Mein deutscher Traum
“If you really want to do something, you'll find a way. If you don't, you'll find an excuse.” Jim Rohn
When I finally decided to become an EVS volunteer I had already known it is going to be a huge change in my life. And more than probably it will expand my life completely. I am Beata and I am a teacher of English in Poland. I started my EVS adventure on 1st September 2016 in an enchanting city of cyclists – Münster, which is situated in the northern part of Westphalia and is considered to be the cultural centre of the region.
So what exactly does it mean to be an EVS volunteer? Is European Voluntary Service just the European Commission's project which allows young people to become a volunteer in another country for a specified period of time? It is far more than that definition! For sure it is the experience which every single person eager to learn, explore and travel must do! Even though it took me quite a long time to finally make my dream come true and start EVS, I was more than sure I will do it! I had to arrange many important issues which I have left in Poland.. my job, my flat, the adult life I have been living for five years in a town called Paslek in northern Poland. I consider myself to be sociable and dynamic person, who loves interacting with people. I always do my best to make people smile and I am eager to learn as much as possible about the world we live in. Being responsible, ambitious as well as funny I consider to be my strengths. I am open-minded and cheerful thanks to which I have no problems to start new friendships or to cooperate with people from different places around the world. I am “addicted” to learning foreign languages, travelling, listening to music, eating as well as trying new cuisines. I just adore working with youth and children. All in all, I just needed a good plan, a little bit of patience and a pinch of luck. I had all of the ingredients so there was no other way than finally making the first step to make the dream become the reality.
It is not my first stay in Germany. Actually, I have visited this country so many times that I could already feel like home here. I still have to improve my skill of using German language though. As I love learning new languages I am inclined to believe soon enough I will start communicating in German. Germany welcomed me with good weather, friendly and open-minded people and already a first project abroad “ Lifelong learning for digital inclusion through media literacy” in Thessaloniki, Greece. Delicious food, perfect weather, but more importantly friendly and amazing people from Greece, Turkey and Germany made my stay there an unforgettable experience.
I see EVS as a great experience – self-development, helping people in every way, meeting other volunteers as enthusiastic as I am and learning other cultures, languages. The crucial objective of my EVS is to receive a professional media and photography training. Additionally, I would like to improve my communication and project management skills. Germany is a country of diversified people – speaking different languages, sharing their cultures and traditions therefore it gives me the possibility to both teach and learn about similarities and differences between human beings.
Do you want to know the plan for my EVS?
It's a big world out there.
Go explore.
Enjoy every moment.
Beata Jaranowska
