In 2017, the 29th Winter Universiade has held in my hometown Almaty city, which ran from January 29 to February 8. It was a very significant event in the history of our city. Students from different countries came together for the competition in winter sports, which by the way are very popular in our country. I was lucky to become a part of this event – I worked as a volunteer!

At that time I was in school in 10th grade. I was very glad and happy that I would have an official exemption from classes for the duration of the competition. I didn’t have any volunteering experience at that time. I had a rough idea of what kind of work it was, but I had no idea how difficult it could be.

I still remember the day when we were given our volunteer form: jacket, hat, scarf and all other winter clothes we needed. I have kept this outfit to this day. I liked the way we (volunteers) differed and stood out from the crowd. We walked around the city, as people were calling us then, “green minions”.

The whole atmosphere from beginning to end was saturated with student and youth spirit! All young people stood together in order to show and conduct this event at the highest level. I liked the mood of our volunteers. We were happy to see each other on the street, although we did not know each other at all.

I was in the team of people responsible for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Universiade. Later we were based in the Almaty arena and held figure skating competitions. I was very lucky with such work, rather than the guys who worked, for example, on springboards. But this does not mean that it was easiest for us to work.

It was hard because of the hard work schedule. We finished work at 3 am and the next shift could begin in 3-4 hours. That winter was very cold and it was difficult to cope with the weather conditions. I remember with horror how cold it was in my winter boots while looking for a source of heat while I was hungry and sleepy.

But everything was not so bad, do not think anything! All of the hard labor was compensated by pleasant and warm communication with my colleagues. I met incredible, lovely, clever and incredibly cheerful people who warmed me in the coldest days. I was the youngest in my group since everyone else was either university students or adults. At first, many were surprised and embarrassed by the fact that I was a schoolgirl, but then everyone got used to it and treated me with care and sweet concern.

It was very interesting to watch and be close to see how such major sporting events are held. It’s hard but worth it! I think that I gained invaluable experience and understood that, as with everything in life, there are negative and positive sides to volunteering. But this is a lesson and a lifelong experience of which I will not cease to think and thank for receiving this opportunity.

I always say that 2017 was the best year of my life so far. This is all because that year was opened by the Universiade and laid in me the vital qualities, that I try to develop to this day.