My stay in Slovenia so far has been a truly special experience for me. I met a lot of new people and made connections all over Europe that will positively influence my future. Through skateboarding, I found an easy way to connect with others—people I might never have met without this exchange. Slowly, I started feeling less like a stranger in a foreign country and more like I was becoming part of the community. At some point, it even felt like a little family, and that sense of belonging has meant everything to me.
I really enjoy working at Volja because every day brings new tasks. Whether it’s interacting with customers or finding creative solutions, no two workdays are ever the same. The daily challenges allow me to express my creativity in so many ways. I’ve learned so much about running a company and what it takes to keep it alive—knowledge that will definitely help me develop my own brand in the future.
One of the biggest and most meaningful projects for me was the skate video I filmed since arriving here. Everyone in the skate scene was excited to be part of it, contributing ideas or helping with editing. Having a finished product feels like a video diary of my time here. It was sometimes tiring and challenging, but it was also incredibly fun and one of the most memorable experiences of my stay. After putting so much effort into it, seeing the video screened at two skate film festivals in Serbia and Croatia was an amazing feeling. Sharing something we created together with others made me truly proud.
This project also transformed my experience in Ljubljana. Through the skate video, I got to know many people from the local skate scene and other creative communities. I spent so much time with people I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise. Gradually, I stopped feeling like a newcomer and started feeling like I belonged. At times, it even felt like a second home, and that sense of connection has been invaluable.
Of course, living in a new country hasn’t been without its challenges. Adapting to a different environment, new people, and an unfamiliar daily routine can be tough. But those moments have helped me become more independent and open-minded. I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty and trust the process, seeing where life takes me.
Overall, I feel deeply grateful for everything that has happened so far. I came to Slovenia hoping to gain new experiences, learn new things, and meet new people—and I feel like I’ve already achieved all of that. More than anything, I’m happy about the connections I’ve made and the feeling that I’ve found a place where I truly belong. I’ve realized that I thrive in new environments, and this has made me eager to take on similar projects in the future.