Growing Beyond Boundaries: A Volunteer's Transformation

23/10/2024

“Through volunteering in Chania, I was able to go beyond my limits and discover a new world,” says Hyerim Ryu, explaining her motivation and sharing her experience of 5 weeks volunteering with ARCHELON.

Hyerim Ryu, a 26-year-old University graduate in Urban Regeneration from Seoul, South Korea, joined the Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Chania in the summer as a volunteer. She had heard about ARCHELON’s volunteering opportunities from a friend who had previously volunteered at the Kyparissia Bay Project.

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“I knew it would be difficult in several aspects, considering the long distance from home and the completely new lifestyle. But I was ready to take up the challenge - a new experience outside my comfort zone volunteering for wildlife!”, said Hyerim looking back on the first days of her participation.

“As the weeks went by, I was meeting more and more people from around the globe. I'm happy with the international character of the project. I would never have had the opportunity to meet all those people back home", she explains. “There was also so much more fun than I ever expected!”, Hyerim admits. “Living with the other volunteers, working together for the same goal, sharing experiences and connecting on your love for the sea turtles, it all creates strong bonds”.

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Hyerim also talked to us about her tasks in the project: “I thoroughly enjoyed the cooking shifts. It’s nice to see people satisfied with the food you have prepared! But her favorite shifts were the night surveys: “Nothing compares to walking along the ocean on a starry night and meeting the mother turtles”, she recalls fondly.

Upon leaving the Chania project, her impression was positive. She thinks that Chania attracts tourists from all over the world, giving the place an international character that is part of this Project's charm. If one adds to this the fact that many people around the world are interested to learn about how sea turtles are protected in Greece, one can see why this is a great experience. “This experience relates to my field of studies and it’s likely it will play a role in my professional life in the future. I will always cherish the courage and true love for nature I gained in this project.”, she concludes.

Are you feeling inspired? Join our volunteers in our Projects for 2025!

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