Tantaka is not just a solidarity time bank: it has become a way of understanding university life. What would you say is behind this spirit that makes it different?
I think Tantaka is a meeting point between the desire to make a better world and university life. At the university, one out of ten students devotes part of their time to a solidarity activity. That says a lot about them: they come to train professionally, but they also want to contribute to a fairer society.
2. How do you experience from the inside the fact that so many different people find in Tantaka the same meeting point?
It is a joy. Every day we see students from different countries, Degrees and cultures coming in looking for ways to help. My role is mainly on the international level, and it excites me to see how this diversity translates into commitment and concrete results.
3. Within the team you are in charge of international volunteer activities . What strikes you most about the students who participate in these projects?
Many of them experience it as something natural. For them, helping is part of their identity. They want to test themselves in different contexts, get out of their comfort zone and discover new realities. Not all destinations are easy, but the experience is very transformative.
4. How do you accompany the students before, during and after the volunteer activities?
We prepare them from the very beginning: information sessions, personal interviews, online training and meetings with former volunteers. During their stay, we maintain constant contact through local groups and mentors, and when they return we ask them for a report and a testimonial. It is a continuous learning cycle.
5. From now on, Tantaka is part of the European Solidarity Corps. What does this mean for the University and its students?
It is a seal of quality that accredits the University as a recognized entity to participate in European volunteer activities projects. Thanks to it, young people will be able to collaborate in solidarity initiatives inside and outside Spain with financial support for accommodation, transportation and meals. It is a great opportunity to continue growing and broadening horizons.
6. What kind subject projects would you like to see emerge in this new stage?
We are getting in contact with entities from different countries -from Caritas in Germany or Poland, to youth organizations in Lithuania-. I would like this new stage to consolidate stable collaborations in Education, social inclusion, environment and culture. The range is very wide.
7. What time of your day makes you feel most "at home"?
Listening to music. It connects me with my loved ones, even if they are far away.
8. What activity makes you lose track of time?
Singing. I'm a lyrical singer, and when I start studying or playing the piano, time disappears.
9. If you could spend a whole day with someone you admire, who would it be and what would you do?
With Giacomo Puccini. We would drive around Tuscany in his old early 20th century SUV, talking about opera, cinema and life.
10. What corner of the campus do you feel most like you own?
The Communication esplanade. I love the places where people cross paths, chat and things happen. I could spend hours watching people come and go.
11. An object that defines you.
A very simple bracelet that my grandmother gave me when I was a child. For me it has an enormous value.
12. A song that always cheers you up.
"Walking on Sunshine.
13. Improvise or plan?
Plan... to be able to improvise freely.
Mountain or beach?
Beach. I miss the sea when I am in Pamplona.
Northern winter or southern summer?
Both. I enjoy the cold and snow, but also the summer sun.
16. To start the day, coffee, tea or juice?
Tea.
17. Sweet or salty?
Salty, although dark chocolate always has its place.
18. Series, book and movie.
Series: Stranger Things; book: Momo, by Michael Ende; movie: Cinema Paradiso.
19. If you could live in another era, what would it be?
The beginning of the 20th century, because of the cultural and musical atmosphere in Europe at that time.
20. The University of Navarra is...
A great project that generates a lot of excitement.