Not all leaders are created equal

Not all leaders are created equal

When I was 15, I fell for a friend, and to spend more time with him, I joined the school debate club. As often happens at 15, the crush faded, but the debate remained. The school club became a community, first in Bratislava, and then throughout Slovakia. Debate opened doors to many other activities and opportunities for me, so I soon became involved in the youth parliament, student magazines, and in the summer, I went to the Discover academy to relax. High school was, thanks to this, the most formative, but also the most fun period of my life. Since I started my first year of university in Krakow, this vibrant world has moved away from me and eventually closed – I'm no longer a high school student after all.

I discovered Youthfully Yours SK then with more joy than finding "twenty in my pocket." Although many Erasmus+ exchanges are aimed at the 16-18 age group, a so-called youth leader is often needed. This person has no age limit and in addition to participating in the project, takes on a few extra responsibilities. Not only could I once again be part of that great community of active high school students, but what's more, I could utilize years of my experience.

Poronin was full of surprises for me. I expected my role in the project to be more about helping participants learn something, but instead, I learned a lot myself. For example, how to work in an international team where the level of English is diametrically different. How to be a leader-friend and not a leader-dictator. Why it's important to have evening meetings for organizers. How much plans can change. How to quiet a room full of teenagers or how definitely not to cook bryndzové halušky.

The most important thing for me, however, was the Slovak group, my week-long children, the biggest and best gift I could (figuratively) take away from Poronin. Nine amazing, young, ambitious people who are not afraid to work on their dreams and goals. Even a month after the exchange, we are still in touch and have had our first 'reunion', this time in Košice. Life goes on and each of us has a lot of plans and ambitions in which we can support each other and learn something from one another.

I would therefore recommend Erasmus+ to everyone, regardless of age or academic background. When working with youth, one always learns something new.