"This experience helps you discover more about yourself." - Sara's Experience in Italy Blog dei volontari
Ciao a tutti! I am Sara Suárez, I am 23 years old and I come from Tenerife, the Canary Islands. I am a pedagogue, specialist in people with functional diversity.
At a certain point in my life, I reconsidered many things, including whether I wanted to continue working and studying on my island or if I wanted to miss out on opportunities like going abroad, meeting new people, learning to grow independently, and getting to know myself better. I didn't know how to turn my ideas into reality, and coincidentally, a friend sent me the opportunity that I am currently experiencing and that I am going to tell you about:
Currently, I work in a youth center in northern Italy where I help the young people socialize with their peers, play with them, and assist them with their academic tasks. Additionally, I work in a children's school where I share my mother tongue, Spanish, with Italian people.
When I shared my idea, some people asked me if I was sure about risking the life I had built. My answer was yes, and to this day, I maintain that it has been a unique experience. I would describe it as a roller coaster, with many emotions: joy, fear, sadness... But I would do it a thousand times over. This experience not only allows you to learn about the culture, language, and people, but it also helps you discover more about yourself. It reveals your insecurities but also your strengths, and it helps you grow and become your own companion. This experience will always hold a special place in my heart.
If you ever doubt yourself about going outside your comfort zone and taking a risk, remember that there is only one life. You will always have your family and friends to come back to, but the experience of stepping out of your comfort zone and getting to know yourself and others will stay with you forever.