Volunteering, for me, is not just a way to relax or undergo therapy - it is something greater. It is an opportunity to actively influence the world around us and make it a little better.

My choice to engage in volunteering was driven by the desire to make the world a better place to live. In 2012, I began my volunteering journey by assisting in the celebration of Odessa City Day. That day marked the beginning of something new and significant for me.

Over time, my volunteering experience expanded, and now I participate in 70% of events in Odessa and 10% of events throughout Ukraine. It provides an opportunity not only to do good deeds but also to meet new interesting people and learn something new.

Of course, there are challenges in volunteering; not everyone always understands why one should spend their time helping others. However, this does not deter me because I believe in the true value of volunteering and am confident that my work has meaning.

For me, volunteering is tranquility and the opportunity to be an example for the new generation of volunteers. It brings me pleasure and joy because I know that my efforts are not in vain and contribute to the benefit of our society.

My journey to volunteering began for mercenary reasons. I have a son with a disability, and I realized that he needed more social interaction and variety in life. Therefore, I willingly responded to the invitation of our leader to participate in an event for children from orphanages and people with disabilities. So, in 2012, my son and I joined the ranks of volunteers. The first step was assisting in organizing the celebration of Odessa City Day.

Volunteering literally turned our perceptions of life upside down. I understood that I enjoyed helping people, and it brought me immense pleasure. My son experienced the same emotions, and we decided to dedicate all our free time to volunteering.

Now I am actively engaged in volunteering. I have participated in an educational Ukrainian marathon for people with mental disabilities, the "Living Healthy" campaign for visually impaired children, cemetery clean-up, assistance in organizing open days, and the "Women's Club."

The main challenge for me is a lack of time. However, it is more than compensated for by the positive emotions I gain from volunteering. I make new connections, acquire new knowledge, and discover new facets of my personality. All of this helps me in my professional and personal life! I have realized that by giving a part of myself to others, I receive so much more in return!