Cristina Farriols

1. What inspired you to join VISIONS?

My inspiration to join VISIONS comes from the mission you promote. I believe it offers a valuable intercultural experience through the types of programs you run. Additionally, the locations where the programs take place motivate me to participate because of their rich cultures. I see this as an excellent opportunity for both students and leaders to learn about local communities, different lifestyles, and diverse perspectives.

2. What experiences have shaped your passion for community service and youth development?

The experiences that have shaped my passion for working with youth include both the camps I have led and my professional work with children. I began volunteering and working with young people several years ago, and through these experiences, I have learned that every teenager is unique.

I believe it is important for children and youth to explore, reflect, and engage in activities that encourage personal growth, and I have found that camps provide one of the most effective and meaningful ways to foster this development.
When I was a teenager, I had the opportunity to participate in European volunteer programs in Cyprus, Italy, and France. These experiences exposed me to diverse cultures and allowed me to develop valuable skills in teamwork, adaptability, and intercultural understanding. They have strongly influenced who I am today.

3. What is your favorite achievement?

My greatest achievement is the collection of experiences I have had, the places I have visited, and the people I have met along the way. These opportunities have helped me discover my interests, clarify what I want to pursue in the future, and better understand myself.

4. What is your favorite place you’ve traveled?

My favorite place I have traveled to is Turkey, where I participated in my Erasmus program. I was drawn to the country’s diverse architecture and the warmth of its people. I also had the opportunity to learn about a different and simpler lifestyle.
I stayed there for four months, which allowed me to explore extensively and gain a deeper understanding of the culture compared to places I have visited for shorter periods. Overall, I feel especially drawn to places that are very different from my own culture.

5. What is the best advice you’ve received?

The best advice I have received came from my uncle: to listen to myself. When I need to make a decision, I often weigh the pros and cons and consider the opinions of family and friends. However, what matters most is listening to my intuition and understanding what I truly want and need to do.

Everyone has an opinion, and it can be difficult to make decisions that may affect the people you care about. Still, recognizing that this is my own life and taking responsibility for it helps me feel more confident in my choices. Even if I make a mistake, I know it is part of learning—and nothing is irreversible.

6. What do you hope to accomplish this summer?

This summer, I hope to enjoy myself while learning about different cultures and meeting new people. One of my long-time dreams has been to travel to South America, and this summer I will finally have the opportunity to fulfill it.

7. What are you most excited about this summer?

What excites me most is participating in the VISIONS program in the Dominican Republic. I don’t know exactly what awaits me—new experiences, surprises, challenges, and opportunities for learning—but I am ready to embrace it all.

This summer also marks the closing of an important chapter in my life, and after it, I will begin a new stage.

8. If you had to give one piece of advice or words of encouragement to someone on their first VISIONS experience, what would it be?

If someone has never had this kind of experience, I would say: do it—and enjoy it. Go with an open mind, ready to learn from different people every day. Say yes to new opportunities, because experiences like these can truly change your life. They are a valuable chance to grow.

Each of us lives a different life in our own country, shaped by our background and personal story. But stepping outside your comfort zone allows you to discover yourself in a new way and become the person you want to be.