First month at Werkstattschule by Flora
I have only been volunteering at WSS Heidelberg for a month, but I can already feel a huge change in myself and in my perception of life. Coming here, I wanted to experience something different and I was excited about it. But to be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure I was going to like it. After all, this is a huge change for me! It is my first time living outside my home country, and even though I have always loved creative activities, I had never worked in a manual or artistic field before. I knew volunteering at WSS would be an enriching experience, but I never imagined I would feel such a strong sense of belonging here.
Working at Werkstattschule is incredibly fulfilling and a world apart from what I am used to (having just finished my engineering studies with internship in big companies, I’ve stepped into a completely different professional environment). When I chose to volunteer at Werkstattschule, I was initially drawn to the creative aspect of the job, but I quickly realized it offers so much more! Of course, working on wood carving and wall painting projects in schools during these first weeks has sparked my creativity, but I’ve also discovered the pedagogical dimension of these projects. Working with children can be challenging, but seeing them develop new skills and proudly complete their own woodcarving or painting is incredibly rewarding!
School projects are a big part of the job at WSS, but what truly stands out to me is the people. I have honestly never been surrounded by so many kind and inspiring individuals in one place. My colleagues are welcoming, caring and interesting people, they all bring their own skills and energy, contributing to the charming atmosphere of Werkstattschule. Everyone has their own role, yet they are always open to new experiences and willing to take on different responsibilities when needed. This has been an eye-opening lesson for me, as someone who tends to overthink and hesitate before trying new things. Here, I’m learning to go with the flow and embrace new experiences!
I started feeling at home in Heidelberg very quickly! I truly love this city - it’s the perfect size for me and it has such a charming atmosphere: with its castle, river, and hills, it feels like stepping into a German fairytale... I love walking around town, always discovering new streets and shops. I think it will be even more magical when spring arrives!
What helped me settle in so quickly was also my roommates. I’ve been really lucky because they had already been volunteering here for three months before I arrived, so they knew everything about the town and the job and truly acted as mentors for me. Having them around made my adaptation so much easier! Since we come from different countries, it’s very interesting to share and compare our cultures while discovering Germany together. It’s really great to live with them—you never feel lonely when you have roommates!
Stepping out of my comfort zone to volunteer at WSS has already taught me so much more than I expected, and I’m excited to keep exploring, learning, and making the most of this opportunity!