The idea that Cannoli could reshape my life never crossed my mind. But trading law textbooks for pastry-filled afternoons in Sicily turned out to be the sweetest decision I ever made. At 18, I left behind the world of legal studies for an adventure that would redefine my future.
When I arrived in Palermo, I moved into a house with seven other volunteers from around the world. Picture this: A Hungarian who only eats sandwiches for dinner, a Spaniard who wants to have dinner at 11 pm, a Latvian who wakes up at 6 am on weekends, and an Ecuadorian who comes back from partying when the Latvian wakes up. We came from different corners of the world, but soon, we were like a family. Late-night gelato runs, weekend trips, and endless laughter over our shared dinners created a very special bond.
I volunteered in Ubuntu, a kindergarten filled with energetic little kids. It wasn’t always easy, but seeing them make their first ever thumbs up or look at you with their big eyes when they want extra candy truly made my heart melt. When I walked in the streets in Palermo and saw a stroller, I always hoped to see one of my Ubuntu kids in it. My other local center, La Fraternità, made me realise the path I want to follow in the future: Helping others. The joy on their faces, their pure-hearted interactions, and the bonds we formed made every moment worthwhile.
The weekends were for exploration! Sicily is a dreamland of stunning landscapes, historic treasures, and immaculate cuisine. From hiking Mount Etna to the beaches of Cefalù, every trip was an adventure.
But life in Palermo wasn’t just about the grand adventures; it was the little moments that made it special. Eating pasta al forno at Rosanero, watching sunsets at Foro Italico, and the nightly dinners with my housemates. Each moment was a treasure. It’s the small, everyday moments that really defined my time here.
Living and volunteering in Palermo taught me more than I could ever learn in a classroom. Patience, empathy, and the importance of human connection were lessons I took to heart. As my ESC experience came to an end, leaving Sicily felt bittersweet. I was taking with me a suitcase full of memories, lifelong friends, and a newfound clarity about my path forward. So here’s to embracing new adventures, forging meaningful friendships, and the endless possibilities that unfold when we follow our hearts 🙂 Or as we like to say: That was something!
Mina Maxima Yilmaz
ESC volunteer
Youth Unit
