Arts Lab 6.0: Yasser Abbas - Month 7

How would you describe your experience as a volunteer in Arts Lab 6.0?

It was the most important experience I’ve ever had in my life because through Arts Lab, I achieved one of my dreams — traveling. It made me realize what the world is like outside my comfort zone. I met new people, made new friends, saw new places, and visited a new country like Italy. Arts Lab also helped me discover many things about my personality and to understand different personalities of people. So whatever happened — good or bad — without all of it, I wouldn’t have realized these things, at least not now. I should be grateful for this experience.

What were the most valuable lessons you learned?

I learned how to cook some meals, how to be independent — like making my own food, washing my clothes and dishes, and doing shopping. I learned some Romanian, improved my connections with people, learned not to expect anything from anyone, how to enjoy time by myself. I learned that working with kids sometimes helps you improve your kindness. I also realized that if you don't feel happiness in your current place, no matter where you go, you won’t feel it there either. Enjoy the moment as much as you can.

What was your favorite moment during the project?

The 4th of October was my best day during this journey. It was a full day of fun: I went to a metal party, then to the cinema for the first time in Romania — at Cinema City Mall — to watch the Joker movie. Then we went to Mama Mia, and for the first time I went to Spirala to party. That was a new world for me, and I remember everything about that day.

What emotions come up when you think about this experience?

Fun, happiness, conflict, awareness, exploring, tiredness, learning, thinking, discovering, improving, pride.

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

I wish I had realized how hard the work would be, so I could prepare more or try to manage my time better. I also hopped to know more about the holiday schedule — I mean holidays, not just days off.

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

Sure. It’s not easy to find a project completely related to art. And if the other young people are like me — traveling for the first time — I think this will be a great opportunity for them. They will learn a lot, make art in their own way, and live in a good house compared to other project houses I’ve seen in Romania or Italy. And the people are friendly, so why not? Just enjoy the journey as much as you can, and be aware that everything that happens will teach you something.

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

Yes, I would — especially when I hear young people and kids say they love to work with me. That sounds good, and I want to use that skill. But not right now. I want to do something different first, and then I will come back to it when I find a good opportunity.

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

I always say to myself: Remember that Arts Lab was the first window that let you see a different world through its view. So just be grateful for that, and remember — everything you did or that happened to you will become good memories in the future. Thank you.

Report by Yasser Abbas, a volunteer from Egypt and one of the 14 participants in Arts Lab 6.0, a project co-funded by the European Union through the European Solidarity Corps program.