The First Month
Although I haven’t quite completed a full month at TOLA yet, September has already come to an end — and I couldn’t feel more welcomed by the team. Little by little, I’m finding my place here.
In the first weeks, I’m being introduced to the different sides of TOLA: from the occupational and daily centres, where the activities range from learning about money and equality, to creative workshops and learning how to use a tablet. So far, I’ve been given a lot of freedom to choose which activities and groups I want to support. This flexibility allows me to focus on the areas that interest me most, and my weekly schedule will be built around that. One of the things I enjoy most about volunteering at TOLA is working directly with the usuarios. Their energy and enthusiasm are contagious, and it’s genuinely fun to participate in activities with them. Even though I’m still learning Spanish and improving every day, they are always patient and willing to help me with a kind and friendly attitude.
One of my favourite parts of the week is going on Ocio with the usuarios — free-time activities that take place twice a week in the afternoons. It’s all still new to me, and we do a wide range of things, from activities at the centre, to taking the train to another town, or even having a drink at a local café. I really enjoy the conversations, the laughter, and helping everyone participate as independently as possible. Their enthusiasm makes every activity fun and rewarding.
A highlight from this month was a charla (talk) by Pau Bautista. Together with a group and a monitor, we went to Quart de Poblet to listen to an autistic boy and his father speak about how society can adapt to be more inclusive of people with disabilities. It was a powerful experience that helped me better understand different perspectives and the importance of open discussion and empathy.
Outside of my volunteering at TOLA, I’ve been taking full advantage of how easy it is to reach Valencia by train. Every weekend, I spend at least one day exploring the city, getting to know it a bit more each time. I joined an event by Valencia Language Exchange, which was a great way to meet new people — mainly expats who’ve made Valencia their home — and to start building a circle of friends here. I also went to a wrestling show to support one of my flatmates. It was my first time attending something like that, and I absolutely loved it! It’s fun discovering all the unique things happening around the city.
Bit by bit, I’m exploring new sides of Valencia — and of myself.
