After finishing high school, Pauline Schick was uncertain about her future and like many students in Germany, she decided to take a gap year. Inspired by her older half-sister’s volunteer service and eager to improve her English, she chose to become a volunteer through the Brethren Volunteer Service in the United States. “I wanted to improve my English skills… and my older cousin was also in the US and she really liked it,” Pauline explained.

Pauline’s journey to Ferncliff was marked by uncertainty as she left Germany without knowing exactly where she would be placed. Upon arriving in October, she initially felt shy and overwhelmed by the new environment, especially because she felt that her English skills were limited. “Everyone made me feel very comfortable. So, yeah, it felt like a home very fast,” she shared. She started working in the kitchen and housekeeping, but soon found her passion in the nature preschool and later leading mission teams.

Working at Ferncliff helped Pauline grow in confidence and acquire a range of new skills. “I learned that I can do a lot more than I think I can do,” she reflected. She enjoyed leading mission teams where she was able to meet new people, and work with them on service projects and lead recreational activities, which helped her become more self-assured and less shy. “Just being here made me a lot more confident and a lot less shy,” she said. “I enjoyed working with other people and learning new things every day.”

As her volunteer year came to an end, Pauline returned home to prepare for medical school in Bulgaria this fall. Despite the challenge of not speaking the language, she felt prepared and confident due to her experiences at Ferncliff. “I know that I can make it. Like, I can go to a new country and make myself a home over there,” she stated.

Pauline’s time at Ferncliff not only helped her improve her English but also prepared her for the challenges ahead. She expressed deep gratitude for her experience, saying, “Just thank you to Ferncliff and to everyone who works here. I had a really amazing year.” Reflecting on her time there, she mentioned, “I think Ferncliff is a big family, like all the people that work there. You will get to know a lot of amazing people during the year.”

As she embarks on her journey to medical school, she carries with her the confidence and skills she gained from her time at Ferncliff. “I wouldn’t have chosen Bulgaria if I didn’t go to the US. It made me grow a lot just being here,” Pauline concluded.

Each year, Ferncliff welcomes young adults to live and serve at Ferncliff. 

These residential volunteers assist with a variety of year-round programming, including working in the Disaster Assistance Center, leading volunteer groups, working with customers in the Sharing the Goods program, supporting the Nature Preschool, assisting with events, hospitality operations, assisting the maintenance staff on-site projects, and serving as summer staff members during the camp season. 

And we are so appreciative of you! Because of your gifts, Ferncliff provides transformative experiences like the one given to Pauline.  Thank you for your generosity in supporting Ferncliff, this ministry we all share. Click here to make a tax-deductible donation.