Hello, my name is Irene, and I am one of the "new" volunteers in the Philanthropy Charity Shop. Some months ago, I was still doing the last exam of my degree and trying to finish a final dissertation that seemed to have no end. In between all these last nerves and stress, I was trying to figure out what I would do next year knowing clearly that I wanted to do something that could help other people and that had a social purpose. And that's how I found this beautiful opportunity in this very special shop.
After a fantastic initial interview, I knew that this was the place where I wanted to spend a year, where I would learn, grow and help, however, upon arrival everything exceeded my expectations. When I arrived, I met the people who would become, not only my flatmates, but also fantastic friends with whom I could share dramas, go out partying, laugh and above all always find love and support. To be completely honest, I never thought that in such a short period of time, I would be able to connect so well with two people, loving their presence and lamenting their absence, and although Núria left to embark on her new adventure, she remains a great and loving friend to this day. Moreover, over the months, other beautiful people came into my life, and I learned that friendships have nothing to do with age.
But not only did I meet great flatmates, the shop also turned out to be a great and pleasant surprise. Here I am, meeting people with stories as varied as the products in our shop, with whom I love to talk and get to know their backgrounds. I am also learning how, even the smallest gestures, can mean great joy for some people, and how we are really doing great social work that helps many people. It makes me feel very happy to see how my work can have a very positive effect on everyone's lives. In addition, it allows me to acquire new skills and learn a lot in fields I am interested in.
Besides, my work is always easier with my colleagues and Zsuzsa, with whom, besides working hard, we share a lot of laughs, our problems, and the craziest situations. With them, everything always appears so much easier, and my hardest days don't seem so bad.
If someone had told me months ago, when I was suffering in front of a Tax Law II book, that I would find so much happiness and love in Budapest, I honestly would have laughed, because it would have seemed impossible. But after a few months of living here, I can say that this is the best decision I have made in years, and that this experience will undoubtedly change my life. I can't wait to continue enjoying the life I have in Budapest.
My first walk in Budapest
