It’s hard to realize that my volunteering project is going to the end. Before my coming, I’ve thought that 8 months is quite long period of time. But when I see my schedule for September, my last schedule, I understand that time has run so fast. I had no idea about youth work, about Estonia and even was a bit scared in the beginning. But thinking about the time that I’ve spent here, I know that I made a right decision to come.
Each day I learned something new for me, and moments when it was hard the team of the Youth Center was always with me. It was a big luck to join this people. I always felt the support and help, when I needed. Anytime when I asked about something I receive a lot of useful information and great advice. Especially I liked team meeting every week. They let to feel closer to the people who you work with and gave a feeling, that I’m a part of the team as well. But I am really grateful for Anne and Anneke teams. Almost every day I spent with them, and each day was unique. Each person made have a special place in my heart. I’m grateful to Marcos, who never lost a hope that I can learn Estonian, to Kristina, my amazing basketball teammate, to Maarja and her support and helpful advice, to Aveli for all our conversations, I really appreciate them, and thanks to my Ukrainian queen Sofia for everything. I can’t imagine my days without Julia, Liisi, without Gerda’s jokes and, of course, delicious food at Anneke. And special thanks to Valentina, my tutor, who became for me the closest person in this big family.
During the project, I opened absolutely new sides of me. For example, I started to like cooking. But who won’t like, when you listen to Papa Roach and Imagine Dragons lives, while you’re cooking a breakfast? I learned how to ice-skating and boat sailing, thanks to youngsters. Also I even tried canoeing by myself. Thanks to Margit, who is not just a cool director, but also helped me with Viljandi Folk Music Festival. Now I can dance not only Ukrainian but also Estonian folk dances, and I even added some Estonian bands to my playlist. Also the project helped me to make my wishes come true: I’ve visited my dream country Finland and went to the festival there, and I went to the one of my favorite band concert in Riga. In addition, I’ve never known how beautiful is Estonian nature. But exploring nature and culture of different parts of Estonia, for example Kihnu, Kuresaare or Taevaskoda, I can say that this country so small but so different and interesting.
I can say that there were people, who made this time really special, they are youngsters who came to the Youth Center. I couldn’t imagine that I can play Lama or UNO every day, that I’d like playing Catan or I’d win Rummy. I’ve learned how fun trips can be even it’s raining without any stop. These young people have learned me to talk without words, to play games in three different languages, how to deal with problems fast and how to enjoy every day.
So, I can say that I don’t regret about any second here, and taking part in this project was my best decision ever. I’m sure I’ll miss the Youth Center and people from there. I really hope to come to Tartu one more time, but now: Suur Aitäh, Eesti!
