It is an honor and a pleasure to still remain in touch with my organization, that taught me so
much through my ESC experience.
So with that, I once again pick up my pen and paper to write a personal short blog,
describing how my life continues, after I’ve concluded my volunteering:

I realised how capable and ingenious I can actually be, without the self-imposed mental
blocks. I learned to work with what I have at disposal (Myself) and resources that are in my
environment.

It’s good to bring awareness to my weaknesses and to have someone show you how to
work around them, or help you figure out how to not perceive them as an obstacle, but an
opportunity.
An opportunity to connect and ask someone else to do something for you, creating a new
connection and bond. That’s how, I believe, we are meant to live, relying and cooperating
with one another.

I found a job thanks to these notions, and I integrated into a wonderful family that even
decided to host me indefinitely!
I am very grateful for that.

Thanks to this fact I also found meaningful love, with a truly wonderful person. I believe I
wouldn’t be “ready” if it weren’t for all the afternoons and late evenings spent at the MC
terrace, talking with colleagues, friends and other ex-ESC volunteers. They gave me a
lot!

Finally, I found how to always feel that I belong, no matter where I am, after a life spent
trying to find my place in the world, I now feel at home… Everywhere I go!

Once again I want to really thank the Team at MCZoS, the wonderful staff at VDC and
every single person I met during my stay in Zagorje. You will always have a special place in
my heart!!

– Ivan Nikolov.

ESC prostovoljec