Dziękuję Kraków!

Looking back, I think that getting on that train from Berlin to Kraków nine and a half months ago took me more courage than I wanted to realise in that moment. But I hoped then and I know now, that it was worth it.
In the past few months, I made new friends, fell in love with Kraków and had so much fun. When I think back and try to pinpoint my favourite memories, I notice that I can’t do it, because there were simply too many.

But beautiful memories of an amazing year are not the only thing I’m taking with me. This year also connected me to so many people that I maybe never would have met otherwise. And it’s undescripable how much of a loss that would be.
In addition to that, I also learned so so much. My work at the special school taught me a lot about children, about disabilities and about patience. The children in my class hold such a big place in my heart and I am incredibly scared of having to say goodbye to them in two days. Building a connection to the kids has been one of my favourite parts of volunteering.

A very important part of this year was also living in an international flat with my Spanish and Italian flatmates. The first days it was strange to be in a flat with complete strangers, but sooner than later they weren’t strangers anymore. I remember that one of my flatmates said in the beginning that we will be eachothers family for this year and she was definitely right. We were like a little family.

It’s hard to put this year into words. It’s also hard to define how much I learned and grew, I just know I did. I’m incredibly grateful for all of this. For the whole year, for the personal growth, for my school, my kids, my friends and all the people I’ve met. So I can only say thank you to our coordinators who made it possible.
I do not want to say goodbye and I do not want this experience to end. But it does and Ican’t change it. And maybe the time limit is also a reason it was so magical. I’m already nostalgic, but I guess having something you miss is a great luck.