This summer, I embarked on a life-changing journey as I joined Better Days’ Gekko project in Athens. Gekko is an educational center designed to support refugee and displaced youth, aged 15 to 24, offering them a chance to integrate into society through education, workshops, and other creative opportunities. My LiA project centered around facilitating workshops to help these young people build essential skills and find a sense of self-expression. What I didn’t expect, however, was just how much I would learn from them and how deeply they would impact me.

The overall goal of my project was to provide practical support and foster emotional growth among the students. Structurally, I focused on two key workshops: one on building CVs to help the students navigate the job market, and another on art, a space for them to express themselves freely and reconnect with their creative passions. Progression came naturally, though slowly at first, as I worked to establish trust and break down the barriers of unfamiliarity.

The most challenging and fulfilling part of this experience was taking on leadership roles in an environment where I was the outsider. Initially, I expected the students to be eager for the skills I had to offer, but I quickly realized it wasn’t that simple. The first few days were humbling—I had to confront the fact that these young people didn’t need someone swooping in to ‘fix’ their problems. They needed someone to listen, to sit with them, and to understand their reality. This led to a shift in my approach. Instead of relying on posters or formal presentations to attract them to my workshops, I immersed myself in their day-to-day lives. I spent time playing games, listening to music, and chatting with them in the common room. This simple act of being present built the trust that made all the difference.

It was during the art workshop that I witnessed the true power of connection. One student shared that he hadn’t painted since leaving his home country. He was hesitant to participate at first, but I encouraged him to join, even framing it as a light-hearted challenge. To my surprise, Abbas not only joined the workshop but stayed two hours beyond the scheduled time, creating beautiful pieces that we later hung up at Gekko. His transformation was profound—art became his outlet for feelings he might not have been able to express otherwise.

I learned quickly that leadership in this context wasn’t about directing others, but about cultivating an environment of openness and encouragement. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, though. There were difficult days—one student was arrested for no reason, purely as an act of police power. Another faced homelessness upon turning 18, as the shelter that housed her could no longer offer support. These moments were heartbreaking and made me question the systems in place, but they also reinforced the importance of the work Gekko was doing. Despite these hardships, the students still found ways to laugh, make friends, and experience the joy of being young. They taught me more about resilience than I could have imagined.

Working in an unfamiliar environment was an eye-opening experience. I learned that leadership doesn’t mean having all the answers—it’s about being adaptive, receptive, and ready to change course. Things didn’t always go according to plan, but I realized that flexibility is key when dealing with complex human situations. The students shaped the direction of the workshops as much as I did, which only made them more impactful.

Finding collaborators within Better Days was another lesson in humility. The NGO had a clear vision, and its team was passionate about the community they served. Working with them taught me the importance of aligning my efforts with a larger, shared goal. Together, we strived to empower these young people, and I hope that the workshops I facilitated will continue to inspire them to pursue their talents and dreams.

Throughout this project, my understanding of ethical leadership evolved significantly. I came into it with good intentions, but I realized that ethical leadership is more than just a moral compass—it’s about respect, humility, and being willing to step back and let others take the lead in their own lives. There were moments when my resilience was tested, especially when faced with situations that I couldn’t change. But I learned that resilience doesn’t always mean being tough—it can also mean being patient, adaptable, and open to learning from others.

The experience I gained at Gekko will stay with me forever. The students taught me to lead with empathy and to listen more than I speak. While I hope that I left a positive impact on them, helping them gain valuable skills and reignite their passions, I know that they’ve left a deeper impact on me. Moving forward, I’m committed to finding ways to continue supporting displaced communities and to apply these lessons in all areas of my life.