Navigating the unknown: Lessons from my year of volunteering

Hi! Inés here :)

It's been five months since I embarked on this volunteering journey at a Montessori school in Telfs, Austria, thanks to the European Solidarity Corps. As a 19-year-old fresh out of high school in Spain, I initially thought this gap year would grant me time to carefully plan out the way before diving into the depths of academia. Little did I know, it turned out to be a life-changing experience that has reshaped my perspective on the future.

Escaping the rigid confines of academia for a year has been like a breath of fresh mountain air. Surrounded by the stunning Austrian Alps, I've come to realize that trying to perfectly plan my future is as futile as trying to catch the wind. Life, much like the alpine breeze, is unpredictable, and attempting to predict every twist and turn will only baggage you with worry.

Being here has been more than just a break from the classroom. It's been an immersion into the real world, a world that is both messy and beatiful, and will throw your perfect plans out the window while leaving you in a wonderful, unexpected and unexplored future. The Montessori philosophy, emphasizing individualized learning and exploration, has mirrored my own journey of self-discovery. It has taught me that true fulfillment comes not from rigidly adhering to a pre-set path but from embracing the spontaneous moments and unexpected detours.

But also the people i have met along the way had so much to offer! From fellow volunteers to the wonderful Austrians involved in the project, each person has left a mark on my journey. Their stories, experiences, and unique perspectives have helped me shed the anxiety that clung to the uncertainty of my future. Instead of fearing the unknown, I've come to accept that my path will be a continuous exploration, a perpetual journey of learning and growing.

Big thank you to the European Solidarity Corps for making all of this possible, and so much more!?

So, what's next for me? Well, I've decided to dip my toes into the fascinating world of psychology and have set my sights on German universities. Why? Because it's interesting, it's exciting, and it feels like the right step for now. The future? Who knows! Ten years down the road, I might be doing something that doesn't even exist in my thoughts today. And you know what? That's perfectly fine.

In the end, it's not about having a perfectly plotted roadmap for the future but about relishing the journey and embracing the unexpected. Life's a wild ride, and I'm ready to enjoy every twist, turn, and surprise it throws my way. Cheers to the unpredictability of life, the wisdom gained, and the adventures yet to come! ?✨

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