EMBRACING NEW EXPERIENCES
As a volunteer, I always look forward to new experiences and learning opportunities. This February, I attended an on-arrival training that broadened my perspective and helped me connect with amazing individuals. Fast forward to my recent mid-term evaluation training in Brežice a week ago, I had high expectations, yet I was met with a wave of uncertainty.
I arrived at the training venue filled with thoughts of familiarity; I expected to reunite with my fellow volunteers from the on-arrival training. However, I quickly learned that the reality would be different. Initially, I felt a sense of disappointment, believing that these next few days would drag on and be lackluster without my old friends by my side.
As I sat down for lunch that first day, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of a familiar face. A girl I had met during the on-arrival training joined our table, instantly lifting my spirits. Her presence brought back joyful memories and reminded me of the bonds we had formed through shared experiences.
To my surprise, the training proved to be the best four days of my journey so far! The carefully crafted activities, engaging trainers, and incredible people I met turned what I thought would be a mundane experience into something truly special. We embarked on team-building exercises that fostered trust and collaboration, and every engagement was filled with laughter and camaraderie.
One memory that stands out was our outdoor walks. Surrounded by the picturesque scenery of Brežice, we shared stories, dreams, and ideas. The conversations flowed naturally, creating an atmosphere of openness and connection. I realized that even in unfamiliar surroundings, friendships can blossom, enriching our lives in unexpected ways.
Through funny games and group discussions, we not only learned about our projects but also about ourselves. Each day was filled with moments of joy, reflection, and personal growth. I found myself smiling more than I had in a long time, relishing every interaction and activity.
As the training came to a close, I felt a bittersweet tug at my heart. I was so happy—I didn’t want it to end! The bonds we formed, the laughter we shared, and the learning we experienced would stay with me long after the training was over.
This experience taught me the importance of embracing the unknown. Sometimes, when things don’t go as planned, they can lead to unforeseen joy and connection. I realized that the essence of volunteering is not just about the tasks we undertake, but about the relationships we build along the way.
As I embark on the next chapter of my volunteer journey, I carry with me the lessons, friendships, and memories from Brežice. I encourage everyone to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new experiences, for you never know the incredible moments that await you.
TEDEN NOVIH IZKUŠENJ
Kot prostovoljka se vedno veselim novih izkušenj in priložnosti za učenje. Letos februarja sem se udeležila usposabljanja ”ob prihodu”, kar mi je razširilo perspektivo in mi pomagalo vzpostaviti stik z izjemnimi posamezniki. Prejšnji teden pa sem imela ”vmesni” trening v Brežicah in kljub visokim pričakovanjem je bil v meni kanček negotovosti.
Pričakovala sem, da se bom na treningu ponovno srečala s prostovoljci iz prvega usposabljanja ”ob prihodu”. Vendar sem hitro spoznala, da temu ni tako. Sprva sem čutila razočaranje, saj sem verjela, da se bodo naslednji dnevi dolgočasni brez družbe mojih starih prijateljev.
Prvi dan pri kosilu je posijal žarek upanja znanega obraza. Punca, ki sem jo spoznala med usposabljanjem ”ob prihodu”, je prisedla k naši mizi, kar mi je takoj izboljšalo razpoloženje. Njena prisotnost me je opomnila na vesele spomine in vezi, ki smo jih ustvarili s skupnimi izkušnjami.
Na moje presenečenje so bili to najboljši štirje dnevi do zdaj! Skrbno pripravljene delavnice, odlični trenerji in neverjetni ljudje, ki so izkušnjo naredili res posebno. Lotili smo se ”team building” dejavnosti, ki so spodbujale zaupanje in sodelovanje. Vsako druženje je bilo polno smeha in prijateljstva.
Spomin, ki mi ostaja, so zagotovo sprehodi. Obkroženi z lepoto Brežic smo si delili zgodbe, sanje in ideje. Interakcije so potekale naravno in ustvarile vzdušje odprtosti in povezanosti. Dojela sem, da tudi v neznani okolici lahko razcvetijo prijateljstva in nam nepričakovano izboljšajo življenje.
Skozi zabavne igre in skupinske aktivnosti smo se naučili več ne le o naših projektih, ampak tudi o nas samih. Vsak dan je bil zapolnjen s srečo, refleksijo in osebno rastjo. Opazila sem, da sem se na treningu zelo veliko smejala, več kot običajno.
Ker se je bližal konec usposabljanja, sem čutila stisko. Nisem želela, da se konča! Novi prijatelji, smeh in doživetja bodo zagotovo ostali z menoj.
Ko se pripravljam na naslednje poglavje mojega prostovoljstva s seboj nosim nauke, prijateljstva in spomine iz Brežic. Vse nagovarjam, da stopite izven cone obdobja in ste odprti za nove izkušnje. Nikoli ne veste, kakšni neverjetni dogodki vas čakajo.