My name is María Palací, I’m 22 years old, and I come from a small town called Cocentaina, in Alicante, Spain. I graduated in Advertising and Public Relations because, since I was little, I have been passionate about everything related to communication, creativity, and the way people connect through ideas, projects, and experiences. Over the years, I’ve discovered that this passion is not only part of my studies but also my way of understanding the world. In addition, I have always been interested in the well-being of the people around me and of society in general, which is why I decided to embark on this experience that would allow me to grow and discover new things.

In my daily life, I like to stay active: going for a run, listening to music, expressing my creativity through painting, or finding inspiration in different things—whether it’s a place, a song, or a good conversation. What I enjoy the most is spending time with other people and learning from them, especially from those I love and who are close to me. I consider myself a cheerful, open, and positive person, and I believe those qualities push me to look for experiences that take me out of my comfort zone. At the same time, I’m aware that I have flaws that I try to improve every day, because I think recognizing and working on them is what helps us grow the most as human beings.

For me, continuing to learn is essential,not only academically or professionally, but also personally. I believe that the experiences that truly matter are those that force us to look at ourselves from a different perspective and help us come out as a more complete version of who we are.

After finishing my degree in Spain, I had to decide what to do: stay in my hometown looking for a job, continue studying (without really knowing what), or take a completely different path. That’s when, thanks to my travel companion Abril, I discovered the world of volunteering. Right now, I’m in Kraków because, together, we decided to join IB Polska. I came here because I wasn’t sure about my next steps, and I thought this experience would be an opportunity to grow as a person. Living in another country, getting to know new cultures, and, at the same time, contributing my little grain of sand to projects that have a positive impact was something that truly motivated me.

The hardest part has been the distance from the people I love. For me, they are my “vitamin,” the ones who fill me with energy every day. Even so, knowing that I will return to them as a renewed María, someone who has grown and feels better about herself, makes it all worthwhile. In a way, I also think I am building this better version of myself to share it with them.

Although this experience has just begun, it has already given me so much: friendships with people from different countries, practical learning, and, above all, the feeling that every day I am growing a little more. I am sure this journey will mark a before and after in my life.

Quote: “There is a seat waiting for you at tables you haven’t even seen.”

Article María Palací,
European Solidarity Corps volunteers.
Welcoming article for European Solidarity Corps volunteers from 1/10/2025