Anya Zelenko is a volunteer at ESN Kyiv for the third year. She had had a great experience as a member of the Event Department. Now, this brave girl is trying herself in a new position as Partnership Manager. At present, she is getting a Master’s degree at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Anya had Erasmus exchange in two European countries – Hungary and Finland. Let’s read our interview and blend in ESN life together!
- If you had any superpower on Erasmus semester what would it be?
- As for Hungary, Pesc is the city of hills. Even for me, the person who has done sports almost all my life, it was difficult to reach my home back because of numerous elevations. Moreover, my dorm was on a hill also. Sometimes I even took a taxi. I was thinking all the time: ‘’Dear God, how can I teleport to my dorm bed?’’ So, teleportation is a superpower I would like to have.
- Can you tell us about the personal qualities you developed at ESN Kyiv?
- At that time when l joined ESN Kyiv, I tried to go out of my comfort zone and transform the introvert side of my personality. That was my experiment to live another life. New people, foreign friends, and communication helped me to expand the boundaries of my inner world and worldview in general. It is like a gift from the Universe to have connections with the people who share your values and views on life. So, I opened a lot of great extravert features and I am grateful for this exactly to ESN Kyiv. Moreover, ESN Kyiv is like a part of psychotherapy that helps me make my life more conscious and full of happiness.
- What did you discover about yourself during your volunteering and what is most valuable at ESN Kyiv for you?
- I became more sociable and frank, I studied how to take things in life more easily. I feel how easy I can communicate with people now. At ESN Kyiv I have found my true friends and it happened quite quickly. So, people and community are the most valuable resources I got from our network.
- What are the best moments from your volunteering?
- I remember an amazing time when we were asked to volunteer at the meeting of the Bologna Commission. It was before the first quarantine period. It was so funny. I talked to a lot of people from all the corners of Europe. These politicians were very open people. They taught us not only to work but also to relax and devote time to ourselves.
Also, I liked organizing city tours for foreign students. This experience taught me:
1) what is interesting and not interesting for people;
2) how long they can keep their attention and the information in focus;
3) what folk like to listen about;
4) which ways to present the information is more effective and so on.
My insight is that tours for students have to be full of memes, jokes, slang words. Almost 3 years ago my first excursion took place and since then I make them every half of the year.
- ESN Kyiv encourages young people not only to travel abroad but also to discover local great places in Ukraine. Last year ESNers visited Odesa. And you went then. What can you tell about this small trip?
- This trip was unforgettable because I went to Odesa with people I didn't know close enough. They were newbies at ESN Kyiv, our team worked online then and I was in Hungary, so I didn't know my new teammates in real life. But we found common topics from the first minute, we felt comfortable and chill together. I am sure that colleges need such trips to get to know one another more closely. By the way, we find out that Roma cooks very well.
- What songs do you associate with ESN Kyiv and why?
- There are 2 songs I associate with ESN Kyiv. One of them is connected with holidays last year. I listened to Fujiya & Miyagi “Ankle injuries” very often when we were working on the Newbie Day event, and planned our excursions last year.
The second song, Hollywood Undead ''Riot”, is very beautiful. It is associated with the moment when we went to Odesa. I heard it for the first time on the bus, and then this song was on repeat all the time during our trip.
- What motivated you to apply for the position of Partnership Manager?
- It happened by chance. My friend came to Ukraine and we went into his hostel. It was a nice capsule-styled one. During the administrator's excursion, I recalled the fact that plenty of foreign students arrive in Ukraine, and a lot of them need to look for hostels. This one had a good price and location, so I came up with an idea to make a partnership with this hostel. My offer interested the administrator. Thus, we discussed the question of discounts for ESN people. It turned out that the administrator of the hostel knew about ESN and also wanted to be a volunteer at ESN Kyiv. Then I decided: "I am going to apply for the position of Partnership Manager". This story with real opportunities for ESN members inspired me for a new step.
- Can you share one moment you are proud of, and one touching moment from your ESN life?
- Last year I conducted a tour and became close friends with American guys. After two weeks my new friend, an American, told me that he would let other people see Kyiv how I see it and so that other people can hear my stories about Kyiv in my storytelling style. His message was really pleasant. This was the moment I comprehend my work is very valuable.
The touching moment was when our board said goodbye. When they said their last words as managers their voices were trembling. We went through a lot and lived through it together, but everything changes. This is how our life works. I know we will keep in touch because we are united by unforgettable moments. I realize that it was amazing to spend several years with these people.
- Imagine that ESN Kyiv is an independent galaxy. What rules would you implement there?
- First of all, no drama. Chill, relax! Secondly, never forget you are a volunteer. So you need to set priorities correctly and regulate your time effectively. Also, there would be no limits. Don't be shy, express yourself, show true yourself. And finally, learn to enjoy yourself, your life, and moments of not doing anything at all!
Interviewer: Oksana Krit
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