- 2 March 2024
- Posted by: Team for Youth Association
- Category: Volunteering Stories
As the sun rises over the serene village of Bordano nestled in the Italian mountains, I find myself immersed in a journey of discovery and solidarity unlike any other. Hey there, I’m Ferenczi Edith, a recent film school graduate with a wish for adventure and a craving for cultural immersion. Three months back, I felt like I desired an urgent change of direction of the way my day to day life was headed.
Breaking off my familiar habits and leaving behind the known for the unknown seemed like a very strange idea to me first. Nevertheless, as I learned more and more about the European Solidarity Corps I felt compelled by the unique chances they were offering. Naturally, I had some ideas of volunteering before, but doing it cross country was a totally different world. Literally. After days and weeks spent searching for MY calling, I found the post of Farfalle nella Testa and I knew it was love at first flight, sorry sight. Casa delle Farfalle or Butterfly House, is a magical sanctuary nestled in the heart of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of northern Italy.
I’m part of the communication team at the Butterfly House, where my daily tasks involve creating all sorts of creative content for our social media channels. From informational posts about butterflies to amusing daily quizzes and even hopping on the TikTok bandwagon to spread the word regarding nature’s wonders – it’s been an interesting couple of months. It was a surprise to also learn about the earthquake museum that my organization is managing called Tiere Motus. This gave me the opportunity to use some of my skills acquired during university. I’ve had the chance of taking part in documenting the emotional testimonials of individuals who survived the devastating earthquakes of 1976. This was also a window of opportunity to learn more about the local history and culture. Hearing these heartbreaking stories had a big effect on me and made me more grateful and grounded in my present.
Sometimes, I trade my keyboard and phone for a camera bag and hit the road with a talented Italian cameraman to diverse locations surrounding Bordano.Not only am I learning new technical things about cinema, but I also get to practice my Italian skills since he does not speak English. And let me tell you, sometimes it gets hard to properly communicate but this only motivates me more to learn the language.
Now, let’s talk about the Butterfly House itself – it’s not just a place; it’s a vibe. These past months have been all about hibernation of nature, including the butterflies. As spring is coming and we are approaching the opening of the butterfly house I can feel how everything is waking up from their wintery slumber. And me? I’ve been having the time of my life blending my digital skills with my creativity to try and capture the essence of this magical place.
As I look back in these past few months, I can’t help but smile at the adventures and experiences that have colored my journey. Each story, each moment of laughter shared with my amazing colleagues and fellow volunteers, each new word I learned has added a long-lasting mark to my life. And as I spread my colorful wings and soar into the unknown, I carry with me a heart full of gratitude and a spirit brimming with possibility.