Human Kaleidoscope:
Voices Unveiled
The only thing we have in common is our diversity.
Today’s society witnesses silent voices and invisible people. Personal stories can help create a common ground: by affirming our unicity, we promote diversity in society. Share. Connect. Promote. BEE Inclusive!
Francesco Capellini
Age: 30 - Italian
The Best Man
After growing up in a small village in the countryside, I spent the last 6 years moving to different cities and countries. You can imagine how difficult is to keep meaningful relationships at a distance: people I used to share everything with completely disappeared from my daily life. Then, guess what? A childhood friend who was getting married proposed me to be his Best Man! The moving chaos of my life stopped for a while: how can I still be so important to him? It is so powerful discovering to be special for the ones who have been special to us.
Nikita Kevraletin
Age: 23 - Ukrainian
"Reminder"
I recently had an epiphany. During a bout of illness at the age of 8 or 9, my caring mom was always there for me. As we watched Dr. House together in the living room, her presence eased my discomfort as nothing else could ever do. Fast forward to our days, I happened to watch that same Dr. House episode, re-igniting the vivid memory of that day when I was sick. I immediatly took my phone and reached out to my mother, feeling our connection stronger than ever...only to discover that she did not even remember about the episode, she was just worried about me! Reliving the moment with her reaffirmed the depth of our bond. I love my mom.
Pilar Pereira
Age: 26 - Brazilian
Family
My best childhood memory is celebrating life with my family: being together made me feel free, happy, and excided...we can truly be ourselves only when there is no judgement and we just enjoy the way we are!
Minel Akçay
Age: 23 - Turkish
The Barbie House
It was during Winter Holidays in 2007 when I visited a toy store with my mom and spotted a Barbie House, my dream toy. Mom said we could not afford it but I still wanted to show my friends the toy, so we went to the shop but it was already gone. A few days later, during Christmas night, it came the surprise: my family gifted me with the Barbie House!! Their thoughtful and unexpected gesture filled me with joy, remembering that, sometimes, dreams do come true.
Paulina Paplinska
Age: 24 - Polish
Disappearance
My biggest fear is not to be remembered. Dying one day with no one crying. Nobody recalling my life and what I achieved like if I just made big 'puff' and be gone from this world with an impactless existance.
Daria Denysenko
Age: 27 - Ukrainian
Don’t fear to bee yourself
What is my biggest fear? Initially, it's simple – heights or insects. But upon deeper reflection, my thoughts expand: who am I? Who do I aspire to be? How can I impact the world positively? How can I be happy? How do I find inner peace? Am I on the right path? Ultimately, my greatest fear is losing myself in this game we call life.
“Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
Eyyüp eşin
Age: 24 - Turkish
Experience
I specialize in sports translation in Istanbul, collaborating with various sports federations and managing bookings and team assistance. This year, I had the honor of working with the Türkiye Football Federation for the Champions League in Istanbul. Being part of the UEFA office during the final was an incredible experience that I will never forget. Chai chai!
Gosia Gawlik
Age: 27 - Polish
My family
I value my life experience deeply. I grow up in a family where money was always tight: my parents had to sell things to buy food for us - 5 children - and we had no heating nor hot water. Nevertheless, despite financial struggles, each of us managed to follow his/her path and we all became artists. This taught me that kindness and compassion are more valuable than richness, so I do not need much to be the person I want to be, creating art and being nice to others.
Tetiana Baranova
Age: 27 - Ukrainian
If not now than when?
I am proud of my bravery. The first time I truly felt it was at the beginning of war in Ukraine on February 24, 2022. I had to learn how to handle myself during street raid alarms, what to do in the event of a nuclear disaster, and how to seek shelter from missile attacks. Although I've grown exhausted from the horrors of war, I aim to show the world that even in the midst of a full-scale war, I still hold love, kindness, and support for others. I wish people had less stereotypes about Ukrainians. For instance, some people assume that a Ukrainian girl simply wants to find a husband in a European country, others believe that the war in Ukraine isn't as dangerous as it truly is. I want you to understand that we face the threat of death every day. That's why I strive to live my best life today because if not now, then when?
Jakub Matuszczak
Age: 27 - Polish
Once upon my life
I am most grateful for the people around me: I am grateful for the things they teach me, for the care they give me and for the moments I can experience thanks to them. When I happen to be impressed by someone's behaviour, I try to adapt it to my life and to make it mine. If nowadays I am nice and kind to others, it is because someone has been kind and nice to me!
