Lucìa’s experience in Palermo, Italy
Meraki, a word of Greek origin, means to put your soul, effort, creativity and love in what you do, leaving behind a piece of you somewhere.
I am Lucìa, I’m 26 years old and am volunteering for Per Esempio association in Palermo, Italy. When I decided to take part in their projects as an ESC volunteer, I knew that the situation would be a bit particular, to say the least. But as everything in life, what counts is your attitude, the perspective and your desire to live the experience. Here’s why the capacity to see an opportunity, a lesson or a challenge where others see a problem is so important. To desire, to want to laugh, make friendships, undertake new projects, so much so, that suddenly your life dangerously resembles your dreams. Be the type of person who wakes up every morning with the purpose of give a contribution to someone else’s life and discover themselves a bit more.
These months in the city of Palermo have been very special to me. I felt as though the city was an embrace, I’ve met warm and welcoming people that made me feel part of that family that you make when traveling away from home. I’ve felt very fortunate to meet such incredible people as my fellow volunteers and flat mates. Everyday I’m able to see in every activity I participate in the effort and enthusiasm that are put into it. Knowing that, little by little, change is built towards everyone becoming a bit better and I realize that I’m so lucky to be here, now, and to work with this association.
I can say with certainty that this experience will be useful to me professionally but a lot more personally and that it will be one of the milestones of my life. If the person who is reading me now is questioning if s/he should undertake a volunteering experience, I would tell her/him not to think much but act more, to start looking up information and projects that looks enjoyable and motivating. I would say: decide and take action because you only make the path by walking it.
