Hi everyone! I’m Zeynep from Türkiye. 

I have been living in Ankara for the past 7 years, and this is my first time abroad, which is pretty exciting. I think Skopje was a wonderful choice for me. The people here are so welcoming, the streets are beautiful, the city has a calm and peaceful atmosphere, and there are so many new experiences to discover.

And as for who I am, I am a 25-year-old psychologist, currently writing a master’s thesis in the field of gender studies, which I deeply care about. I like seeing how our individual problems are affected by the society surrounding us. 

Moving on to my hobbies, I like to go on walks (Skopje is great for that!), I enjoy watching movies because they allow me to witness diverse life experiences from different cultures and circumstances (Skopje is also great for that!), I like sketching because it allows me to relax and get away from stress (again, Skopje is also great for that!).

To be honest, I was a bit nervous before coming here, as it was my first time traveling abroad. However, thanks to the warmth of the other volunteers and the beauty of Skopje, I feel I adapted quickly. So, if I were to offer a piece of advice to anyone reading this, I would say: be open to the opportunities that come your way in life. Even if new situations seem daunting at first, they have the potential to add color, excitement, and new relationships to our lives. So, don’t be afraid to step into the unknown. Growth happens right at the edge of comfort.

I can’t wait to make some unforgettable memories here in VCS and in the lovely Skopje. Take care!

Zeynep

Sending organization: Avrupa Birliği Çalışmaları Merkezi Derneği