Honestly, I’ve been waiting for this opportunity longer than Sirius Black waited to leave Azkaban, but as I write these lines, I can say — the mischief was managed. I’ve been more or less actively dreaming about European Solidarity Corps projects since 2009, when my oldest sister joined her own volunteering experience. Back then, I had no idea if or when it would ever happen for me.

Over the years, during university, I got involved in Erasmus projects — first as a volunteer with the Erasmus Student Network, and later, I spent a semester studying abroad. But while I was still in school, I also started working as a TV journalist, and so there was no time to focus on my childhood dream.

At the end of last year, when I turned 29, I realized that something was still missing — I wasn’t entirely satisfied with where my professional path was heading. I love my mother tongue, but in recent years, I have used it strictly on a professional level, while my knowledge of other languages has quietly faded into the background. That’s when I had a “now or never” moment — I’ll make it before I turn thirty!

I began browsing opportunities and came across one that stood out more than the rest — in Apulia, a region in Italy I had never visited before, a group of people is taking care of land that was confiscated from the local mafia. XFarm. Besides producing olive oil and wine, they seemed incredibly warm and inspiring. My professional instincts even kicked in as I appreciated their engaging communication on social media and their website…I applied anyway. And they selected me. Even though I’m not an agronomist. OK then!

So I arrived around the end of January, stepping into the damp climate of a region that has captured my heart more than I ever imagined — thanks to its open-hearted people, breathtaking surroundings, and amazing food. I think it also happened because I came with zero expectations. I pushed myself to the edge of my comfort zone and couldn’t have made a better decision.

Volunteering isn’t just for students unsure of their next steps, trying to find themselves in a world full of options. It’s also for those who have found themselves, but still want to keep exploring: both the world and themselves, to share their experience, and to continue growing.

That’s what I’ve done — I brought a little piece of my world, my knowledge, and my vision to a place already full of those things, yet still open to more.

Now I know that I needed to wait for this very moment, and I recommend it to everyone. Whether you’re 18 or 30, for two months or twelve. Just go.