Jessica’s Testimonial of her long-term ESC Project in Italy with Tempo per l’Infanzia
Sometimes, the best decisions begin with uncertainty. Saying “yes” to this opportunity was one of the best decisions I have ever made…
When I arrived in Milan seven months ago, everything was new. A new country, a new language, a new city and a completely different routine. I remember feeling excited, but also nervous. Leaving behind my family, my friends and everything that was familiar was not easy, but I knew that if I wanted to grow, I had to step outside my comfort zone.
Looking back now, I realise that this experience has been about much more than volunteering. It has meant learning to adapt, embracing uncertainty and discovering that feeling uncomfortable is often the first step towards personal growth.
At Tempo per il Barrio, I found much more than a place to volunteer. I found a community. From my very first days, the educators welcomed me with kindness and patience, making me feel part of the team. Little by little, I gained confidence, built relationships with the young people and started contributing not only by supporting daily activities, but also by creating my own projects and ideas.
One of the moments I am most proud of was designing and leading my personal project, Beyond Valentine’s: Celebrating Love in Every Form. Seeing an idea that started on paper become a real activity, and later a permanent part of the center, reminded me that even small initiatives can leave a meaningful impact.
Of course, this journey was not always easy. Communicating in different languages, adapting to another culture and finding my place in a new environment required patience and resilience. There were moments when I missed home, when I questioned myself and when everything felt unfamiliar. But those moments also taught me to trust myself more, to be flexible and to appreciate the beauty of different ways of living and thinking.
Working with children and young people has been one of the greatest gifts of this experience. They reminded me every day that genuine connections are built through simple gestures: listening, laughing together, showing interest and being present. They taught me that you do not need to speak the same language perfectly to make someone feel seen and valued.
Living in another country has also changed the way I look at the world. It has made me more open-minded, more independent and more aware of the richness that cultural diversity brings. Every person I met, every conversation I had and every challenge I faced became part of my learning journey.
As this experience comes to an end, I leave Italy with much more than memories. I leave with friendships, new perspectives, greater confidence and a stronger belief in the importance of community, empathy and non-formal education.
When I think about these seven months, I don’t immediately think about the places I visited or the city I lived in. I think about the people. The conversations after long days, the laughter shared during activities, the challenges we faced together and the small everyday moments that slowly became unforgettable memories. They reminded me that what truly makes a place special is not the buildings or the streets, but the people who make you feel welcome.
I arrived hoping to make a positive contribution. I leave knowing that this place has changed me just as much as I hope I have contributed to it.