Vika is a regular visitor at the Place of Power. She jokes that she\u2019s a huge fan of the space in all its forms \u2014 events, trainings, art classes \u2014 everything is marked in her calendar. So when she saw an announcement on Instagram about a new format called \u201cTeens for Teens\u201d, she didn\u2019t hesitate for a second.<\/p>\n
\u201cI immediately thought I had to try. I wanted to improve my communication skills and prove to myself that I could do it,\u201d<\/strong>, \u2014 the girl recalls.<\/p>\n The invitation to host her own event came from program manager Anastasiia. She offered several options \u2014 board games or a film club. Because Vika was busy preparing for her final exams, she chose board games and also agreed to lead Mafia. Before her first session, she was very nervous.<\/p>\n \u201cI was afraid I\u2019d mix up the roles or that something would go wrong. I even consulted psychologist Dasha \u2014 she calmed me down and explained how to talk to kids who sometimes cross boundaries, and how to properly explain the game\u2019s rules,\u201d, \u2014 Vika admits.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n But the participants\u2019 reaction turned out completely different from what she expected \u2014 no one criticized her. On the contrary, they encouraged her, helped with the game, and even played music.<\/p>\n \u201cAt first, they were a bit surprised that I was leading the session instead of an adult, but we quickly found common ground.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n For a month, Vika hosted board games every Saturday and Mafia twice a week. Her favorite was the board games:\u00a0\u201cThere were more teens there, including my friends. It felt like our own little corner \u2014 no psychologists, just a group having fun and enjoying the moment.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Sometimes, after the board games, there was still time left for Mafia, and occasionally, other participants would take on the role of host so Vika could play herself.<\/p>\n With each new session, she noticed changes within herself. Vika used to talk only to people she felt comfortable with, but this experience helped her step beyond that comfort zone.<\/p>\n \u201cI realized I can find common ground with anyone \u2014 younger or older. At the Place of Power, teens always feel at ease, and that feeling spreads,\u201d<\/strong>, she says.<\/span><\/p>\n The most touching moment came when it was time to say goodbye. When Vika told the group that Dasha was coming back from vacation and she would no longer be leading Mafia, the teens said they didn\u2019t want her to leave. \u201cThey said, \u2018Come back! We loved it so much!\u2019 \u2014 that really warmed my heart.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Now, Vika dreams of trying something new \u2014 for example, organizing a book discussion or a poetry workshop. She imagines teens bringing their favorite books, reading excerpts, and then discussing what the author wanted to say.<\/p>\n Her advice to peers: don\u2019t be afraid. \u201cStep out of your comfort zone \u2014 that\u2019s how you grow, meet new people, and learn new things. A few months ago, I was shy and closed off, but now I realize that being a host is something I can do. The \u2018Teens for Teens\u2019 format gives you a chance to show others there\u2019s nothing to be afraid of.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n
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