Why do voluntary work?
I am now in Ireland doing voluntary work, and I'm the first Korean volunteer in the Simon Community. Whenever I do volunteer work, I learn a lot of things such as humility and being a socially responsible adult. Six months ago, I determined to make a contribution to international society, through approaching the new world and building international friendships through my voluntary work.

What am I doing?
The name of my volunteer organization is the "Simon Communities of Ireland", which was established by an Irish charity, and it provides a range of services for adults affected by homelessness within 8 local communities. Now I belong to Galway Simon Community. During the voluntary service time, all the full-time volunteers receive training at national level, supervision, accommodation, food, and pocket money.

The place where I am working is the only supported project house for women. Volunteers play a key role in developing positive working relationships with service users and befriending, doing housework, accompanying residents to appointments such as hospitals, reception and reporting duties, doing leisure activities and liaising with outside agencies. I have learned practical working skills, a much broader understanding of my work, and confident communication abilities. I remember a resident who had a hard life, but how he has become a positive and resolute person through his will and others' help. Through DIT training (Certificate in Volunteering), I have learned about stress management, strategies for conflict resolution, and self-care.

I am living with ten international volunteers. In the beginning, group living was so hard. Now, however, it has become an amazing time for me to live with many friends. I come to realize all of them have their own qualities and talents that deserve respect. Whenever I meet such good international friends, I find that my eyes open up.

What has been my most unforgettable experience?
The most memorable part of my volunteering experience was a Korean party. I had an opportunity to organize the party, and I invited staff, officers, and service users. During the party, I introduced Korea to them and had a Korean language class and gimbap-making class. I also sang "Arirang" with them. To the Irish, Korean culture is so exotic, and we enjoyed the time together while learning about Korean culture. At that time, I felt my mind burn with patriotism.

I think being given or seizing any opportunity has its own significant meaning. Before coming here, I hoped to do my best by matching my plans and purposes with good programs of the organization, and I think I have had them so far. Even though the fickle Irish weather used to annoy me, the Irish people’s warm hearts made me endure it and gave me a good work experience.

There are three kinds of people in this world: those who can make things happen, those who just watch things happen and those who wonder what will happen. I think everyone can decide to make his good luck and be someone who can make things happen. Take the first step now - the only thing you might regret is not having done it sooner.