Being a volunteer in Mediterranean was an amazing journey which gave me a lot of good memories and good friendships. Before going to Spain, I wasn’t so excited and my expectation were low. I thought, it would be mostly about helping athletes and other guests but reality is much more different. There was a lot good times, having fun, and good conversations.In the first week after arrival, we had our on-arrival training which helped us connect with other volunteers. There were volunteers from 25 different countries with different backgrounds and different cultures. In the training, we had many different activities where I learned how to work in group, how to solve contradictions, how to respect other cultures. Also, the first week more like meeting and knowing each other. That’s why everyone was curious about each other and there were a lot good conversation. In the second day of the week, we had inter-cultural evening. Everyone from different countries presented their cultures in different ways. As Turkish volunteers, we brought Turkish delight, cezerye, helva. We also taught some Turkish folk dances. It was very interesting to see how some cultures are very different and how some cultures very close to our one. We had a great time in that evening.
When the games started in the third week, it was time to use our skills which we learnt during on-arrival training. I was a noc-assistant of Turkish teams. Basically, I was handling all of their problems. I was arranging transportation, lunch, and solving technical problems. I have met with a lot of great Turkish athletes in those days. In those days, we were staying at the camp which was exhausting for some of the volunteers but it was very relaxing and comforting for me. Our camp-side was very close to the beach, so after working we were going to swim with couple of friends to relax and have fun. This experience was extra-ordinary and mind-opening for me. Sending and receiving institutions were very helpful along the way. I met with a lot great people, had great memories. I can feel like improved as a person. I think, now I’m more tolerant to other people and cultures. This amazing journey would not be possible without European Commission. I want to thank all the people and institution which is in this project for giving me chance to live that amazing opportunity.
Melkan Musabaşoğlu