If you are not sure who you want to be,

Be kind.

The first thought that came to my mind after landing in my hometown in Russia was: how could two months fly by in the blink of an eye?

However, I know how it happened. This feeling of time’s transience overtook me because not just one, but a multitude of new experiences and events were happening each day. These two summer months were so saturated with experiences that I will often bump into glimpses of those memories throughout my lifetime.

When I arrived in Tramonti as a new volunteer with ACARBIO, I was immediately given my first task: to create, shoot, and edit a reel about the history of the lesser-known city on the Amalfi Coast – Maiori. At that moment, I realized how diverse my experience with the organization would be—and I was right. From the expected (as an environmental organization) harvesting of Fiascone’s aromatic tomatoes, to the unexpected role of playing a noblewoman in a medieval festival, my time here has been full of adventures.

Though I participated in all the events our organization hosted, that first assignment laid the foundation for my contribution. I’ve truly enjoyed creating and publishing content to share our unique experiences with others.

While taking pictures and videos of us, I’ve often felt incredibly lucky to be here—sharing meals with these extraordinary people and being part of a purposeful community that we build together every day.

Reflecting on my time, I realized that the highlight of my volunteer experience caught me off guard. It wasn’t holding memorable art exhibition, nor was it even the magical experience of releasing newborn turtles. The most powerful part of my time here was the simple act of observing people—both locals and my fellow volunteers from around the world.

The compassion, unconditional care, and genuine joy in sharing that my new friends have shown me are invaluable lessons—qualities I will carry with me for a lifetime. Casa Lauro—our home in the hamlet of Corsano—became both a stronghold and the starting point of countless memories. From planning morning hikes to waterfalls in the kitchen at 3 am to cooking dishes with names we couldn’t even pronounce, living together was a time full of joy.
Exploring the Amalfi Coast, preparing meals, and even hitch-hiking together felt just as much a part of the project as doing office work and supporting our two summer initiatives, “Make it Blue” and “Make it Green”.

On the other hand, I encountered locals who showed me the essence of community in southern Italy. Don’t let the warm smiles of local farmers or vendors fool you—these people work hard and tirelessly, driven by values that place community at the heart of everything.

That’s why they organize traditional Tarantella dances and invite everyone to join, bake pizza on a grand scale for the whole street, share buckets of figs if a neighbor’s harvest has failed, and always offer a ride, expecting nothing in return.

In other words, this region and these people inspire me to be a better version of myself—and that’s more than I could have ever asked for.

However, what could better reflect the enlightenment I found at ACARBIO than the fact that I’ve started learning Italian and will soon return for an 8-month project in Tramonti, a place so dear to my heart.

By Alyona Matveeva