Stories of volunteering
With my overstuffed suitcase dragged with difficulty and a smile so big it hurt my cheeks, I landed in Palermo fully convinced I would become the Mediterranean version of "Emily in Paris." Okay, maybe a slightly smarter and decidedly less naive version, one who truly respects the locals and knows she's just a guest! That's how the epic adventure of "Juliette in Sant'Agata di Militello" began, as I threw myself headlong into a new experience.
To introduce you to the protagonist of this story: I am a nineteen year old French student, enrolled in Economics and Law in Lyon, and I decided to leave the family atmosphere of my city to participate in a volunteering project of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) lasting two months. Working with Caritas, I took on the lively role of camp leader and leader at a children's summer camp in sunny Sicily. My initial goals were quite simple: learn a new language by absorbing some Italian and gaining real-world experience completely outside my home country. I certainly didn't imagine how intense, educational, and wonderful this Mediterranean adventure would be.
Every single day was a wonderful, chaotic whirlwind. The best part of my mornings was undoubtedly the direct contact with the children. Imagine arriving at camp and immediately being surrounded by a group of energetic children rushing to hug you and then showering you with small, lovingly handmade gifts. It was impossible not to start the day with a huge smile.
Of course, it wasn't all sunshine and pasta: there were also very real challenges related to safety and group management. Imagine a child accidentally breaking a window and suddenly finding yourself in the midst of an emergency situation. I had to manage the entire group, ensure the other children were safe and calm, and find a way to prevent the camp from turning into an action movie scene again. These moments of panic proved to be precious opportunities for growth. When nothing went according to plan, I found myself inventing new games on the fly, organizing strategy meetings with the other leaders, and learning to adapt quickly to unexpected situations.
I would recommend a volunteer experience ESC To other young people? Absolutely, without the slightest hesitation! Besides the joy of meeting extraordinary people, you have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in a new culture. I found myself reading books about Sicily and developing a deep and unexpected interest in the local politics and economy. But perhaps the most entertaining twist of the entire trip was discovering how learning about another culture changed the way I perceive my own. When people from other countries start asking you questions about your own nation, you quickly realize you know less than you imagined! For example, while I was enthusiastically learning to dance the traditional Italian pizzica, I realized I didn't even know a single traditional French dance. This fun discovery even encouraged me to enroll in a rock dance class at my university, which also allows me to earn extra credits towards my degree. But above all, the level of responsibility you gain from managing people and challenging yourself outside your comfort zone is truly unparalleled.
There's an ancient Sicilian proverb that goes: "Cu nesci arrenesci," which roughly means that those who have the courage to leave home and venture into the unknown have a better chance of achieving their goals. So take these wise words to heart, pack your bags, and embark on a new and extraordinary adventure, perhaps even one of those offered by Europe!
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