Another beautiful chapter has come to an end

I’ve now completed my third month of volunteering—and with every passing day, I continue to discover more about myself, about others, and about the kind of world we can create together. Before reflecting on the entire journey, I’d like to dive into what made this particular month so special.

As in previous months, I continued taking part in the regular English and Turkish speaking clubs, which have become a comfortable and stimulating space for cultural exchange, personal growth, and open dialogue. These sessions are more than just language practice—they're a platform where ideas are shared, friendships are built, and confidence is nurtured.

One of the highlights of the month was attending a training course dissemination led by our fellow volunteer, Talha. He walked us through the experience of writing and implementing a project—turning ideas into real-world impact. It was an eye-opening session that made me realize how accessible meaningful change can be when you’re equipped with the right mindset and tools. For someone passionate about youth development and education, this workshop planted seeds of future ambition in me.

Throughout the month, we also organized a variety of creative and educational activities with children in two different youth centers. Every week was a new adventure—drawing, storytelling, group games, and most memorably, a recycling project. Using bottle caps from mineral water bottles, we created colorful keychains and coasters. This activity was not only environmentally conscious, but it also became a powerful medium for expression. Watching the children unleash their creativity, helping them shape their ideas, laughing together, and recording those moments on video made me feel fully alive and present. Their joy was contagious; their imagination, limitless.

Additionally, I had the chance to attend morning yoga classes in the fresh, crisp air of Ankara. Those calm early hours brought a beautiful balance into my routine. Starting the day with mindfulness helped me stay centered, energized, and ready to give my best throughout the day. It’s fascinating how even a few moments of intentional breathing and movement can transform your inner state, making you more compassionate and attentive in your interactions with others.

But beyond the activities, the true essence of volunteering lies in the invisible bonds we form—with people, places, and values. Volunteering has taught me to slow down and really listen. It has shown me the importance of being present, of showing up even when it’s not easy, and of offering what you can with an open heart. Every child’s laughter, every thank-you, every shared moment has quietly shaped my character.

More than just giving time or effort, volunteering is about being part of something larger than yourself. It's about creating bridges—between generations, between cultures, between dreams and reality. You begin by thinking you’re helping others, but soon realize how much you're growing in the process. You learn patience, leadership, empathy, and above all, humility. You stop measuring impact in numbers and start seeing it in smiles, in progress, in hope.

This journey has made it clear to me that volunteering is not just a role—it's a way of life. It invites you to live with intention, to contribute meaningfully, and to believe in the quiet power of consistent, compassionate action. And as I look forward to the next chapters, I carry with me not only memories but also a deep sense of purpose—because when you give a piece of yourself to others, you gain a fuller version of who you are meant to become.

 

my june

The first month passed by in the blink of an eye, almost before I could fully grasp that it had even begun. Within this short span of time, I had the opportunity to gain a wide range of new experiences. I actively participated in daily volunteering tasks, joined Turkish and English speaking clubs, had the chance to moderate sessions, attended classes alongside children, and  played a role in organizing many of these activities. Each of these experiences was not only productive but also personally enriching, offering me valuable insights and memories. Still, among all these moments, there were a few specific events that left a lasting impression on me—ones I’d like to share in more detail.

Cultural Nights

This month, I had the pleasure of attending both Georgian and Azerbaijani culturalnights. Each event was unique in its own way, introducing me to different traditions,stories, and perspectives that I hadn’t encountered before. The Azerbaijani night,prepared with care by my fellow volunteer friends from Azerbaijan, was especially close to my heart. Their presentations, the songs they selected, and the effort they put into preparing traditional food were beyond impressive. It was clear how much time and love they had poured into sharing a piece of our shared culture with others, and it made me feel proud and deeply connected. At the Georgian night, thanks to a well-prepared and engaging slideshow by my dear friend Nino, I learned so many things about Georgia that I hadn’t known before, despite it being a neighboring country. We even got the chance to learn how to write our names in Georgian, which was both fun and eye-opening. Later, we tried to follow a few basic steps of traditional Georgian dance, which, with its many variations and lively rhythms, gave us a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage. It was a night full of laughter, discovery, and connection.

 A Trip to Istanbul

Of course, a visit to Turkey would not feel complete without experiencing the iconic cityof Istanbul. This month, I made sure to visit, and it did not disappoint. From the stunningviews of the Bosphorus to the nostalgic ferries gliding across the water and thebreathtaking blend of architectural styles, Istanbul is a city that captivates you with itscharm and energy. It's a place that blends history and modern life so seamlessly that youfeel like you’re walking through time. I truly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to see and experience this incredible city at least once in their lifetime.

As I reflect on my second month of volunteering, I feel genuinely grateful and fulfilled. Everymoment has contributed to my growth—both personally and socially—and I’m thankful for allthe connections I’ve made and lessons I’ve learned. I’m looking forward to the experiences thatawait in the upcoming month, hoping it will be filled with just as many meaningful and joyfulmemories!

May is the month of my volunteering

 

Hello, it's me – Ulkar Gasimova.

I am originally from Azerbaijan, and I’m happy to share that I’ve completed the first month of my journey here – in Ankara, Türkiye.

From the very first day, I had no doubt that I would gain different experiences, encounter cultural diversity, and achieve new personal growth. However, I couldn’t have imagined that the month of May would be this full and enriching.

What mattered most to me was the sincere environment created with my current volunteers. This month, I met many different people, and even in such a short period, each of them has contributed something meaningful to me.

I had the opportunity to join activities such as the speaking club, historical tours, and a festival.

·         Ankara Palas Museum: This place, where Atatürk stayed and where many important government responsible were hosted at the highest level, has left an incredible mark on Turkish history. I got the chance to see historical Turkish clothing, weapons, knives, ballroom halls, porcelain sets from different countries, and Atatürk’s personal clothing and work desk. It was a fascinating trip for cultural enrichment!

·         On the weekend, we took part in the ENGELSİZ Ankara Festival. We set up a stand as Ander volunteers, talked to visitors, played board games with them, and met many new people. At other stands, we saw homemade jewelries, motivational book written by young people with cerebral palsy, as well as government institutions that support people with disabilities. It was very touching to see the involvement of parents, youth, organizations, government officials, and citizens coming together to support these causes. Society truly belongs to all of us.

·         Lastly, I want to talk about the speaking club, which we organize every week. Each week, we come together with young people from different age groups, prepare self-development questions, and play various games like Taboo. It’s always interesting to meet new people, learn their perspectives, and have conversations that guide each other in a positive way.

      Now that one month has passed, I can say that this has been a different and unforgettable experience for me. I’m already looking forward to the upcoming months and new activities with excitement.

Let’s see what’s next!