At Association FOR YOU, we love to share the experiences of our amazing volunteers. Today, we introduce you to Eugenia, a 22-year-old social work graduate from Greece. She recently completed her volunteer journey in Varna, and we sat down with her to hear all about her experience.

Introduce yourself in a few words.

Eugenia: My name is Eugenia, I’m 22 years old, and I’m from Greece. I graduated in social work, and from a very young age, I have been fascinated by art and traveling. These passions are still an important part of my life, but my studies have also helped me develop new interests, such as reading and researching social phenomena. I love spending my free time creatively, but my creative outlet depends on my mood and the materials I have available at the moment.

Have you volunteered before?

Eugenia: Before coming to Varna, I had never volunteered before. I had tried to get involved with organizations near my hometown in Greece, but both my motivation and the organizations’ willingness to welcome new volunteers were quite low. So, this experience in Varna was my first real introduction to volunteering.

What motivated you to apply for this project?

Eugenia: After finishing my studies, I wanted to enrich my experiences and expand my horizons before settling into a routine job. I also wanted to feel productive during this transition period between university and working life. When I found the Association FOR YOU volunteer opportunity and read through the description, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. The project was volunteer-centered, meaning I didn’t have to worry about anything except learning new things, experiencing a new culture, and truly understanding what it means to volunteer.

Tell us about your experience as a volunteer.

Eugenia: Volunteering at Association FOR YOU’s workshop was an amazing experience. The atmosphere was incredibly welcoming, relaxing, and accepting.

My main tasks included:

• Assisting with participant activities
• Organizing the workshop’s storage room
• Participating in video and in-person meetings on various themes (such as festival organizing)
• Helping create posters for association events
• Contributing creative ideas for crafts and apartment decoration

Since art has always played an important role in my life, being part of an artistic workshop that also combined social work elements – such as art therapy, emotional sharing, and understanding the challenges faced by people with disabilities – made me feel like I had finally found where I belonged.

I learned so much about myself throughout this journey. The two most important realizations were:

1. I am capable of achieving more than I initially believed.
2. Volunteering isn’t just about giving, it’s also about receiving. I gained valuable experiences, friendships, and self-awareness.

Additionally, I developed new skills. The most valuable one was learning how to communicate without words! At the workshop, some participants didn’t speak Greek or English, so I had to find alternative ways to connect with them: through gestures, music, and art. This made me realize the power of non-verbal communication, which often goes unnoticed but is incredibly meaningful.

Overall, this volunteering experience changed me in many ways. It boosted my confidence in my skills, helped me explore my future career path, and, most importantly, enriched my life with beautiful memories and friendships.

What challenges did you face during the project?

Eugenia: Before coming to Varna, my biggest worry was how I would manage living alone in a foreign country. However, I didn’t face any major challenges.

The first few days were a little overwhelming because I wasn’t familiar with the city, but this worry disappeared quickly. On my third day, the association arranged for a volunteer who knew Varna well to show us around and explain everything we needed to know. Also, from the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed at the project, coordinators had everything arranged for me, including transportation, a clean room, chocolates, flowers, and even a big pizza! Knowing I had the support of the team made the whole transition much easier.

What is your favorite moment from volunteering?

Eugenia: It’s really hard to choose just one! But if I had to pick, one of my top moments was the Volunteer Celebration at the City Hall. There were so many volunteers gathered in one place, playing fun games, receiving prizes, enjoying music, and sharing delicious food. It was a wonderful way to celebrate our efforts and connect with other volunteers.

What would you say to young people to motivate them to volunteer?

Eugenia: Volunteering is an unforgettable experience in the best way possible. The only downside? It eventually comes to an end!

What awaits you after the end of the project?

Eugenia: After this project, I feel more mature and aware of my next steps. Right now, I’m considering applying for a Master’s degree outside of Greece, as I feel more confident about studying abroad thanks to this experience.

Eugenia’s journey is an inspiring example of how volunteering can be a life-changing experience. If you’re thinking about volunteering, take the leap – you never know what amazing experiences and personal growth await you!

Would you like to be part of Association FOR YOU? Get involved today!

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