EVS and Me

Hi! My name is Safak, from Turkey. I’m a volunteer for Youth Discovery Ventures, Sheffield, United Kingdom. We are doing exciting projects with amazing people.

At first I thought it will be difficult: a new culture, getting involved, foreign language and many other new things I couldn't imagine. But then I realize it’s so simple. Because the people which I work with or meet here, all of them are friendly and helpful. I've never felt stress or unhappy yet. Being volunteer in YDV is the biggest opportunity in my life and I think it’ll open great doors in rest of my life.

Sheffield is the greenest city in the country. There are beautiful parks in the city. I couldn’t see all of them until now. And there is the Peak District which not so far from the city centre. I can talk ages about it but I think an image be easy to describe how amazing it is.

I had a very nice Christmas dinner with friends, normally we don’t celebrate Christmas in Turkey, but I really like it. Our table was so rich. Different recipes, like tortilla, pork pie, Turkish meatball and Christmas pudding. When the night ended, I understood that I ate so much. But no regret! If I join again I’ll do same.

In these time you can also taste mulled wine and cider. They are like herbal medicine in the winter, make you warm. I’m upset to not find it anymore. Because it’s kind of Christmas tradition.

After Christmas we had an amazing NYE with funny and fancy clothes. It was a great night. At first I tried kimono but it was not easy to dance. I changed it with skirt but no, I don’t put that image. Then we drink and dance until first lights of day.  British people know how to make amazing parties.

Brewery is so important in UK. They have so many different ales and tastes are amazing. One of our job is brewery. That’s right! I’m learning how to make beer. If your favorite drink is beer like me, this should be your best job ever. Working with Regather, I brewed IPA, English Pale Ale, Wheat, Stout, Lager and Belgium Blonde until now. I’m just helping to brew master but also I’m learning all process. I’ll try to brew by myself after EVS.
My other favorite job is veg box. Every week local/organic veggies and fruits come. Then we put them into boxes. After this delivery starts. I’m thinking seriously to do same project when I return to my home town. Because there are many good things in this project. Supporting local producers/local economy & healthy foods for people.
But these are not all. We have lots of different projects. Especially in spring and summer. We get involved in many outdoor festivals. They will be awesome. I’m so excited.
Almost three months passed away and I’m so glad to come here. I suggest EVS to all my friends. Great opportunity. It look difficult at first, paper works, process, permissions and others. But my sending organization and YDV helped me every time when I need.
So, find a project and go. If you need help, we are here for helping. World is so big and we are so small. You should start from somewhere. Look at me, I’m living best time of my life!