We recently welcomed Eva to ReStore Drogheda, where she will be volunteering through the European Solidarity Corps programme. Read about her experience below.
The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) programme has been immensely positive for Habitat, and for the communities we serve through Habitat ReStores and our House to Home programme. Volunteers from across Europe provide hands on help for local people and the programme offers an enriching experience for the young people as well as our staff team and other local volunteers.
Eva came to Ireland with the goal of improving her English, as it adds to her credentials when the time comes to pursue a full-time job. She's finishing up her studies in administration, with only one course away from obtaining her degree in Spain. Her previous work experience in administration taught her that she's not the biggest fan of sitting at a desk all day and the desire to explore her options is one of the reasons she applied for the ESC programme.
When asked why she chose Habitat for Humanity, Eva states that she knew "Habitat has a great mission helping others and improving the quality of life of the community." Contributing her part at ReStore Drogheda was the perfect fit for Eva as it combined with her interest in retail and her eagerness to be on her feet.
We asked her about her adjustment to life in Ireland and Eva laughs to herself for a moment. She'd never been to Ireland, but she has travelled to other European countries for shorter trips. Like most people, she had her moment of realisation that she was on her own once she was in Ireland. But has truly taken control and hit the ground running. Her tactic? Connecting with Spanish communities in the area. She told us that she searched "Spanish people living in Dublin" on the internet and came across many Facebook groups. There, she connected with other Spanish people and now she's currently in lots of different WhatsApp group chats which has given her the opportunity to meet so many different people.
The conversation moves on to Eva's time in ReStore where she has spent a lot of time interacting with customers, volunteers, donors and staff, which gives her the best opportunity to practice her English.
When asked about her favourite task at ReStore, Eva's quick to respond with going on collections. She gets to see the different parts of Ireland, such as the countryside and various livestock. She also gets a glimpse of what homes in Ireland are like when she arrives to pick up donations of furniture.
We asked her about her plans for the rest of her time in Ireland. Eva mentions pursuing the last course she needs to graduate online instead of waiting to return home to Spain. Additionally, she does her best to travel every weekend, whether it's to Dublin or outside of Ireland. She says she's looking forward to taking advantage of her vacation days for longer trips outside of Europe, but she assures me that she's prioritising seeing all of Ireland first.
Lastly, she shares some advice for anyone who might be considering the ESC programme or a similar experience. She wants people to know that if they're certain they want to try something, just do it. It's about seizing the opportunity when it presents itself. For her, she always wanted to travel and see what the world has to offer. In this case, this was the perfect time because her old job had just ended and her studies were wrapping up at the same time. Previously, Eva kept postponing the thought of applying for the ESC programme because the time never felt right. In all, postponing a decision like hers can be logical, but she also emphasises that there will always be something that could be an obstacle. In the end, it's about finally taking that first step so that there are no regrets further down the line.
