9^thof may. I arrived at Drasi just after my two-week vacation, beginning my EVS year. The first baby birds were already at the centre and some at the houses of volunteers. They were magpie’s and an adorable crow who was always hungry, asking for food. From there on it seemed Christmas every day, like opening presents we were constantly opening new boxes and finding baby birds. More crows came but also the first jackdaws with their typical loud screaming, you could always tell when they were hungry or when someone woke them up.

For those who don't know me, my name is An-Sofie. I am 20 years old and was born and raised in Ostend, a Belgian city next to the sea. I was always very interested in animals in my youth and studied animal care in high school. Since there are not a lot of college courses concerning exotic animals and wildlife, I have found that volunteering can be a great way to learn and gain experience. I had already volunteered in an animal park and wildlife rescue centre in Belgium before I applied to do an EVS at Drasi Agriazoi in Greece. Unfortunately not everything went as planned as my application was not approved but in stand-by at first. I had already quitted my job and was standing empty handed not sure what to do next.