Motivation letter for ESC

Hi! I am going to apply for one of European Solidarity Corps' program.

But I am not sure in grammar and vocabulaty of my motivation letter. I would like that someone scan it and maybe give me some advice.

Thank you in advance!

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Dear volunteer coordinator of ***,

I am Margarita, 24 years old Russian, living in ***, Russia. In this letter I strive to describe myself, my background and motivation to apply for participation as a volunteer in ****. I found your program in the database of European Youth Portal. When I learned about the possibility to be a volunteer for a whole year from the European Solidarity Corps once in a lifetime, I realized that it is a great opportunity and I have to use it. Being a part of an important social project and living abroad for a year is just an amazing chance for self-determination, for development my social, language and cultural skills. This is a such great opportunity that can't be let go.

I start with introducing myself. In 2019 I obtained a bachelor degree in economics at one of the best universities in my country – ****. After that, I worked as a project manager in the construction industry and later in smart home system area (automation of devices in a house). And now I'm 24 years old and I figure out that I do not do that I really want to. I guess I should follow my way doing something more related to society, human and creativity. I think so because I had experience in social activities. Back at school, I conducted research on the purity of water in a local reservoir, participated in social projects that helped disabled people, volunteered for animal shelters. At the university I volunteered at sports events. For last several years I have been a volunteer for an organization that helps to the homeless: distributes food in different spots of the city, helps socially and legally, provides place in a hostel. I am concerned for ecology, so I volunteer for a waste recycling organization, I try to use recycled materials by myself and throw garbage away separately (in Russia it is not easy, there is not a developed infrastructure). In general, I try to think about society and nature and I would like to share these ideas.

I have some experience of interaction with children. At school (somewhere in 2012-2013) I was an animator at children's parties. I created, organized and ran competitions for children and just entertained them. This experience taught me to communicate with children and teenagers, to look for an approach to completely different people: shy and bully, calm and active. After that, I was elected in the youth chamber of the city parliament by my school. During my term (2 years), my commitments included the implementation of a personal project as well as city parliament’s project. My personal project was about help children with disabilities. I organized various exhibitions and concerts, which the money from was saved. I bought gifts for children with disabilities with this money and presented in Christmas time. It was a wonderful experience, I was extremely happy to help the parents of these children, to provide them some especial feelings. Besides that, there was a small experience of working at a school as a teacher. I substituted the literature teacher for 2 weeks. Moreover, I was the counselor in a children's camp, where could be some kind of friend-mentor.

In general, having all this work with children one of the most important things I figure out is: scientific development must be supported by mental development. In order to a child grows up with awareness what does he/she do and why does he/she do it.

In addition, I have specific skills in some areas. For example, I am good at mathematics and physics. Further I draw well, I went to art school and now I even try to sell my paintings. I also go drumming and have been playing piano for 8 years, so I'm a musical person. Finally, I played in musicals (in 2 of them I was in the lead roles). I would be happy to use these arraignments somehow or help others grasping some of these skills, if it will be needed.

I also can mention that I was the project management somewhere. For example, I and AISEC organization arranged a forum, what was dedicated the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and environmental workshops, I was a coordinator of city competition in ****, Smart Home system installation and different building works. Thus, I have the ability to communicate with people and conduct administrative affairs. It also develops the skills of both work in a team and on my own.

And the last point, I think that each person should have personal and collective responsibility by helping others and developing mental health, a sense of empathy and solidarity. Your organization helps to cultivate these feelings by two ways. The first one is support to poor people as well as Ukrainian refugees. I feel my duty to do something for Ukrainians. The second one is intercultural exchange, that makes me expand my worldview. By the way, this is also a huge motivation to participate in your program. Austria is the birthplace of famous musicians and artists, I would like to take closer look at culture, history, language and the Austrians.

In sum, I would be happy to be part of important work and get a chance to acquire new skills and knowledge.

If you have any questions, please contact me. I look forward to your reply.

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