Applying for ISWiB for the very first time, for me felt like running headfirst out of my comfort zone. Especially the days just before the festival began I was extremely nervous. And then, from the moment I arrived at the moment I had to leave, ISWiB always had an amazing moment to offer. Dancing 24/7 was, for me, one of the best parts!
During ISWiB I met some really inspiring people, I made new friends, I was rewarded with a new family. The bonds you create during ISWiB are so strong that the memories and the people stay with you long after summer ends. You’ll keep talking with these people, you’ll meet each other again. I, also, got to learn a lot about myself as a person, who I am and who I aspire to be. ISWiB gave me the chance to face some of my fears and insecurities and to grow us a person.
All in all, ISWiB is not only a fun way to spend your summer, but it’s a chance for you to get out of your comfort zone, try new things or invest time in things you already love (it’s up to you which one you’ll choose), meet new people and make lifelong friendships, all this in the beautiful city of Belgrade. During ISWiB you’ll party hard, and you’ll sleep little, but you’ll always be full of energy because when you’re having a good time with amazing people you just can’t waist a single moment.
Even after all these months, I remember clearly every single day I spent last summer in Belgrade. Surprisingly, one of my favourite memories is that of our last day there. When we started to leave the place of our last party and to say our first goodbyes I started crying so hard. I was so full of emotions, all the excitement and the energy and the friendships and the fact that in just a few hours we would all be miles away from each other!
I’m still reading the messages I received in my envelope during the last day, I watch our pictures and videos. And I know I’ll do whatever I can to live the experience one more time, and I vow that next time I’ll dance a little harder, laugh even more and at the last day I’ll cry more tears of joy!
Amalia Athanasia Dimou, ISWiB 2019 participant
