A few months ago, I discovered Fireflies through a friend’s recommendation. What immediately struck me was the unwavering dedication and hard work of the people involved. Volunteers from across the state came together, crafting and creating without expecting anything in return. It was a refreshing reminder of the goodness in people, which inspired me to join the Fireflies community.

My journey began on the first day of the event. Unfortunately, I had to rush in after my classes, so I missed the opening. However, the warmth and hospitality of the Fireflies crew soon made me feel at ease. They embraced my shyness and encouraged me to join in. We spent the evening chatting and, for me, it felt like being at home. Witnessing strangers connect so effortlessly was heartwarming. The event featured stalls where talented individuals sold their handcrafted creations, from drawings to paintings, henna tattoos to face painting. Even when a sudden rain shower forced us indoors, everyone chipped in to help. Sadly, I had to leave early due to curfew, missing out on some of the evening’s excitement.

The second day was even better. I had more time to engage with others. New faces joined in, and we quickly became friends. The day kicked off with a session called ‘Reflection’ where we shared our thoughts about the previous day. One person’s story stood out; they felt so close to everyone that they shared their breakfast with newfound friends.

In front of the Kanakakkunn palace, there was a stimulating event called ‘brain cycle.’ I was a bit nervous about speaking up at first, but looking back, it was a pivotal moment. It taught me that Fireflies is about discovering our talents and having the courage to share them. It’s about collaborating with others joyfully, free from the stress of the little things. Most of the exciting activities took place at night, but I couldn’t stay for them.

Fireflies has kindled in me a desire to attend more events, meet people from various backgrounds, and explore different cultures. The name ‘Fireflies’ resonates perfectly because these volunteers truly light up every place they touch. They remind us that it’s the simplest things that matter most. Fireflies inspire us to pause, savor the moment, and appreciate the beauty around us. It’s not just an organization; it’s a family.