From Curiosity to Gratitude: My Journey at Piispala
Hello everyone! I’m Ece, and I had the chance to spend two amazing months this summer at Piispala as part of the European Solidarity Corps project, an experience full of learning, nature, and new friendships. In this post, I’d love to share a bit about what I did during my time here and what I’ve learned from this unique experience.
When I first arrived, I was filled with both excitement and curiosity about what was waiting for me. Finland had always been one of my dream destinations, since I’ve always been fascinated by the Nordic way of life and the mindset of the people who live here. From the very first moment I encountered this project, I felt a deep connection to it because of its nature. It felt like the perfect blend of life’s finest gifts — animals, endless forests, shimmering lakes, and a calming silence where nature and people exist in harmony. Living so close to nature reminded me how important it is to slow down and appreciate simple things, like the sound of the wind through the trees, the reflection of the sunset on the lake, or the laughter shared during a meal. These small moments taught me the true meaning of mindfulness and gratitude.
I believe this journey allowed me to explore hidden parts of myself, and I feel like it’s such a milestone in my life. This whole experience is really special to me since it let me rediscover myself in ways I couldn’t have even imagined. From the very first days, I felt truly at home, surrounded by warmth, kindness, and genuine smiles. Because of this, I realized that when your surroundings are peaceful and filled with gentle people, you naturally start to reflect that same calmness yourself. You slowly begin to absorb the good energy around you, and it can be truly transformative for someone who is ready to grow mentally and spiritually.
I learned so much from the people I worked with. I got to observe their way of working and take part in many outdoor activities with different groups, such as canoeing, walking with goats, and picking blueberries in the forest. Speaking of blueberries, I also joined a blueberry pie baking activity with one of the groups. After baking the pie, we played card games together, and seeing how much they enjoyed the activities brought me genuine joy.
Beyond all these beautiful moments, what made this experience truly meaningful for me was the sense of community that surrounded us. Everyone was always ready to help, share, and support each other, and it really felt like being part of one big family. Whether we were working together, having lunch, or simply chatting by the lake after a long day, there was always a feeling of peace and belonging in the air. Besides everything else, I’d also like to mention how much of a blessing it was to get to know my fellow volunteers. They were not only great company and fun people to hang out with, but also an amazing support system for me. Even though I was far away from my home and family, thanks to them, I never felt alone for a single moment. I got to learn so much from their experiences and cultures.
But the best part of this project was not only having the chance to meet people from many different cultures, but also being able to take part in so many different activities. Each day brought something new to learn, to try, and to enjoy. In addition to blueberry pie baking and outdoor adventures, I also had the opportunity to visit local schools and youth centers, where I introduced my own culture and shared stories from my country. It was such a rewarding experience to see how curious and open-minded everyone was, and how easily we could connect through kindness, laughter, and curiosity.
We also had several project days here, where I could be more free and creative. During those days, I had the chance to brainstorm ideas, collaborate with other volunteers, and create small but meaningful projects together. At the same time, I was encouraged to work independently, which allowed me to explore my own ideas and express myself in new ways. Those moments of creativity and teamwork helped me grow a lot and made me realize how powerful it is when people from different backgrounds come together to create something positive.
Beyond everything I gained and how deeply this project touched me, it felt truly wholesome to realize that I was also able to contribute something of myself. I could see my ideas taking shape and adding value to the community we were part of. This sense of giving, sharing, and learning all at once made the whole experience even more meaningful for me.
Looking back, I feel incredibly grateful for every moment I spent here. This project didn’t just teach me about teamwork or culture, but also about compassion, creativity, and human connection. It reminded me that growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone, open your heart, and let yourself be changed by the people and places around you.
It’s hard to put into words how much these two months have meant to me. I came to Piispala with curiosity and excitement, and I’m leaving with so much love, gratitude, and a new sense of peace. Piispala became a place where I felt safe, supported, and happy. I’m so thankful for every laugh, every walk in the forest, and every moment of teamwork. This experience gave me memories I’ll never forget and taught me lessons I’ll carry with me for life.
Piispala hosts international volunteers through European Solidarity Corps programme that is co-funded by the European Union.
