Last week at Green School Village, we had a meaningful meetup to review our progress as volunteers. I was joined by Maria, Polin, and Misha, who helped guide our session. We engaged in an interesting activity where we drew roses to symbolize our experiences with the project. 
In our rose drawings, the petals represented the successes we’ve achieved, the leaves stood for the extra special moments, and the thorns indicated the challenges we faced. It was insightful to see everyone’s interpretations and to understand the different aspects of their journeys.
For my rose, the petals were large, highlighting the projects I’m proud of, though there were thorns representing the obstacles I’ve encountered. The leaves captured the unexpected joys and meaningful interactions I’ve experienced here.
Maria and Polin are nearing the end of their volunteering terms, so their roses were particularly elaborate. Polin’s rose included several thorns, showcasing her resilience and ability to overcome difficulties. Maria’s rose was vibrant, reflecting her creative approach to problem-solving and her impact on the community.
Misha facilitated a discussion after we presented our roses, which sparked a lively exchange of stories and ideas. This conversation was invaluable as I gained insights from Maria and Polin on how to refine my projects. Their experiences offered new perspectives and strategies that I could consider implementing in my own efforts.
The rose drawing exercise was more than just an artistic endeavor; it provided us with a visual framework to reflect on our growth and the areas needing improvement. The discussion with Misha, Maria, and Polin was particularly enlightening, helping to personalize and deepen the impact of this activity. Armed with new ideas, I feel more prepared to enhance my projects and am hopeful that by the end of my term, my rose will feature more petals and leaves, symbolizing a richer and more successful experience. 