A journey from a career in one of the most successful Canadian travel agencies in Egypt to the soul of a Polish school. Hi There, this is Samy Kelta!

The unexpected application

I wasn’t the kind of person who took risks. My life was structured—focused on my career at a Canadian travel agency in Egypt. Everything was planned, safe, and familiar. I believed life was a series of conscious decisions, and I was making the “right” ones. Or so I thought.

Then one evening, I found myself staring at an application form for a volunteering opportunity in Poland. I started answering questions—almost unconsciously. Then I paused. No way, I thought. Stick to what you know.

But one random summer night during a long shift, a notification popped up: “You have a screening interview.” It went well. Thanks to the interviewer, I was recommended to the Polish organisation ANAWOJ—and everything started to shift.

The school with no explanation

After a friendly interview with ANAWOJ, they offered me multiple school placements. I don’t know why, but School Number 16 stood out to me. I felt drawn to it, like it chose me. Later, the school even asked to meet me—the person who picked them. The moment I walked in, I remember thinking: This feels right.

But then came the real question: What if? What if I left everything I had built for years? What if I failed? I turned to someone who inspires me deeply—my role model “M”. She told me:

“Opportunities come once. Think of it not as quitting, but as a break for a fighter. You’ve succeeded before. You’ll succeed again.”

Her words gave me courage!

“You won’t believe me, but…”

I went to the office the next day, heart pounding. “You won’t believe me,” I said, “but… here’s my resignation.” It wasn’t easy. Leaving a stable job, a comfortable life, and familiar streets behind wasn’t just about geography—it was an emotional earthquake. But I kept hearing a quote in my head:

“Travel, because money returns. Time doesn’t.”

Hello, fear of the never seen before

Soon, I was deep into researching Poland. The culture. The people. The stereotypes. I read that it wasn’t the most welcoming place.

Challenge accepted.

When the plane took off, I felt fear like never before. Not fear of danger—fear of the unknown. What if I fall in love with a place I’ll eventually have to leave?

The town that rewrote me: Białystok

My first steps in Białystok felt cold—literally and emotionally. No people on the streets. No nightlife. No warmth. The air in November had a scent I had never tasted before. I remember one night sitting by a window, watching the quiet city, tears silently falling. I thought I had made a mistake. But I was wrong.

The Heartbeat of School Number 16

From the very first day at School Number 16, I felt something different. The people—teachers, staff, and especially the students—were incredibly welcoming. I grew so attached that I found myself spending entire days there, losing track of time.

A true friendship blossomed when we left behind assumptions, negativity, and old perspectives. I was no longer just a visitor. I was part of their community.

I’ll never forget celebrating Christmas with my mentor and coordinator’s family. That moment redefined “home” for me.

A smile, a mission

Each morning, I had a mission: to greet every teacher, worker, and student with a smile. I wasn’t just sharing warmth—I was choosing to live from the inside out, instead of following cold cultural rules. That smile, I believe, became a silent bridge between cultures.

Where I grew, fell, and flew

Białystok became my favourite place—not because it was flashy or loud, but because this is where I grew. Where I faced my own doubts, challenged misconceptions, and found a new version of myself.

The day I heard that I was considered one of the best volunteers to ever walk into School Number 16… I froze. I had no words. It took me years and tears to become this version of me.

A Final Whisper: Take the Leap

So, if you’re reading this, here’s what I want to leave you with:

“Remember to build stories wherever you go.
 Don’t just take a photograph—make the moment.
 Let your actions speak before your words.
 Take the risk. Get out of the comfort zone.
 Because even the smallest act, done with passion,
 can become someone else’s unforgettable memory.”