I am an American Pole, a
Polish-American. The reason I am American, is the fact I was born here. I don’t
always understand American culture: always eating out, wearing outside shoes
inside their homes, never eating cheese sweet, not liking sparkling water, nor
eating pizza with a fork and knife. Of course, not all of these apply to the
average American family, but most do. And my family always does the exact
opposite of those examples. I’ve never fully
understood why my family was always so different.
Then I went to Poland, and observed my culture first-hand.
It’s almost surreal, being in the
country my parents were born, raised, and married in. I lived in the city my
parents went on dates in. They used to meet up at the Mickiewicz Monument in
the Market Square, a place where my Art History class met up many mornings. I
studied at the University my mother and aunt went to. I have such deep roots
and connections to my Polish heritage, but I never had the chance to explore
and embrace them until this summer. A dream come true. Finally, in the Cultural
Capital of Europe, I found where I belong. I oddly felt embraced by the people
in the Kościuszko program, students and teachers alike.
I was actually excited to go to
class every day at 8:00am. Polish Language was my best subject this summer. It
was exhilarating to realize I knew more Polish than I thought I did and to
finally see all those words written down. I’ve only ever heard Polish before,
not seen it written down. It is such a beautiful language. It flows. It’s
poetic. Szymborska and Milosz are clear examples of that excellence use of
words. I’m not sure whether it’s because my mother is a poet or it’s just the
way my brain is wired, but when I translate Polish to English, it sounds like
poetry. For example, to miss someone, is “tęsknić” which to me translates to “yearn
for someone’s presence.” It sounds more powerful to me in Polish than in
English. I understand this language.
By taking classes in Polish, Polish
Art History, and Polish Literature I was able to learn about my country,
myself, and the language with such depth and precision. I went into the crypts
of famous historians, poets, and people I learned about in my literature class.
I learned how to structure sentences, and use that skill to dialogue with
locals and shop clerks. I saw my grandparents and aunt for the first time in
seven years, and spoke to them only in Polish. It was incredible. I’m at a loss
for words of exactly how beautiful, life-changing, and inspiring this adventure
was for me. I was always ambitious and a great student. But now, I have this
extra spark about myself to learn more about my culture and the culture of
others.
Not only will I carry that spark
with me through my studies, I will hold it with me through life and make a
fire. Currently, I am working on creating my own major at Siena College. It
will be a combination of multi-cultural studies, international studies, economics,
and tourism. The courses I took in Poland will be included in my major and will
be examples of the sort of classes I will be taking. For the future, who knows.
Maybe I will end up at the University of Warsaw getting my Master’s Degree,
like my brother who participated in this program 7 years ago. Maybe I will end
up helping others through the Peace Corps. Maybe I will be a journalist who
focuses on the cultural differences throughout the world. Who knows what my
future will hold, but there will definitely be a cultural flame, sparked by my
experiences this past summer.
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| Mickiewicz Monument in the Market Square and St. Mary's |
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| Ice Cream and Wawel Castle |
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| Market Square and Fountain |
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| Inside of St. Mary's |
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| Market Square during Golden Hour |
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| Zakopane, Poland |
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| Sukiennice (Cloth Market/Hall) |
