1. What motivated you to join this youth exchange “Mission Youth Mental Health”?
I have always found the topic of mental health both fascinating and extremely important for young people today. When I came across this opportunity, I immediately felt motivated to apply, as I knew it would allow me not only to learn, but also to share my own experiences. I was particularly drawn to the idea of working alongside other young people who are equally passionate about this topic and becoming part of a supportive and open environment. At the same time, I truly enjoy traveling and believe that every journey is an opportunity for personal growth. Meeting new people, learning about different cultures, and exploring diverse ways of life inspire me greatly. This project was therefore a perfect combination of my interests: mental health awareness, meaningful connections, and broadening my horizons. I wanted to actively contribute with my ideas, energy, and enthusiasm rather than participate passively. That is why I am very grateful to have been selected and to be part of this exchange.
2. What was the most interesting thing you learned during the project? How will you use it?
It is difficult to highlight just one thing, as the project provided many valuable insights. However, one of the most important lessons for me was the significance of self-reflection. I realized that reflection is not just a skill, but an ongoing practice that can greatly improve our daily lives when we dedicate time to it. During the sessions, I learned practical methods for reflecting more effectively and organizing my thoughts in a healthier way. I also understood that self-reflection helps us recognize our strengths while approaching challenges with greater calm and clarity. Back home, I plan to incorporate regular reflection into my routine through writing, meditation, or meaningful conversations. I would also like to share these practices with my friends, as many young people struggle with stress and anxiety. Practicing reflection together can help us support one another more effectively. This is a lesson I can apply every day and one that will continue to shape my mindset in the future.
3. Which activity or session did you enjoy the most, and why?
The activity that had the strongest impact on me was the PERMA model of well-being. I found it not only interesting, but also highly practical, as it offered a clear structure for understanding happiness, balance, and personal growth. What I appreciated most was how the model connected theory with real life, allowing us to immediately reflect on our own experiences. The focus on positive emotions, relationships, meaning, and achievement made the activity especially powerful. I believe this model is useful for people of all ages and backgrounds, as it can easily be adapted to individual needs. For me, it was not just another exercise, but a tool I intend to continue using in the future. I am very grateful that the organizers included this activity, as it added real depth and value to the project.
4. How will you use the knowledge and skills from this project in your work back home?
The knowledge and skills I gained during this exchange will not stay only with me—I want to share them with my community. I plan to talk with my friends and peers about what I learned, especially about self-reflection practices and the PERMA model, as I believe they can be very helpful for young people. I also want to encourage more open conversations about mental health, since it is still a topic that many people avoid. By doing this, I hope to help reduce stigma and show that mental health is just as important as physical health. Additionally, I will apply the teamwork and communication skills I developed during the project in my school and everyday life. Even small group discussions or informal conversations can make a meaningful difference. This project gave me not only knowledge, but also confidence to take action, and that is something I will carry with me moving forward.
5. If you could describe this experience in three words, what would they be?
Therapeutic – Self-aware – Educational
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
