Volunteering is often seen as a way to give back, but for me, it has also been about personal growth. Over the past few months, I have spent time volunteering at a kindergarten in Bratislava, and the experience has changed me in ways I never expected. Through patience, time management, and creativity, I have developed skills that have positively impacted both my personal and professional life for the future.
Learning Patience and Adaptability
One of the biggest lessons I learned was patience. Young children have endless energy, rapid mood shifts, and constant needs. At first, it was overwhelming, but over time, I learned to stay calm and be fully present. Patience isn’t just about waiting—it’s about understanding and adapting, a skill that has helped me in everyday life. It goes hand in hand with endurance, which is also a skill that was hard to learn but now is a part of my daily life.
Mastering Time Management
I thought I was good at managing time, but the kindergarten experience refined this skill. With so much happening at once, I had to prioritize effectively:
What or who needs immediate attention?
What can wait?
What can i bring in today?
Focusing on what truly mattered made me more efficient and balanced. Because with all these new challenges and new problems, upcoming everyday it can be very overwhelming. With this I also learned the importance of taking short breaks to recharge.
Rediscovering Creativity
Children see the world with endless imagination. I initially thought I was there to teach, but they taught me just as much. Watching their creativity inspired me to think differently and solve problems with an open mind. I realized creativity isn’t just about art—it’s about how we approach and see life.
Reassessing What Truly Matters
Seeing kids find joy in simple things—playing outside, reading a book, laughing—made me reflect on my own choices. I started prioritizing meaningful experiences over distractions, spending more time with loved ones, finding things that spark joy for me and be less on technology. It was a small but powerful shift.
A Journey of Growth
Volunteering at the kindergarten has been more than just an act of service—it’s been a journey of self-discovery. I have grown more patient, improved my time management, and embraced creativity. Most importantly, I have learned to appreciate the small moments that make life meaningful. Growth doesn’t always come from big achievements. Sometimes, it happens in quiet moments—helping a child, sharing laughter, or realizing what truly matters. If you have the chance to volunteer, take it. You might be surprised by how much you learn—not just about others, but about yourself.
Text a fotka: Lucia Bereta
Lucia je dobrovoľníčkou programu Európskej komisie Európsky zbor solidarity na dobrovoľníckom projekte v detskom centre Hlavička pod koordináciou Bratislavského dobrovoľníckeho centra. Projekt bol podporený z programu Európsky zbor solidarity.
