Meet Mia, Gap Year Volunteer at Camphill School Aberdeen

Gap year volunteers play a key role in life at Camphill School Aberdeen, forming an important part of our vibrant community. To celebrate their fantastic work and highlight the transformative impact a year at Camphill School Aberdeen can have, we’re starting a Meet the Volunteer series!

First up, meet Mia from Germany who carried out her gap year from 2019 to 2020.  

1. What’s your name and where are you volunteering from?

My name is Mia. I am 24 years old and from Germany.

2. How did you hear about Camphill School Aberdeen and the volunteering opportunity?

When I first came to Camphill School Aberdeen in 2019, I had just graduated from school and was looking at different places to volunteer through a German organisation. In the end, Camphill School Aberdeen felt like the right place for me.

3. What work have you been involved with during your time at Camphill School Aberdeen?

I worked in St. Christopher’s House on Murtle Estate, supporting young adults who are attending the Young Adult Program in their day-to-day life. When my foundation year as a volunteer ended in 2020, I decided to stay and apply for a position as an ASN support worker. I was quite lucky as a position had just opened in St. Christopher’s House.

In 2022, I went back to Germany to study Social Work. Since then, I have been coming back to CSA on a respite contract whenever I have the time to help out. In the past two years, I have spent around 6-7 months working at Camphill School Aberdeen and I’m always very happy and grateful to come back.

4. What’s been the highlight of your time at Camphill School Aberdeen?

The relationships I have built during my time here are incredibly meaningful, especially with the young adults I support. I feel fortunate knowing they trust me and it’s rewarding to see their excitement whenever I come back. I have made friends for life and found a second home that I know I can always come back to.

5. How would you describe the experience in three words?

Fulfilling, meaningful, and inspiring.

6. How will your time at Camphill School Aberdeen influence your future?

I will cherish the time I spent here forever. I’ve learned so much about myself, what I want to do in life, about supporting people, and about living in a community.

I’ll continue returning to Camphill School Aberdeen from time to time in the near future, whether for work or simply for a visit.

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