KayRoxy101: Poland: A Reflection

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.