Interview with Edina Tóth

We made an interview with Edina Tóth who was a volunteer through our Association in England.

1. Where did you hear about the European Solidarity Corps?
I’ve heard about it from the Centre Youth Association.

2. Why did you decided that you would participate in an ESC project?
I had the opportunity to talk to a lot of people who participated eariler and their experiencies were really motivating.

3. What kind of project you chose? Why that country, that organization you chose? How long your volunteering lasted?
My project was organising community programs for disabled people at a care home. I did a gap year after secondary grammar school, so the most important thing for me was the time, because it was given. The duration of the project was 10 months originally, but due to Covid- 19 I came home after 4 months.

4. What expectations you went to your project?
I wanted to be useful.

5. What purposes you had which you wanted to realise by the project?
I did a Hungarian, when I presented some historical facts and they could taste traditional foods and drinks. I created some tools, that made easier the communication for disabled people.

6. What you have improved during your project, what you have changed in?
My language skills are definitely developed and I become more patient and I experienced when my work is really appreciated.

7. Have you had a deep point or failure which touched your soul and have learnt something or memorable? What helped you to rise above?
I was homesick and my volunteer coordinator and my fellow workers looked for Hungarian foods.

8. If you could be an ESC volunteer again then where and what project would you volunteer again?
I would do the same project.

9. What would you advise to those young people who are hesitating between the working or further education?
Imagine, that you are 70 years old and think back. What would you regret more if you go or not?

10. Could you share a funny story with us which is shareable?
As part of my volunteering, we visited a magic show and surprisingly I was asked to participate in a magic trick and it was funny.

11. Did you got permanent human connections and friends which you have until today?
Yes, we have a quiz at every Wednesday. I some friends and I plan to visit them.

12. Overall, how you appreciate your volunteering period? Are you considering this opportunity useful and if yes, why?
I think it was really useful. I could meet a lot of new people, got to know English culture more, and help for some people and make their everyday life a bit better.