My ESC volunteering at Youth for Equality may have come to an end, but my journey through life is just beginning. I am no longer hesitating, stepping from place to place, but standing firmly on my own two feet. Because now, I have a clearer idea of what to do. The topic of „Young Leaders“ helped me reflect on what can be achieved in life.
Although my experience was brief, it was anything but dull. On my very first day, I found myself at a high school fair, getting in touch with the local community. But to start from the beginning…
Trnava is a city where you can live like royalty (Trnava je mesto, kde sa žije kráľovsky) —at least, that’s what the city’s slogan says. And I always wondered, is that really true? Some time passed, I came across a volunteer opportunity, applied, was accepted, and my dream became a reality. Trnava is often called „Little Rome“ because of its many beautiful buildings, both religious and secular, all surrounded by well-preserved medieval city walls. It’s also filled with high-quality cycling paths, which is why I personally like to call it „Little Amsterdam.“
Back to the point—right from the first day, I was in contact with the local community. This only expanded in the following months, as I participated as a presenter during Erasmus Days and regularly visited the youth center Klubovňa in the Linčianská neighborhood on a weekly basis. On top of that, I also worked in the office, where, under the guidance of experienced mentors, I was able to create a realistic vision for my own educational workshop. Actually, not just a workshop, but an entire series, incorporating my knowledge of climate change and sustainability.
Even the seemingly unexciting office work gave me the opportunity to reflect on what kind of career and life path would be right for me. One thing is certain—I want to finish my university studies and continue focusing on my field, urbanism and city planning. Thanks to my experience in Trnava, I’ve confirmed that quality urban planning and community engagement are what truly make our world a better place.
Vilém Honysz
