Arts Lab 6.0: Soukaina Sekkan - Month 7

How would you describe your experience as a volunteer in Arts Lab?

This is definitely an experience I’ll never forget. Arts Lab was more than just a volunteering project; it was a part of my life where I grew, shared, laughed, created, and found friendships that I know will last a lifetime. I met people who shared similar dreams and values. To all my friends from Arts Lab 6: thank you for being there when I needed you the most. I’m so lucky and grateful that our paths crossed.

What were the most valuable lessons you learned?

It’s hard to name just one lesson because I’ve learned so much; about myself, about others, about life. I think one of the most valuable things I learned was to believe in myself more. I gave myself space to express everything I had in mind, and that really helped me grow. I also learned that life doesn’t always go the way we plan, but sometimes those unexpected turns lead us exactly where we need to be.

What was your favorite moment during the project?

Honestly, I don’t think I can choose one single moment, because all of them meant something to me. I loved the exhibitions, the gossip nights, our series marathons, cooking together and trying new recipes… It was all about the small things we did together. These moments are still living in my head through the videos and photos, I miss them so much already.

What emotions come up when you think about this experience?

Love, friendship, gratitude, and joy. I feel a lot of warmth when I think about this time. I was surrounded by good, talented, kind people who always made me feel supported. It feels like a beautiful chapter that shaped me in many ways.

What do you wish you had known at the beginning of the project?

That I would miss it all so deeply in the end. I wish I had spent even more time with my friends, traveled more with them, and just appreciated every moment even more. You never know when you’ll get to see them again, so I wish I had taken in each moment more fully.

Would you recommend this project to other young people? Why or why not?

Absolutely, yes! I’d recommend it to anyone. It’s a chance to express yourself, explore your creativity, and try different fields of art. You get to work in an international team, learn from others, and grow in ways you didn’t expect. It’s not just about the work, it’s about discovering yourself and building beautiful connections. The experience is what you make of it, and if you give it your all, it will give so much back.

Would you like to stay involved in youth work and volunteering in any way in the future?

Yes, for sure. I would love to keep helping other young people discover projects like this one. I want to share what I’ve learned and talk more about ESC projects and how much they can help you grow, both personally and professionally. Volunteering changed something in me, and I want others to feel that too.

Is there anything you'd like to share with us from the heart before we close this chapter?

I’m excited for the next generations of Arts Lab. Maybe I’ll meet them in 2028; I really hope so. To everyone who was part of this journey, thank you from the bottom of my heart. This chapter may be ending, but everything I’ve lived here will stay with me forever.

Report written by Soukaina Sekkan, she's from Morocco and she's one of the 14 volunteers participating in Arts Lab 6.0, a project co-funded by the European Union through the European Solidarity Corps program.