I have to say that this was one of those experiences that truly changes your perspective on life. It was a wonderful and enriching time for me. I learned a great deal about clinical medicine, pharmacology, instrument management, surgery, as well as dog and cat behavior and personalities. In addition, I gained valuable cultural experiences. Regarding my daily activities, I usually divided my tasks by days. I regularly went to the village, where my responsibilities included feeding cats and dogs, changing their water, walking the dogs, cleaning the facilities, and, of course, my favorite part, spending time with them, petting them, and caring for them. Once a week, I visited the Gerze shelter, where I learned a lot about surgical procedures, most of which were castrations. I had the opportunity to practice suturing, administering medication to cats and dogs, changing bandages, and assisting with general clinical work. One or two days a week, I was also responsible for the patients’ room, which included cats requiring medical treatment. My duties involved giving medication, changing food and water, cleaning, and ensuring their overall well-being. On some days, we took certain cats to the Sinop clinic to monitor their treatment progress. It was essential to always be attentive and provide proper care. One weekend, I visited the Samsun hospital to learn more about advanced surgical procedures. I was truly impressed by their level of professionalism and teamwork. It was a very interesting and inspiring experience. I also shared my room with Urho, a diabetic cat who required insulin injections twice a day, always at the same time, along with a special diet. I developed a special bond with him, and it was very emotional to say goodbye. He will always have a place in my heart. Another highlight of this experience was the people I met. I built meaningful friendships and learned a lot about different cultures, languages, and life experiences. We shared many activities in Sinop, from playing ping-pong to spending time by the seaside. As I mentioned before, it was truly a life-changing experience. In terms of my contribution to the group, I believe that everyone played an important
role and had something valuable to offer. If I had to describe my own contribution, I
would say that I brought many fun moments—and perhaps a bit of drama, which is
simply part of my personality. I wouldn’t change anything about this experience. It was beautiful just as it was. One of my biggest challenges before coming here was the language, but I managed to learn some basic words, and everything worked out well. I gained a lot of confidence, made new friendships, and I am deeply grateful for these months.

Thank you for everything.