They say you need to travel far to find yourself, but I found myself in the same city where I was born and raised. Sure, I went to Spain for a training before, but I didn’t really find myself there. I was anxious, distracted, and couldn’t focus on anything. But in Change Makers 2, I feel like I finally have the time and space to explore not just other cultures (Georgia, Spain, Tunisia, Morocco, Latvia, Italy, Ukraine, France, and more), but also my own Romanian culture.
The project is in Timisoara, a beautiful city full of parks, stunning buildings, and kind people. Timisoara isn’t just “any Romanian city”; it’s a cultural mix with Hungarian, Serbian, German, and other influences. Some even call it “Little Vienna” because of the architecture. I feel lucky to live and grow up here, and volunteering in my own city gives me a unique perspective.
Being a local volunteer is different. I get to share my culture but also connect closely with other volunteers from around the world. It’s amazing how much you can discover about your own culture when you share it with someone who sees it for the first time. At the same time, I learn about theirs. One of the volunteers from Georgia even decided to pursue her master’s in Timisoara after one of her projects.
I started volunteering in the ESC program in July 2025, and all my projects are here in Timisoara. It’s perfect timing because I’m still in high school and also trying to focus on myself. The fact that I can meet people from different countries, share food, exchange ideas, and learn together makes this experience unforgettable. Every day feels like a mix of learning, exploring, and growing, all without leaving the city I call home.
When I first heard about Change Makers 2, I was like, “Why not?” I mean, we all have our own reasons for joining something like this. For me, it was mostly to get better at English and meet new people. Simple, right? But honestly, it turned out to be way more than that. I’ve been stepping out of my comfort zone without even leaving my city, learning new skills, connecting with people I never would have met otherwise, and seeing my own culture in a totally new light. Every workshop, every project, every little task feels like a chance to grow, not just in English, but as a person. It’s wild how something that started as a “nice-to-have” ended up becoming a full-on adventure.
One of the best parts of volunteering? Actually, getting to run things myself. In Cenad, I spent a whole month doing activities with kids, and at the end, we turned it all into a mini-museum, seeing how proud they were was honestly the highlight of my week. Back in Timisoara, I had Halloween Quiz Night with my team. I planned it, coordinated it.
Honestly, volunteering isn’t just about helping out, it’s about leveling up your skills, trying new things, and making moments you’ll actually remember. And I love that I get to do all of this without leaving my city.
That’s it for now! More volunteering and more culture coming soon. You’ll hear more from me, soon enough!
