Final Reflection on the ESC Project
This project was not only a volunteering experience for me, but also one of the most unforgettable periods of my life. At the beginning of the project, we were around 20 participants coming from Ukraine, Spain, Italy, France, Switzerland, Greece, and Türkiye. We all had different cultures, backgrounds, and life stories. During the first days, we were quite shy and distant from each other. Even though we were sharing the same environment, everyone was trying to get to know one another carefully. However, as time passed, the walls between us slowly disappeared, and we became more than just a group — we became like a family.
Throughout the project, we worked together in agricultural activities, harvesting fruits and vegetables, participating in production processes, taking responsibilities, and learning how to work as a team. Some days were physically exhausting, but the feeling of solidarity made everything meaningful. We learned how to support each other, be patient, and create harmony with people from completely different cultures.
But we did much more than just work together. We lived together, laughed together, struggled together, and shared every moment. We cooked meals, introduced our cultures to one another, had long conversations, and learned from different perspectives and experiences. Over time, everyone became a safe place for each other. During difficult moments, nobody felt alone because we constantly supported and motivated one another. This project showed me the true meaning of international friendship.
One of the most special parts of the experience was traveling together. We visited Sicily, Naples, and Florence as a group. Sometimes we walked for hours, sometimes we got lost, sometimes we were tired, but we experienced everything together. These trips were not only about discovering new places, but also about getting to know each other on a deeper level. Some of our best memories were created from spontaneous little moments.
This project was also extremely important for my personal development. At the beginning, I did not feel confident speaking English. I was afraid of making mistakes and often felt shy while talking. I was also the only Turkish participant in the group, which made me feel even more alone at first. However, after two months, I realized how much I had changed. Now I can communicate comfortably, express myself freely, and connect with people from different cultures. This experience gave me not only language practice, but also a huge boost in self-confidence.
The last days of the project were very emotional for all of us. We wrote notes to each other, shared our feelings, and realized how difficult it was to say goodbye. It was surprising how strong our bonds became in such a short time. Even though everyone returned to different countries, none of us wanted it to feel like a real goodbye.
Even after the project ended, we stayed in touch. We still talk to each other, support one another, and continue being part of each other’s lives. We became so used to having each other around that it feels natural to stay connected. In fact, we are already planning to meet again in July. This proves that the project was not just a temporary experience, but something that created real and lasting friendships.
Thanks to this project, I gained new skills, discovered different cultures, built unforgettable friendships, and most importantly, rediscovered myself. I am leaving this experience not only with beautiful memories, but also as a stronger, more confident, open-minded, and courageous person.
Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my sending organization, System and Generation Association, as well as to Associazione Joint Milano and the entire L’Arca family. Thank you for believing in me, supporting me throughout this journey, and giving me an experience that has contributed so much to my personal growth. Your trust, guidance, and constant encouragement made this project even more meaningful, and I will always be grateful for everything you have done for me.
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