{"id":5979,"date":"2026-02-20T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ib-polska.pl\/youth\/?p=5979"},"modified":"2026-02-16T14:06:51","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T12:06:51","slug":"halfway-through-the-journey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ib-polska.pl\/youth\/esc-out-of-a-volunteers-view\/halfway-through-the-journey\/","title":{"rendered":"Halfway Through the Journey"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It has already been five months since I arrived in Poland to do volunteer work at a kindergarten, and every day has been a surprise, an adventure, and a learning experience. I remember that at the beginning I was full of fear: I wondered how I would connect with the children without a common language, how they would understand me, and how I could understand them. However, from the very first day, the children showed me something I will never forget: communication, affection, and curiosity know no borders or words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Even though they are only five years old, they made an incredible effort to understand me and, above all, to make themselves understood. They used gestures, facial expressions, body language, and signs\u2026 any form was valid to communicate. Every smile, every attempt to explain themselves, every knowing look taught me that human connection can emerge even in the most unexpected circumstances. This experience has shown me that communication is not limited to words and that empathy and the intention to connect can overcome any linguistic barrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Living this experience has also taught me a lot about myself. Being far from home, in a different country, has forced me to adapt, to trust myself, and to discover abilities I didn\u2019t know I had. I have learned to organize myself, to face uncertainty with a smile, and to enjoy the small, everyday moments. The independence and freedom that come with living in another country have helped me grow personally, and every day I feel a little stronger and more confident in myself. Another amazing aspect of this experience is the friendships I have made. I have met wonderful people who have made Poland feel like a second home. Thanks to them, the distance from home feels much more manageable, and every day is filled with support and shared moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Additionally, living in the heart of Eastern Europe has allowed me to discover new places, cultures, and traditions in ways I never could have imagined. Traveling around this region is much easier and more affordable than from Spain, and every trip, every new city or country, every small discovery has become a unique experience that teaches me to open myself to the world and to value the diversity that surrounds us.
In conclusion, in these five months I have learned that stepping out of your comfort zone, facing the unknown, and opening yourself to new experiences can change you in ways you never imagined. So far, this experience has given me memories, emotions, and lessons that I will carry with me forever, and it has shown me that the world is full of opportunities to learn, connect, and enjoy life\u2014if you dare to take the first step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Article by\u00a0 Abril<\/strong>,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

European Solidarity Corps volunteer<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Point of view of European Solidarity Corps volunteers\u00a0<\/em>from\u00a020\/02\/2026<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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