Hey! I am Elena from Armenia and I am happy to tell you about why I decided to become a volunteer. When I was a teenager I read Audrey Hepburn’s autobiographical book.
There was one quote which touched my heart, “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone”. That quote made me think about the value of life.
Now I am 25 years old and I strongly believe that only kindness can change this cruel world, warmness – is the best present, and hugs – the right way to show your love. I believe that I can change something in this world by giving my power and time to meaningful work.
And that’s why I am here, in Marasesti, small Romanian village. What do I do? I am trying to help children and teenagers in schools to understand what violence and bullying is, and why life without it is more beautiful. Sometimes I feel I do nothing. But then I realise that maybe the words I say in the classroom, the activities we do can change someone’s life. And the hugs, smiles and even sometimes the tears from the students after each lesson proves that I do something important.
But volunteering is not only about giving, it is firstly about: making new friends, acquiring knowledge, feeling new emotions, having new thoughts and spreading the love. Sometimes it may be really difficult to be living in another country with people who are very different to you, and who sometimes don’t understand you, however I am happy to be here.
Thank you to everyone who is apart of this beautiful experience!
