ESC Stories

Hello! My name is Antonija, and I was born and raised in Zagreb, Croatia. For the past seven years, I’ve worked as a hotel manager, but deep down, I always dreamed of doing something with heart, soul, and a touch of love. At the end of 2024, I heard about the European Solidarity Corps, and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to bring that dream to life.

I found a project in Romania, a country I had never visited, nor thought much about. Soon enough, I packed a small suitcase and set off on the adventure of a lifetime.

I wish I could tell you I arrived brave and confident, knowing exactly what to do. The truth is quite the opposite, I was scared, unsure, and even a little anxious. But all of that changed quickly and turned into the best possible version of this beautiful story.

In my ESC journey, I’m not the main character. If this were a series, I would include many people in the opening credits, my wonderful teammates from Italy, Portugal, Turkey, and Germany, who I hope to keep in my life forever. They helped shape me into someone who, by the end of this project, became mentally strong, free in spirit, and steady in character. I must also mention Irina and Iuliana, our coordinators, the directors behind the best scenes and dialogue of this journey.

Maybe you’ll think my story lacks drama, that nothing bad happened. But, dear reader, this is a fairytale: full of laughter, amazing playlists, karaoke nights, handball matches, international cooking, and children who will forever stay in our hearts. Children who grew with us, day by day, month by month. I hope they remember us as the young women who came just for them with suitcases full of good energy, bags of joy, and hearts filled with love.

The project flew by in an instant but as the wise say, time flies when you’re having fun. Yet beyond the fun, this experience gave me lessons no school or university could ever teach: self-confidence, curiosity, public speaking, emotional intelligence, community engagement, the art of listening and patience. All of these made me, seven months later, a young citizen of the European Union who knows her rights, her opportunities, and how small actions can make the world a better place.

So, dear reader, if you’ve stumbled upon this story and you’re thinking about applying, don’t think too much. Just do it. Nothing bad can come from it, and what you do with your heart will stay with you forever. You’ll be ready for new professional, personal, and life victories.

P.S.My love for this project was so great, I’ll probably need another life lesson just to learn how to let go and move on to even bigger things. The people I met and the children I cared for — they are my project. They are my ESC story. The most beautiful characters, with the kindest hearts.