My EVS Journey That Never Started

My EVS Journey

Around a year ago I was selected for European Voluntary Service in Italy, unfortunately my Visa got rejected twice and I couldn’t make it. But I have a small record of the unpublished events of that journey which never started.

A Short Introduction:

My name is Saba Gul, born and raised in Pakistan, living in Turkey since last two years pursuing my bachelors in management at Akdeniz University, Antalya. I am going to be 21 in a few months. My hobies include watching movies, sports, playing games, reading, writing, sketching, travelling and exploring new places, socializing and many more :D

The Pre-Departure: Part I

The Sad Part: The Journey Ended Even Before It Started

29thMay, 2017- I woke up early in the morning that day, checked the status of my visa through the online portal. I was quite delighted to see that my application had been processed and my passport was ready to be picked up. I left my dormitory in the afternoon to go and collect my passport. On my way to the Application Center which is approximately a 40 minutes ride; I was planning about my trip, the clothes I would be taking, and a small farewell party with my friends before leaving for Italy and etc etc. I went straight to the counter with my receipt. But all my fantasies came to an end when the lady there told that my visa was rejected. I was in a state of shock, not knowing how to react. I asked her again “REALLY?” Of course she was not joking. I quietly took my passport, fulfilled some official formalities and came back. It was a tough day. I had to make sure to keep myself under complete control emotionally and mentally as I had my final exam of Accounting the very next day.

I got selected for this EVS program when I didn’t even have any high expectations as I was merely a freshman of undergraduate competing with quite experienced students who were either in their final years or were students of graduate and postgraduate level. And I got my visa rejected when I had very high expectations of its approval. So, once again life demonstrated how unpredictable it can be!

-By the way I got a 100 of 100 in that Accounting Exam ;)

Back in the Game

After a day or two I went to talk with one of the responsible persons at our International Relation Office. She was also surprised. But she encouraged me to apply for visa again saying she really wanted me to go.  I then wrote a detail email to the person in charge at my host organization- Mr. A. I got very positive response from him as well. He showed his willingness to host me in later months and ascertained that he would provide all support in my next visa application. So eventually the Turkish and the Italian National Agency were also involved in order to support my case at the embassy. I felt kind of special and “Yes! The journey didn’t end I was back in the game.”

The Problematic Child and The Guardian Angels:

“A***, there is a problem…”; “A***, they are asking for…”; “A***, there is another problem…”; “A***, can you please…”; “A*** I couldn’t…”; “and D**** Ma’am there is some misprint in the…”;“ D**** Ma’am what should I…”; “N Ma’am, I went there today but…”

So somehow, unfortunately I turned into such problematic child against my desires. As there are certain circumstances which cause a child to demonstrate such behavior, I was also forced to. :D

These people could have left me on my own and not cared, they could have referred some other candidate from the reserve list instead of me. But they cooperated with me beyond one’s imagination and that’s why I call them my Guardian Angels. I remember the first time I wrote to A***, I addressed him as “Respected Sir”, now I call him by his name but I have respect for him much deeper than ever before. 

Oh Yes! I am Seeing the Good in Eveything:

Frankly, I still don’t have a 100% assurance regarding my EVS as I am still waiting for my visa result. :D

But thanks to all the visa related procedures here, I have already experienced and learned a lot. I met so many new people. Without any exaggeration I have been to the Visa application centre at least 10 times. They all know me now. Last time I ran short of some photocopies and went to the security officer, (now just to mention the cost of getting copies there was like 20times than the normal price and I had a good amount of pages) when I was about to make the payment he didn’t charge from me and  with a smile said “No Problem”.

The security guards at the banks where I keep my accounts have become familiar with me now and each time tell me “HOŞGELDİN-WELCOME”with a heartily smile. The International Relations Office personnel also know me even by my name.

I never had any long conversations with all the above mentioned people but I feel that we all have a bond of mutual respect for each other, which is very precious for me.

Besides, I have also lost some weight without worrying about my chocolate intake. :D

In short, other EVS volunteers learn and explore new aspects after their arrival at host organizations. I am still at my place and have already broadened my mental horizons to some extent. 

The Sweet Dreams of Mussomeli: 

When I first came across this EVS program at Associazione Culturale Strauss, the thing which enthralled me the most was its objective of creating a multicultural society. I consider that the richness of culture, the strength of a society lies in its diversity. Also when I ponder over some problems of the current time, to me the reason behind them appears to be our intolerant and rigid behavior. We need to learn to welcome diversity, to listen and respect views which are different from ours.

• -“Not For Oursleves Alone Are We Born”- Cicero

It is truly said that people with disabilities also have abilities; they also have a light which just needs to be ignited. By working at “Associazione Casa Famiglia Rosetta Onlus” I hope to play my role in igniting that light. It would also teach me patience and skills to tackle various situations. I can also not refute the benefits of the various types of therapies employed there such as music therapy, art- related activities etc. Modern Day researches have proven that such activities can reduce stress levels and contribute significantly towards mental health regardless of how disable or able a person is.

• -Time To Save Mother Earth

Yes I like playing with mud, drawing, painting and writing. Can I use them in a constructive way? Of course! Let’s go to Arci Park and use all this in creating a better environment.

• -Posso Parlare Italiano

Well I can’t at the moment actually, but I am really looking forward to learn some basic Italian and expand my lingual treasure.

• -Just Work, Work and Work?

Nooo! I will have weekends which I would use to explore the historic richness and beauty of Mussomeli, the famous Castle, all the beautiful Churches, and the narrow stone streets from where once legends would have passed. I am equally excited to have new foreign friends and to listen to their stories of their lives and their countries.  And how can one be in Italy and not enjoy the pizza, the spaghettis, the pasta.

• -Cultural Ambassador

I have had lived in two such countries which are known for their rich cultures having rich histories- Turkey and Pakistan. I know I have double the responsibility but at the same time feel honored that I would be a representative of two countries.

• -In A Nutshell

 The program through its social, professional and cultural projects will test and strengthen my adaptivity, amiability, efficiency and sense of cross-cultural understanding. Not only will I boost my teamwork and leadership skills but will have precious additions in my world of international friends. This one month long experience holds the potential of being a milestone in my life.

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