Fashion show "Twiggy's Kiss"

My spring in Hungary started with a fashion show “Twiggy’s Kiss”. On March 2^nd 600 people gathered to a VAM design centre in Budapest, which is famous for hosting cultural and art events. All those people came to watch and support the students of Fashion and Design specialization of Forrai Bilingual School.  The beauty of the place itself was promising a pleasant surprise for a Friday evening.

The fashion-show “Twiggy’s kiss” was inspired by the feeling of 60’s and each student had to prepare 3 costumes within a theme black&white, tone in tone and rock. In total there were around 60 young designers who presented their art.

It was the first time that the students got to present their collections in such a fancy place. When I entered the building I was positively shocked. The atmosphere took my breath away because there where tons of photographers, glass podium and flashlights around. Then I went upstairs towards the changing rooms to meet the students. I could not recognize most of them. The models were trying the costumes on, the make-up artists were working, and the photographers trying to make the best shots.

 The show lasted for more then 3 hours but my favourite part remained the preparation in the changing rooms where I could feel a sweet tension while the models were waiting for their turn to step on the stage. All in all, the event was successful and, actually, it even exceeded my expectations. I was pretty critical, because from my point of view, the organization process before was too chaotic. I had to help the students to create the title, to choose communication tools and invite the journalists, compose the invitations for the guests, make the poster and stage decorations. However, it was very hard to make a contact with the students and I mostly communicated with a teacher. So, I contributed to the event by promoting it and inviting guests. I invited some EVS’ers and some students from Karinthy fine arts club. Also, 50 Dutch exchange students from Karinthy joined to watch the show and I hardly could get the tickets for them.  Being in the audience I noticed that some of the models lacked of energy and self-expression.

Looking back, I think I should have helped the students to work on the actual presentation of their collections, which includes music, movements and face expressions. A nice costume is just half of the work. The other half is to tell the story with it. 

REcreativity tour

In Karinthy we started with a school day. There were no classes, but the students had to give workshops. There were United Nations assembly about the chocolate crisis in the world, teahouses, video games room and etc. We assisted our mentor Barka in REcreativity workshop. It is her project which teaches how to make creative and useful things using recycling materials. I learned how to make a wallet of a TetraPak, a bracelet of colourful tights, a box of plastic bottle and a notebook cover of plastic bags.

I also travelled with her to Debrecen, Szeged and Pécs to assist in her REcreativity workshops in high schools. I not only learned how o run workshops but also visited some other Hungarian cities. Here are some moments. 

Take the challenge! EVS’ers are in the house

The first weeks we visited and introduced ourselves to the schools where we will create voluntary activities for students and in the framework of non-formal education. They are Berzsenyi Daniel Gimnázium, Karinthy Frigyes Gimnázium and Forrai Magániskola.  

The first task we got from Berzsenyi was to organize the event for the school and introduce ourselves.  It seemed to be a challenging task. However, after brainstorming in the tea house, selecting the pictures and preparing the slides we were ready to present the quiz show. The event was interactive and fun, even though we expected more students to show up. The students managed to answer even the most difficult questions  and draw Lithuanian, Dutch and French flags correctly. We were happy with the result and I enjoyed the teamwork. In the following weeks we presented the quiz in English classes in Forrai. 

My way to EVS

I knew about EVS program for a long time since I was involved in many youth activities. But I did not know if I ever choose to go for EVS myself. Luckily, the perfect time came. I had a job in a call center which I wanted to quit and I graduated from university. After a year full of ‘MUST DO’ such as combining studies with part-time job, internship and thesis, I needed a gap year to understand my professional career aspirations and awaken my creativity.

EVS is a suitable program for me because I have been volunteering most of my life and I do not think to stop. I am in love with volunteering because it has individual and societal benefits. Seneca told that if you want to live for yourself, live for others. This statement defines my philosophy of life. Volunteering raises awareness of who I am and what my capabilities are and in more broad sense it promotes active citizenship, and brings people together. Volunteering is a way of living and it spices up my ordinary days and makes them special. Volunteering is about caring and being proactive which makes my life meaningful.

EVS is a life time opportunity which will involve me in a different society where I can create something significant for people and be proud of it. 
Why Hungary? Firstly, I was attracted by Egyesek Youth Association. My goal is to use all my professional and non–formal skills and experiences, and to implement a project which would have an impact for people. I appreciate that Egyesek welcomes volunteers to propose their own initiatives because it is exactly what I have been looking for. Also, I admire Synergy personal development courses. I participated in Synergy personal development courses in 2008 and it had a significant impact in my life. They provided me with tools how to set up and achieve my goals and I would like to learn more about their methods. Finally, Hungary is a country with its strong cultural identity which I wish to explore. I have never lived in a big European city. Budapest is a city full of European spirit and character which I want to feel.