nervous - about the language, about whether students would understand me. But very quickly I realized that connection is stronger than grammar. Students are curious and full of energy everywhere. Even with limited words, we found ways to communicate, laugh, and learn from each other.

Life outside school was just as important. We spent evenings with friends, discovered cozy places in the city, and played 101 - a game that turned out to be much more competitive than I expected. What started as "just one round" often became hours of laughter and dramatic reactions.

I also tried new Turkish food and let myself explore the city on foot. Ankara has its own calm rhythm. Walking through different neighborhoods, sometimes alone and sometimes with friends, helped me feel how the city slowly became familiar. It's interesting how a place starts to feel like home once you attach memories to it.

During this month, I attended events organized by the Embassy of Ukraine connected to the anniversary of the war. These moments were emotional and meaningful. Being abroad during such an important time for my country reminded me that distance doesn't reduce responsibility or love for home.

On my free days, I traveled to Muğla to visit old friends. It felt like reconnecting with another part of my life while living a new one at the same time.

This month in Ankara was not only about volunteering. It was about growth, people,
culture, and learning how quickly a new place can become part of you.

FIRST MONTH IN ANKARA

It's hard to believe that one whole month has already passed since I arrived in Ankara as an ESC volunteer. At the same time, it feels like I've been here much longer, probably because every week brings something new, surprising, and meaningful.

This first month has been a beautiful mix of fun, responsibility, discovery, and tiny everyday joys.

During our activities, we laugh a lot, support each other, and at the same time do things that truly matter. Helping others, contributing to the local community, and feeling that your time has a purpose, this is one of the most valuable parts of being here. It's not just volunteering; it's learning how small actions can make a real difference.

In my free time, I try to absorb Turkish culture as much as possible. I taste new food (sometimes I know the name, sometimes I just point and trust the process), drink endless cups of tea, meet new people, and spend time with other volunteers. There's something very special about these moments, sitting together, talking about life, cultures, similarities, and differences, and realizing how quickly strangers can become friends.

But if I had to name one thing | love the most about Türkiye, it would definitely be pazars.

My first visit to a Turkish pazar was an experience for all senses at once.

After one month in Ankara, I can say this: I'm learning every day about others, about this country, and about myself. And if this is only the beginning, I can't wait to see what the next months will bring.