How one transformative expedition led Mariam Amini to find love, rediscover her faith, and define her life’s purpose through volunteering
At 22, Mariam Amini had no idea what she wanted to do in life. It was the summer of her third year at university, and uncertainty about her future weighed heavily on her mind. But that summer marked the beginning of a profound change. It all started with an opportunity to join a 10-week volunteering expedition with Raleigh International in Malaysian Borneo, an experience that would shape her life in ways she never imagined.
Mariam’s decision to volunteer became one of the most pivotal moments in her life. Coming from a socioeconomically disadvantaged background, the thought of embarking on such a journey felt out of reach. However, Raleigh’s bursary program made it possible. With financial assistance, she was ready to dive into the adventure ahead. When she landed in Kota Kinabalu on a hot July morning, tired yet excited, she had no idea that this trip would change her path so drastically.
During the expedition, Mariam and her fellow volunteers worked on various community projects, from building water systems to preserving the rainforest. Yet, the most transformative part wasn’t just the work—it was the relationships she built. Strangers from different parts of the world became friends. One of those strangers, Christian, would eventually become her husband.
Their connection grew over the course of the expedition, but what made it special was that their friendship developed naturally, without the pressures of romance. Volunteering forced them to work closely together, trust each other, and form a strong bond. Two years later, Mariam and Christian were married. Since then, they have traveled the world together, continuing their shared passion for volunteering and exploration.
As they moved from country to country, volunteering in places like Malaysia, Croatia, and Latin America, Mariam began to realize how much these experiences were shaping her identity. Each project brought new insights and lessons. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the couple found themselves stranded on a small island off the coast of Malaysia. During that unexpected period of isolation, Mariam reconnected with her faith—something she hadn’t focused on in years. That time of reflection gave her a newfound clarity and sense of purpose.
Her most recent trip to Cyprus became the ultimate turning point. As the daughter of Afghan refugees, Mariam had always felt disconnected from her heritage. Volunteering with Afghan refugees in Cyprus helped her bridge that gap. Meeting fellow Afghans, hearing their stories, and speaking their language rekindled her connection to her roots. The experience was so powerful that it inspired her to pursue a career in journalism, with a focus on preserving diaspora stories. Volunteering had given Mariam the missing piece of her identity.
Looking back, Mariam realizes how much volunteering has transformed her life. It brought her a husband, helped her rediscover her faith, and set her on a path toward a meaningful career. More than that, it taught her that stepping out of her comfort zone and being intentional about making a difference can lead to unexpected, life-changing rewards.
Volunteering doesn’t just benefit the communities being served; it opens up new avenues for personal growth and self-discovery. Whether traveling to far-flung places or finding local projects closer to home, the impact of volunteering is profound. It provides clarity, connection, and purpose—things many people search for throughout their lives. For Mariam, it was the key to unlocking a life full of meaning, adventure, and love.
For those unsure of their direction in life, Mariam encourages them to consider volunteering. One never knows where it might lead or how it could transform them. For her, it was the starting point of a journey she will always cherish.
Source:
- https://youtu.be/hbnKWWkVcpw?si=OqZ1UtsYJIpbvvd_
- https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2024/sep/21/by-volunteering-around-the-world-i-found-my-purpose-in-life-my-husband-and-my-roots
- https://chatgpt.com/
- https://readloud.net/
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