En volontärs dagbok del 2

Dear KEKS lovers,

I hope everything is going well. I am writing this final entry from the bottom of my heart because my volunteering project in Lomma is ultimately coming to an end. After a fantastic year in Sweden, I can finally say that my childhood dream of living for an extended period in a Scandinavian country has been fulfilled.

Trip to Kiruna in January

The learning process has not stopped for a second, not only from a professional perspective but also from a personal and cultural one. Personally, I have learned that, regardless of my willingness and excitement, I cannot be everywhere all the time. Now, I am aware of the importance of rest. I used to believe that I was unstoppable and that being on the move was my natural state, but I realized here that unless I rest a whole day per week and turn down some plans, I won't function well the next week and I’ll become an exhausted monster nobody wants to see.

Culturally, I am satisfied that I got to know Sweden inside and out. I have been one of the luckiest travelers who could spot the Northern Lights on my trip to Kiruna. Moreover, I discovered and tasted the scrumptious Swedish cake calendar and felt the magical vibes of Midsommar.

Midsommar at Centralen.

I have also seen the colorful and rich Nordic architecture by traveling to different cities, both within my region of Skåne and outside of it. I experienced the gloomiest and most flowery seasons and, of course, I confirmed the importance of Eurovision and Melodifestivalen by attending the magnificent shows of both. So, yes, I can say that I have fully immersed myself in Swedish culture, and I couldn't be happier about that.

Professionally, I have remained captivated by the tasks at our Fritidsgård and Fritidsklub. Centralen has allowed me to improve my entrepreneurial and literary skills every single moment. I bonded with our pupils and youngsters, and I will miss them terribly. I was able to organize and lead a plethora of events and non-formal activities for our pupils, related to St. Valentine's, Carnival, dancing, the European Week, among others.

Non-formal activity with the pupils.

Furthermore, I will always have fond memories of my workshop on Mindfulness for the Ungdomsmässa, the KEKS Conference, my study visit to Fjället with Nel, and my mid-term course in Stockholm organized by the MUCF. I also participated in Spanish lessons at several high schools in Lomma in collaboration with the Spanish teachers. During those lessons, I was able to introduce and promote the ESC projects and encourage youth mobility as well.

Mindfulness workshop with the youth.

I simply cannot believe how fast this year has flown by. I can wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone craving a volunteering project. I knew from the very beginning that I was in good hands at Centralen, so a million thanks to everyone who made this possible. Thank you, Sweden, for embracing me as one of your own. You will always be a part of me, and I hope that this connection between Spain and Sweden will last forever.

All the best, jag älskar er. <3