Gabija Jonušauskaitė

Erasmus projects and other global adventures unexpectedly became a part of my life, catching me completely off guard. Throughout my school days, I participated in a few international projects, but they concluded without making a lasting impact. During that period, teachers at my school introduced me to these new experiences, igniting my curiosity about the prospect of continuing similar international adventures after high school as a young adult. I thought my international journey had come to an end, but little did I know that life had other plans. Everything was waiting just around the corner, ready to unfold with a significant impact on my life.

My second year at university proved to be quite challenging, and I began to sense a feeling of being stuck. Deep down, I felt a persistent sense of something missing, yet I couldn't quite identify what it was. Unraveling this mystery became a long and puzzling journey in my life. A friend suggested participating together in a Erasmus+ project in Italy with a theme focused on "Soft Skills." There was an inner voice urging me to go, but my conscious mind hesitated, fearful of experiencing this journey without the guidance. However, understanding that without taking any risks, I could miss valuable opportunities, I decided to take the challenge. The experience proved to be culturally interesting and eye opening to various topics. This risk wasn't just a remarkably enjoyable experience; it positively transformed my life. Following an extensive trip to the Italian city of Molfetta, I had modest expectations for the project. However, from the very first meeting with the participants, I sensed that it would be a life-changing experience.

Notably, the communication throughout the project among leaders, facilitators, and participants was entirely equal. There was no academic pressure to develop our skills; it happened organically and engagingly. From the initial moments with various energizers to well-selected activities, we not only tested our strengths but also learned self-discovery and new skills. The project focused on developing soft skills, including teamwork, communication, adaptability, critical thinking, and time management. The learning process was not only effective but also enjoyable, providing insights into the importance and benefits of these skills. I can confidently say that I not only acquired the necessary skills but can also apply this practice in my personal life post-project.

The informal part of the project was equally thrilling. We had the opportunity to travel to other Italian cities like Bari, with plenty of free time, avoiding overwhelming stress during the project. Exploring other cultures and traditions became possible as well. Each team of participants presented an cultural segment in the evening, featuring traditional foods, national dances, brainstorming sessions and etc. It felt like a mini-tour of almost all of Europe in one place.

Throughout the project, I was surrounded by people of a similar age, with similar values and characteristics. Sharing experiences, challenges, and difficulties opened my eyes to the universality of personal struggles. The project illustrated that it's normal to feel stagnation and that anyone from any corner of the world can experience the same emotions. The key is to change your lifestyle, discover new hobbies, connect with like-minded people, engage in interesting activities, and make life more exciting.

In conclusion, I encourage you not to fear taking risks, embrace challenges and new experiences. Often, the best moments of life are just around the corner.

Simple exchanges can break walls down between us, for when people come together and speak to one another and share a common experience, then their common humanity is revealed“.“  – Barack Obama

Updated on Wednesday, 03/01/2024