Discover the story of Alejandra, who took part in an ELIX workcamp:
“Hello, my name is Alejandra Arévalo and I am an architecture student from Colombia.
I had the opportunity to participate in a two-week workcamp at Amvrakia (Greece) in July 2019.
I have always wanted to participate in a volunteer program after I graduated, but the opportunity came earlier and I did not think twice. According to my career, I decided to choose a work field that helped me understand how construction can make a difference in people's lives, but most importantly, how a group of people from different parts of the world could help a community and learn from their culture.
We built sustainable paths for the villagers and worked 5-6 hours per day during the week. We mixed "laspi" and "petras" to make formidable paths that we all could enjoy to move around the village, it was amazing. We also took responsibility for the shores of the camp and cook the main dishes from our countries to share with our friends.
One of my favorite memories from the camp was going to a nearby café called Kafenio. Also going to the pool, which was a big tank with an amazing view, but one time we were having lunch at Kafenio and people started to dance and break plates. I did not expect that at all, but it was so much fun because I got to do it too.
The biggest challenge I faced was getting sick during the first days we got there. I traveled for two days and because of the jetlag and change of temperature from my hometown, the plane and summer in Europe, I got my throat hurt really bad. But Elix and my camp coordinator took me to the doctor nearby and they helped me a lot. I got better and then I enjoyed the camp because I was very frustrated and sad at first.
I definitely loved this experience. I came back home feeling so good because I became part of an amazing team that worked together to help a community, the community of Amvrakia. I learned how to be a good team member and help with my abilities. I learned that construction work could be so hard, especially working under the sun. I also felt lucky to have family and friends waiting for me at home, who support me and love me. Finally, I learned that I want to live so many adventures in my life, and I hope that my career can take me to places that I would never imagine and do more for the people who really need it.”
Alejandra.