Roksana Białowąs
Age: 23 - Polish
The life
I am grateful for the gift of life and its myriad possibilities. Embracing growth, openness, and cultural exploration enriches my existence. I truly appreciate the chance I had to travel and meet people from other countries that now I can call friends. I am so produ of my international group of friends!
Liza
Liza Nahorna
Age: 22 - Ukrainian
Another chance
At the beginning of the war in Ukraine, my family had to live for a month in our basement in Chernihiv, close to Russian borders. I agonized over my young brother witnessing the horrors of conflict while I was living in Poland: despite separation, love kept us united. While my mother and brother managed to flee among unspeakable misadventures, my father had to stay home. Our story speaks of bravery, fear and luck: our life is fragile and we must be grateful for second chances, because not everyone gets one.
“We may have all come on different ships,
but we’re in the same boat now.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dilay Bilen
Age: 19 - Turkish
Parenting For Myself
I take great pride in my self-sufficiency. Life is full of obstacles and challenges, but overcoming them made me stronger, confident that I am capable of success. Although sometimes I may need someone by my side, I am aware that I can accomplish many things on my own. This is my biggest source of pride.
Umut Utku AKÇA
Age: 21 - Turkish
Freedom
One thing that makes me proud of myself is my fondness for freedom. Adults from my family have always been extremely free, yet we managed to remain connected. My parents' physical absence made me and my brother assume adults role since our youth years and accepting such responsibility shaped me into the man I am today.
Fabio Izzo
Age: 20 - Italian
An Episode of my childhood
As a child, I faced bullying in school due to my disability. However, thanks to my family, friends, doctors and special inclusive contexts that made me conscious of who I am, I learned how to face difficulties and obstacles by nurturing my body and, especially, my mind.
Bahija Kabidi
Age: 27 - Italian and Moroccan
Casa
Defining "home" has been a challenge to me. I grow up watching Melevisione and eating pasta, yet my family lives in Marrakech and farewells always make me cry. So, after years and years of identity crisis I came to a conclusion: why should I choose? Having one's heart divided between two continents can certainly be cause for tears and nostalgia at times, but how lucky am I for having two places I can call "home"?
Letizia Mosca
Age: 28 - Italian
Everybody CAN
An invaluable life lesson I've learned from working with people with disabilities is resilience. While I help them to improve their physical abilities, they teach me how to deal with life: their determination is truly inspiring! Now, whenever I face difficult situations they remind me that with patience, positive mindset, and energy we can surf the waves of live. Remember: you are unstoppable!
Giacomo Cesa Bianchi
Age: 19 - Italian
Me and my dad
This year, I made the difficult decision to end relations with my father. He's a complex human being who has gone thorugh much suffering, so, ten years ago, he began to drink excessively. After years of coping with him and his alcoholism, I chose to cut him off along with his toxicity. Although I still believe I took the right decision, every time I hear about him it feels like grenades hitting me, and it is difficult to emerge from the fog again.
“Strength lies in differences,
not in similarities.”
– Stephen Covey
Irmak alara karaarslan
Age: 18 - Turkish
Ilk Erasmus
I still remember my first foreign friendship. Her name is Alexia, from Romania; she taught me her culture and of course I taught her Turkish culture. I had never spoken in a foreign language for a full week before: that was challenging, yet rewarding. Since then, I learned to face life challenges the same way, appreciating the reward I get overcoming intercultural challenges! Now that language is no longer a barreer, I want to meet people coming from all over the the world!
Eliza Yakunina
Age: 27 - Ukrainian
One thing that makes me proud about myself
I take pride in following my own instincts, despite what my mom, dad and friends say! Overcoming the struggle of conforming to others' expectations was challenging. I used to feel guilty for deviating from their opinions. Observing others who effortlessly follow their desires made me question myself: what is wrong with me? Eventually, I realized our differences are what make us unique. So we need to work on ourselvesand learn to live our lives the way we want, no matter what!
Alona Garkusha
Age: 29 - Ukrainian
Fight stress
Engaging in European mobility projects connected me with people worldwide, making me curious about different languages and cultures. My international friends helped me coping with the hardships of life - I lost my father in was in Ukraine. Being part of this mosaic full of beautiful people brought solace in the darkest days, offering positive emotions, stress relief, and broadening my perspective. Grateful to all involved.