Ioana reflects on her transformative 5-month adventure in Krakow, Poland, where she volunteered at a school for disabled children. Overcoming initial fears and insecurities, she formed deep connections with the people, leaving with newfound confidence and cherished memories.

Almost five months ago my adventure in Poland, in Krakow and implicitly in the organization Internationaler Bund Polska started. This story began with many hopes, thoughts, feelings, but also fears, insecurities and doubtful thoughts. I came here with high hopes and not knowing much about where I will be living or the things I would have to do. I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but I was prepared for whatever was going to happen.

The place where I volunteered these months was a school for disabled children. For four months I was with them every day, in a class with 4 absolutely wonderful boys where I grew and developed continuously. There were some difficult moments, especially the adjustment period when I had to learn the needs of each child and how things work in the school, but I overcame them all one by one and enjoyed this time with them.

My experience in Krakow was a complex one, full of ups and downs. At first, I felt lost, being in a completely new environment, with new people who had already been here for a few months and had already formed quite close bonds, people I felt I would never get close to. With the passage of time, the fears disappeared, those people who at first were just strangers, became my family from Poland, with whom I had unique moments and whom I love very much.

During these months I can say that I went through several changes. The scared and very shy person who came here, who was afraid to voice her opinions and ideas, even if she hasn’t completely disappeared, has turned into the person from today who starts to like to get involved more and it’s not scared anymore to say what she feels. I became more confident in my own actions, able to make my own decisions and learned how to manage in a big city without getting lost 5 times a day.

Exploring an amazing polish city

Krakow also gave me many memorable moments, made me feel safe and never made me feel judged. It amazed me every time with the beauties it has to offer, with its stories and all the places you don’t expect there could be in this city.

For sure during this period, I grew as a person, developed many skills, left behind fears and insecurities, and worked on the best version of me, which I will take with me when I leave Poland, and which will always be remind of this experience and this project.

In the end I want to say thank you for the opportunity and the chance to be part of this project, thank you to all the people who were part of my life during this period and who helped me color my story in Krakow. Thank you, Krakow and Poland, for everything you have given me during this time, and I hope that I will come back here someday, that I will see you all again someday and we will remember this experience with a smile on our faces. 🙂

Written by Ioana