Snapshot Moments

In a short-term volunteering project, everything happens quickly - new faces, new places, new emotions. The first days can feel like a blur, yet they reveal a lot about how you connect, adapt, and feel in a new environment. This reflection invites you to pause and capture a few snapshot moments from your first impressions - what felt exciting, surprising, or challenging - before the experience moves forward.

What you will need:

  • A notebook or a few blank sheets of paper
  • Pens or pencils, coloured (optional)
  • If doing it digitally - a phone, tablet, or computer on notes, drawing or simple document app

Instructions

  1. Imagine taking three mental snapshots from your first days in the project - small “pictures” that capture how you felt and what you noticed.

    For example:
    “Me arriving and meeting my team”
    “Me during the first group activity”
    “Me at the end of the day”

    For each snapshot:
    - Describe the moment  - where are you, what’s happening?
    - Note the emotion on your face  - what do you feel?
    - Write one thought you had in that moment.
    If you like, you can draw or doodle your snapshots - even simple sketches can capture the feeling.

  2. Reflect on your snapshots:
    Which snapshot stands out the most for me? Why?
    What do these moments show about how I react to new people or situations?
    What has surprised me about myself so far?
    Looking at these first impressions  - what do I hope to experience next?

  3. Share with your buddy (Optional)
    If you’re reflecting with a peer, share your three snapshots.
    After listening, your buddy can ask:
    - What surprised you most about how you felt in that moment?
    - Which snapshot shows you feeling most connected or confident?

Guidance for mentors/facilitators

  • Use this method during the first few days of the project, when impressions are fresh. Keep the tone open, curious, and supportive. 
  • Encourage volunteers to focus on what they felt and noticed rather than analysing or judging the experience.
  • You can invite them to revisit their snapshots at the end of the project to notice what has changed.
  • To deepen reflection, you can ask:
    • Which snapshot do you think you’ll remember most after going home?
    • What do these first moments tell you about what matters to you in this experience?