Learning to Live

When I was 14 it was my first time hearing about youth opportunities and such thing as a gap year. It was usual in my family that after high school graduation everybody goes to university. However, I declared to my parents that I will take a gap year and will go volunteer with the European Solidarity Corps (EVS still at that moment). In addition, I wanted to learn French.

My both dreams became true when I got accepted for a volunteering project in Youth and Culture house in Graulhet, France. The beginning was difficult: without any French language knowledge I could not express myself and I was dreaming even nightmares about that. Also, there were loads of problems with WiFi at our house. However, it was a good motivation to put loads of effort into language learning. And without the Internet connection I could spend more time with myself, therefore I understood that I want to study psychology, not sociology.

All of this happened during the first month and nine more were waiting ahead! I had an opportunity to get to know nice and smart children coming from difficult life situations, influence and help peers to go and experience life with ESC, implement my own ideas and work together with other ESC volunteers. But most importantly I have learned to distinguish work from my leisure time and relax. As I was living with another volunteer from Germany, together we traveled, cooked, watched myriads of movies, and learned from each other how to live. It is very delightful to mature together with like-minded people. All in all, thanks to the opportunity provided by ESC I have put a strong foundation of ‘adulthood’ skills for myself and made 2020 memorable!

Updated on otrdiena, 17/02/2026