Hello everyone! My name is Rodrigo de Canas, but everyone knows me as "Puli." I'm originally from Argentina, though I moved to Spain with my family when I was eleven. I also have Sicilian ancestry.

I discovered the world of European projects at the age of 26 and I was lucky enough to participate in two Youth Exchanges and some Training Courses, but I didn't want to miss the opportunity to do a European Solidarity Corps (ESC) long-term before turning 31.

After a lot of thinking and searching, I managed to make my own ESC with InformaGiovani And I couldn't be happier with this decision. The project aimed to promote opportunities for young people in various ways, which was very interesting to me. Furthermore, I wanted to do it in Palermo because I wanted to learn Italian and visit the country where part of my family comes from. It was the perfect combination of my personal and professional interests, and my own curiosity.

From the very first moment, I felt very comfortable with the people at the association and their approach. I arrived two days before my birthday, and they prepared a surprise for me with gluten-free food and great company, even though we had just met. This is just one of the first, but not the only, examples of the professionalism and humanity I've encountered from them throughout this experience.

In the first few months, we did more office work, where I learned how to use graphics programs to retouch the association's logo. I also began to familiarize myself with Excel and the logistics, selection, and reimbursement processes for projects. At the same time, we were part of a project called PCTO, which involved visiting schools and youth centers to hold workshops and discuss different opportunities for young people, always through non-formal education. It was a wonderful experience because I could sense their interest and willingness to understand each other, even though I was still learning the language.

I also really enjoyed taking part, as a support and facilitator, in some sessions of two Training Courses (TC) and supporting a ESC group in collaboration with LIPU at the Isola delle Femmine Nature Reserve.

In terms of my personal life and my experience in Palermo, I can say it was undoubtedly one of the best years of my life (considering it's impossible to choose just one). I lived in the volunteers' house with people from Greece, Germany, Spain, and Armenia, with whom we built excellent relationships and I can't wait to see them again.

The city offers so much, and in my opinion, being able to walk or bike anywhere within 20-30 minutes of my home is priceless. Meeting people, both local and foreign, has been incredibly easy, and in this sense, the Mediterranean attitude warms my soul. Add to this gelato with brioche, cannoli, and the relative ease of finding gluten-free pizza, and there's really nothing else to say.

This year has been exactly what I needed: I've had time, space, good company, and the ability to discover new facets of myself and, above all, to take things a little slower to better understand what I want and how I want it in the future. I believe the opportunity to participate in a project like this is an opportunity not to be missed, because even without realizing it, we grow so much every day. The simple act of being immersed in a new culture, learning its language and customs, as well as those of the other volunteers you meet, I feel offers you so many new perspectives.

The ten months of my project have flown by, and I think that's always a good sign. An infinite thank you to all the wonderful people who supported, cared for, and taught me during these months.

Thank you, Monica, for welcoming me on my first day with gluten-free food, for giving me a ticket to the opera for the first time in my life, and for your easy laugh. Giorgia, I hold you in my heart for who you are and for sharing so much both inside and outside the office. I carry with me all the chats, trips, and concerts we shared. Chiara, for your smile, your good humor, and your sweetness. Fede, for our complicity, the good songs, and the ability to share existential worries. Stefania, for catching every joke I had and for making us laugh almost every time we saw each other. Stefano, for teaching me the little I know of Sicilian and for inviting me to practice (sorry I never came). Massimo, for all the chats that started with a random question and never ended. Pietro, for his spontaneity and for giving us the opportunity to try caving. Danila, because, even though we saw each other only a little, I felt very comfortable in our conversations, and you gave us excellent culinary advice. Asia and Marga for your good energy and that guitar-and-vocal combo that brightened up the office. Alice, who, even though we only had a short time together, has such a big, beautiful smile that it's impossible not to be infected. And, of course, my calisthenics buddy, Benny, and my fantastic teammates from Casa Min…

 

Progetto n. 2023-1-IT03-ESC51-VTJ-000140411
Funded by the European Union. The opinions expressed, however, are those of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the Italian Youth Agency (AIG). Neither the European Union nor the AIG can be held responsible for them.