I chose my volunteer role before I chose my winter coat.  

That’s how serious I am about volunteering.  

I moved more than 10,000 kilometres away from home to start my Master’s in Interaction and Experience Design, focusing on older adults. From the very beginning, I knew lectures alone would never be enough; I needed to interact with the very people I hoped to design for, not simply observe them from a distance.  

Volunteering, therefore, wasn’t a dramatic life-changing revelation. It was step two. (Step one involved arriving in Ireland without losing my luggage.) What I didn’t fully anticipate was how this practical, intentional decision would quietly become the most looked-forward-to part of my week. Somewhere between wheelchairs, chapel mornings, and unexpected conversations, it turned into something even more meaningful than I had planned.  

How and where to find the opportunity  

As I started my Master’s application, I already knew, both academically and personally, that I needed, and genuinely wanted, to spend time with older people. With that in mind, I began searching for voluntary work related to aged care through organisation websites and volunteer portals even before coming to Ireland. These websites were particularly helpful, as they often list opportunities that are open to everyone, not just students, and therefore are not advertised on the UL volunteer portal. After arriving in Ireland and settling in, I applied for a position at Milford Care Centre, as it is a reputable organisation and conveniently located close to the UL campus.   

For the application, apart from the application form, I also needed to go through Garda vetting as the position involved working with a vulnerable population, which often includes older adults, patients, and children. The Garda vetting process itself was quite straightforward since the detailed instruction was fully provided on the care centre’s website, although it did take some time to be processed. I applied in mid to late September 2025 and only received a call from the centre in November.   

What do I do as a volunteer?  

On my first day, I had a conversation with the volunteer coordinator at the care centre about my responsibilities, and she also kindly showed me around. From the beginning, I felt welcomed and reassured. Although commitment was essential, the role itself was flexible and not overly demanding, which made it easier to balance with my academic life.  

While the website listed various available roles, many of them were not actually open at the time. However, the coordinator made sure that I was informed about all possible roles and let me know that I could switch as I became more familiar with my duties. I started as a Mass Volunteer, and I am still working in this role because I truly love it. My main responsibility is to help residents who use wheelchairs get to the chapel for Mass every Wednesday morning. It may seem simple, but those moments of walking together, exchanging a few words, and sharing gentle smiles are incredibly meaningful to me.  

From time to time, I also help with other events such as Christmas concerts or bingo game days. I especially love these occasions because they reveal another side of the residents’ lives where they are livelier, more playful, and wonderfully expressive. During the winter break, when I didn’t have any classes, I spent much more time at the care centre. Being there kept me both busy and accompanied throughout the long holiday. Instead of the quiet distance of being far from home, I felt a deep sense of warmth and belonging. The care centre slowly began to feel less like a place I volunteered at and more like a place I truly belonged to.  

What do I receive from my voluntary work?  

This voluntary work has given me far more than practical experience. It has given me real insight, connection, and gratitude. Through my time at the care centre, I have gained authentic insights into the everyday lives of older residents, something that cannot be fully captured through books or lectures alone. As I work on my thesis project, this experience has been especially valuable. It is much easier for me to recruit participants for my research and to ask for advice related to aged care, as I am surrounded by people who are generous with their knowledge and lived experience.   

Beyond my studies, I have come to know many wonderful people during my time here, not only the older residents but also staff, caregivers and fellow volunteers. Their kindness, encouragement, and even small, thoughtful gifts have helped me feel supported and never truly alone.  

The care centre also organises various activities specifically for volunteers. In January, for example, we had a volunteer dinner with delicious food and beverages in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. There are also occasional training sessions on topics such as communication with older adults or coping with loss. These sessions are not only useful but also deeply moving, and they offer valuable opportunities to meet new people, reflect together, and feel part of a caring community.  

Volunteering at Milford has been a joyful and deeply rewarding experience for me, one that I am truly thankful for and will always carry with me to the next chapters of my journey.