DAVID (THE NETHERLANDS)

Volunteered From MARCH 2023 TO JUNE 2023

2023 Unimaginable… that would be the sole description of my experience at Habibi Center. My background is not related to teaching, though I knew I liked working with teenagers through teenage camps I’ve led. So I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I really love teaching. On top of that, multiple teachers told me, independently of one another, that I have a talent for it as well. Without expecting it, Habibi Center may have changed the path of my career. It was my first time being on my own in a different country, so I wasn’t sure what to expect of it all. But I couldn’t have wished for a more caring, entertaining and simply delightful community around me. It genuinely felt like a family, with me being the youngest (though tallest haha) member. Thanks to everyone, especially Stephanie, who makes this community what it is. You all are the best! Not only is the community of teachers special to me, but also the students. I laughed and celebrated with them, I shared in and talked with them about their struggles and, above all, we had fun together in learning English. Their eagerness to learn, their motivation for a better life and an incredible resilience is something they have taught me in return. To see these teenagers grow in their English proficiency, but also in their social skills, is something wonderful. So wonderful even, that I decided to extend my stay with two weeks (and I really wish to come back as well). Besides teaching, I never dreamed of my social life flourishing the way it did. I made new friendships with people my age through the evangelical church in Athens, I played football almost every week with a group of Greek people and enjoyed dinners and market trips with other teachers living close to me. I learned much from others and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Never in my wildest dreams could I have dreamed of this adventure.