Volunteering at the shelter

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Being a volunteer is a very personal experience that in the end will shape you more than you have ever imagined.

Before my experience in the shelter I was a bit afraid of working with teenagers, let alone boys. I had plenty of preconceptions. I was imagining my teenager years when boys were acting ruder than necessary.

But these teenagers, of whom I had the great opportunity to meet, surprised me in the most amazing way, as I would find so much positivity – more than you can ever envision when thinking about a shelter for asylum seekers. Some of them adopted me from my first week in the shelter, and any thoughts about being alone in a foreign country vanished. They made me feel welcomed. 

Each one of them had a special role in shaping “me” from today, sometimes without me noticing it. They pointed out when I was nice, or when I was at my worst moments, making me reflect on myself more. They understood when I was happy or sad and made an effort to brighten my day. Truly special people!

And now, at the moment when my EVS is nearing the end, I can say that I am thankful for their presence in my life, as I got closer to my true self. Unfortunately, I did not manage to give as much back, and this is my biggest regret. But I am hopeful that I will create plenty of opportunities through which I can show my gratitude.