I'm Conor, 25 years old, from Ireland. I volunteered for 7 months at Mision Mexico, from July 2022 to February 2023. I have been travelling and living a diverse range of experiences for the past 3 years. The experience at Mision Mexico was the most rewarding and enjoyable of all, for me. To put that experience into words will be difficult, but I'll try. The main thing I would hope for someone to take from reading this blog is that if you're even slightly thinking about coming to help out, just do it, you won't regret it! Mision Mexico [will abbreviate as MM from now on], is a special place. From the day I arrived I felt comfortable and at home there. This was due mainly to the warmth and openness of the kids. They are a bunch of smart, curious, kind and really funny people. The journey and experiences we shared over the following 7 months were a real joy for me. Each and every day I learned something from them, as well as sharing some very special moments and memories with them. A real pleasure for me was that the philosophy of work endorsed by Melissa, the Director, really aligned with my beliefs into how to get the most out of young people. Though these are kids who have had extremely challenging beginnings to life, the focus in MM is on moving forward positively, empowering the kids, and giving them the best possible chance of having healthy, happy lives.
In the belief that a large majority of behavioural issues come from a lack of better alternatives, as a volunteer I always tried my best to get the kids out of the house at every opportunity. As a person who loves sport and the outdoors, it was a pleasure to be able to share that joy on so many occasions with the kids. We surfed, ran, played football, cycled bikes, went to parks, even climbed a volcano! Seeing the relaxation and pleasure that the kids derived from these excursions made my job extremely rewarding.
I felt trusted in my role as a volunteer, and as a result was able to learn so much in my time there. If you have any interest in any form of youth or social work, I think MM is a fantastic place to test yourself, expand your skill set and enjoy yourself while doing so. Personally, I arrived at MM having never really done any serious social work. I left convinced that it is the line of work where my passions lie, such was the impact the experience had on me.
Of course, it is not all a bed of roses. You live in a house with 16 adolescents. At times it's exhausting, at times it's thankless, other times frustrating. The work will really test you. It is consuming. Often at the end of a 7-hour shift, you will have energy for nought 'cept your bed. As adolescents, they will challenge you. It's in their nature. Often there are difficult conversations, stressful situations. Yet, for me at least, this side of things is really a miniscule memory in the context of my overall experience. The good times far outweighed the tough days, the rewards in so many ways meriting the challenges. The chance to play a part in the formation of these special young people, to share some of what you have learned on your personal journey, to be a part of a family so full of diversity, energy, and creativity, was a true honour for me.
In the belief that a large majority of behavioural issues come from a lack of better alternatives, as a volunteer I always tried my best to get the kids out of the house at every opportunity. As a person who loves sport and the outdoors, it was a pleasure to be able to share that joy on so many occasions with the kids. We surfed, ran, played football, cycled bikes, went to parks, even climbed a volcano! Seeing the relaxation and pleasure that the kids derived from these excursions made my job extremely rewarding.
I felt trusted in my role as a volunteer, and as a result was able to learn so much in my time there. If you have any interest in any form of youth or social work, I think MM is a fantastic place to test yourself, expand your skill set and enjoy yourself while doing so. Personally, I arrived at MM having never really done any serious social work. I left convinced that it is the line of work where my passions lie, such was the impact the experience had on me.
Of course, it is not all a bed of roses. You live in a house with 16 adolescents. At times it's exhausting, at times it's thankless, other times frustrating. The work will really test you. It is consuming. Often at the end of a 7-hour shift, you will have energy for nought 'cept your bed. As adolescents, they will challenge you. It's in their nature. Often there are difficult conversations, stressful situations. Yet, for me at least, this side of things is really a miniscule memory in the context of my overall experience. The good times far outweighed the tough days, the rewards in so many ways meriting the challenges. The chance to play a part in the formation of these special young people, to share some of what you have learned on your personal journey, to be a part of a family so full of diversity, energy, and creativity, was a true honour for me.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY OF CHANGEMAKERS AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY.
Email volunteer@misionmexico.org to become a volunteer.
We can't wait to meet you!
Misión Mexico Foundation Volunteer