Maria Drozdowicz at Associazione InCo – Interculturalità & Comunicazione
Hosted by The Azienda Servizi Sociali di Bolzano (ASSB)
Ciao, sono Maria and my volunteering project in a nursing home in Bolzano is slowly coming to an end…
But this year was probably the beginning of a new path in my life. I discovered things about the world and about myself that I didn’t expect to discover. Thanks to the elders that I was spending my time with, I grew and came to understand how important it is to appreciate the opportunities that the modern, digital world gives us – and at the same time, how not to lose the core values that we need as human beings: mindful presence, patience, empathy, and calmness.
Living in Bolzano gave me a great opportunity to develop in my beloved field of mountain sports, especially climbing. I’ve met an amazing group of local and international friends to do it with. After 10 months I still can’t believe that the Dolomites are just around the corner.
How has this volunteering experience impacted me? I traveled through time, space, and Italy, experienced adventures, joys, and sorrows. I spoke three, sometimes four languages a day (something I never knew I was capable of). I missed home and eventually found a new one.
