In April, I was sitting on campus in Ankara, just thinking about summer internship plans. I had no idea that in just a few weeks, everything in my life would change. While browsing through the university’s programs, I came across a three-month volunteering opportunity in Skopje, Macedonia. At that moment, I realized that something important was about to begin.

This had been a dream of mine since childhood: to live in a foreign country, meet people from different cultures, work together, and be part of something meaningful. Suddenly, that dream was becoming real. My close friend Efe and I were about to travel to a place we had never been before, not for vacation, but to contribute, grow, and explore.

From the moment we landed in Skopje, everything felt different. New faces, new languages, and a completely different way of life surrounded us. At first, we felt like strangers, but very quickly, this place started to feel like home.

Three months might not seem like much, but within those three months, I’m gaining dozens of new friendships, a broader perspective, and most importantly, a new version of myself.

I learned that sometimes life can change entirely through a single decision or an online application. Looking back now, I know this was one of the best choices I have made in years.

So, don’t hesitate. Accept the challenge and live.

Furkan Öğüt