Finland in Winter

A week with youth in Piispala

I’m sat on my sofa, in a dressing gown, with a pint of beer on the table next to me. I’m still unwinding from a week away as part of an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange (essentially taking a group of teens somewhere new in the EU).

Not unwinding because I was overstressed and just had chaotic days, but unwinding because the excitement and buzz around me has gone and I get to chill.

{sidenote — I don’t need a beer to unwind, I still have leftovers from the world cup…}

One of the reasons I do this specific part of the Youth Club is linked to a goal I set at 30 — to give someone else the opportunities I’ve had. I have travelled extensively and with that had some amazing experiences, trying new food, activities, drinks, meeting new people and cultures and having a go at the local language.

On these trips I encourage the young people to do the same, sometimes they do, and I’m proud of that, and sometimes they don’t, and I know it’s just not their time. I know that through my own experience, and now I strive to make sure certain times come sooner because it sure helps out later on.

First times

Watching the excitement or the nerves getting onto their first plane, their comments when seeing a completely different city or landscape, or even going into a shop where things are different. Watching their mouths drop and eyes bulge out. Seeing them turn into kids again and dropping their…