Training Course 'First Steps to Employment' 01 - 06 June 2025, Krushevo, North Macedonia

First Step: The Beginning of Change by İsmail Doğan

Everything begins with taking that first step. Change, growth, and personal transformation always come to life through this courageous act. Recently, I had read the book "The Courage to Be Yourself"; this valuable work on psychology strikingly shows us from a sociological perspective how difficult it is to exist in this world with our own being and our own voice. The book offers deep perspectives on how we can protect our individuality and authenticity, which are crushed under societal pressures.

Being yourself in the modern world truly requires great courage. Because we are constantly inclined to conform to others' expectations, stick to social norms, and hide ourselves. This book reminds us of our freedom at precisely this point and gives us the courage to write our own story.

I think the most difficult part of participating in an Erasmus+ project is applying for it. This is actually quite ironic, because the biggest obstacle is usually the barriers we create in our own minds. People often limit themselves with questions like "Can I do this?", "Am I good enough?", "Will I be accepted?". As the president of the association that partnered with this project, I closely followed the process of Turkish participants applying to the project, and meeting with them to share in their excitement was truly a wonderful experience. The most interesting thing I observed during this process was how differently people approached this program with various expectations. Some applied for career goals, some to learn languages, and some simply to experience new things. According to the program requirements, I took special care to select people who had fewer opportunities and had not previously benefited from such international opportunities. Because I believe that the greatest changes occur in people who need them most.

When I spoke with the selected participants, I realized that the most difficult thing for them was to come together with people from many different countries and courageously express their ideas. In this situation, the language barrier is just the beginning; the real challenge is expressing yourself and being understood among cultural differences. But this is where magical things begin to happen.

I think the most valuable thing they can add to themselves will be gaining a new worldview and an expanded perspective. Standing before people with only your own ideas, feelings, and vision, regardless of where you come from, what social class you belong to, or what you've experienced in your past... This experience is truly a "first step" in the real sense. It's one of the most important steps a person takes on their journey of self-discovery.

I learned about the idea of the project and that the Level Up association was experienced in this field through another association we knew in common during the application process. After receiving this information, I contacted them and decided to join the partnership structure. From our first meetings, I understood that we were dealing with a very professional association.

Level Up association's working style was truly exemplary. They expressed themselves extremely clearly and precisely, calculating every detail meticulously. They determined our assignments and responsibilities in detail and communicated them to us, providing feedback incredibly quickly on every matter. In the project process, they prioritized our comfort and harmony regarding our arrival here, showing us a respectful and professional approach from the first moment we met. This experience was very instructive for me because I had the opportunity to meet an organization of the type I had long desired to work with professionally. Their meticulousness, sensitivity about timely delivery, and human-centered approach expanded my perspective on association management.

It's no coincidence that this project is also named "First Steps." The most important skill the program gave us was learning to truly work together. This doesn't just mean dividing work or sharing tasks; it means learning to listen to each other, respect different opinions, and take the right steps when planning our future. After the introduction games and icebreaker activities we played at the beginning of the program, the trainers quickly moved to the main topic, challenging us like real youth workers and constantly supporting our development. This approach impressed me greatly because they never let us rest, constantly encouraging us to step outside our comfort zones. I experienced once again during this program that the human mind works just like body muscles. Unless it's challenged, encounters new situations, and pushes its limits, it cannot develop. The trainers knew this very well and constantly pushed us to think, question, and produce creative solutions.

The informal education methods used in the program were my favorite part. Very different from traditional classroom environments, activities were specially designed for people to get to know each other more deeply and form real connections. Through these methods, natural and sincere relationships developed among participants.

Although each of us had different stories, experiences from different cultures, and different life perspectives, there was a common aspect that united us all: we wanted to shape our future with our own hands. This common motivation created a great richness and solidarity environment in our group. Our differences became not obstacles, but valuable resources from which we could learn from each other.

The fact that the participant profile in the program was of quite high quality made the entire experience much more valuable. Because in such programs, the real trainers are you and the other participants in front of you. Everyone is both a student and a teacher, and this makes the learning process extremely dynamic. In this respect, I feel truly fortunate.

Especially the bond I formed with Magda and Sami was very special, and I learned many things from them. Magda's visionary approach and organizational skills impressed me greatly. I hope she establishes an association in her own country in the near future and we have the opportunity to work together for many years. Such international collaborations are extremely valuable both for personal development and social benefit.

I also discussed a very interesting project idea with Sami, and I'm really looking forward to discussing the details of this project. Such spontaneous partnerships are one of the most beautiful aspects of Erasmus+ programs. Even though people come from different countries, they can come together around common goals and long-term collaborations can emerge.

I am truly happy for all the young people who came here and gathered their courage to take the "first step," and I proudly congratulate them. This program is a special opportunity offered to rebuild ourselves for the future as ourselves, with our authentic identity. Just as the great poet and thinker Goethe beautifully expressed: "Man can recreate and shape himself from flesh and bone like a sculptor." This metaphor is very meaningful because just as a sculptor transforms raw material into a work of art by working it, we develop ourselves by processing our own experiences, what we learn, and the challenges we face. This process is not easy, it requires patience and determination, but the result is incredibly rewarding.

Sometimes in life, we may feel ourselves at ground zero. It may seem as if we have nothing, all doors are closed, and the future appears uncertain. But remember that as long as there are programs like Erasmus+ and associations like Level Up, there are always people who will guide you, support you, and offer you opportunities. You are never truly alone.

And please, never stop dreaming, no matter what. Because dreams are truly like stars. You may not be able to reach them physically, but even in the pitch darkness of night, they show you the right path, give you hope, and give you the courage to take steps forward. Every dream is the seed of a potential that can be realized in the future.

I extend my thanks to everyone who participated in this program, to Level Up association who did not spare their support, and to all participants with whom we learned together. This experience was not just a project, but one of the turning points of our lives.

With love, İsmail Doğan