Unica Radio Raccontiamo la città che cambia
Meet Polina, a 24-year-old from Moscow with a background in International Relations and Conflict and Development Studies. She’s been an active volunteer since high school and continued her dedication during her university years.
Polina’s volunteer story began in Moscow with with a refugee organisation for which she translated documents, attended important appointments, and mentored a family from Congo, helping a 6-year-old girl with her studies. She also joined the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) at her university. Starting as a regular member, she later became a project manager, organizing events for international students. Polina found this experience invaluable, offering the chance to connect with people from all over the world and gain a new perspective on her city. She recommends getting involved with international students through ESN, as these opportunities exist in most universities.
In 2018, Polina volunteered for the FIFA World Cup in Russia. She has always been a sports fan and couldn’t pass up the chance to be part of the World Cup. Thanks to her language skills and her genuine love for football, she landed a role in hospitality, working with national teams. Polina had a lot of fun during this experience, though she admits it could be overwhelming at times. Her advice to young people who want to get involved in international events is simple: learn languages and show enthusiasm. This is how she managed to attend the Portugal vs. Morocco match and see Cristiano Ronaldo in action.
Her advice: “Take something that you’re just passionate about”
Regardless of your interests, whether it’s sports, animal rights, feminism, LGBTQI+ issues, photography, or film, Polina suggests researching organizations that align with your passion. She emphasizes the importance of taking the initiative, reaching out to organizations that resonate with your interests, and expressing your motivation. Polina also recommends staying connected through social media, following the news, and keeping an eye out for exciting events. Expanding your circle of friends is also essential. Polina advises having an open heart and being ready to explore your passion.
To learn more about Polina’s journey, tune in to the podcast. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram at @volunteering.live for more inspiring stories of volunteers from around the world!
