1. What does ESN mean to you?
ESN is a lot more to me than just a student organisation. It is a place where you can find your interests, passions and make your dreams come true. A place which teaches you to pick yourself off the ground even if you fail more than one time. ESN means belonging to a group of people who have same priorities and believe, just like I do, that they can change the world.
2. How did your ESN adventure start?
I joined ESN long time ago, nearly 5 years ago, when I started studying. I coordinated local ESNOLYMPICS qualifications (now NEG) but I’ve never really been 100% engaged into my section’s work, not mentioning ESN Poland’s work. After coming back from my Erasmus exchange I decided I wanted to do something more and spread all the positive energy I’d gained thanks to the exchange. I became local coordinator of Orientation Weekend for Erasmus students, then a Local Education Officer (taking care of mobility at my uni) and after that there was no going back.
3. How did ESN change your life? Why have you joined it?
ESN has changed many things in my life - thanks to working for the organisation I have become more open, canny, organised… My studies has changed - learning is very important for me but I know that experience of working for ESN if influencing my future a lot more. This is why I joined ESN - to make sudies something more than books, an experience on variety of different levels.
4. If you were an ESN project, what would you be?
Without any hesitation: Mov’in Europe. I believe that travels, student exchanges, experiencing new cultures are the most valuable thing in personal development of a human being. Our generation has uncountable possibilities af far as mobility is concerned. We can go wherever we want, study and work in nearly every country. Every new place we see and every new person we meet shapes us and our worldview. Mov’in Europe was created to remind us about it.
5. #FunFact about a life in ESN.
Thanks to ESN I had a chance to visit lots of Polish cities that I had never been to before. Because of the fact that during platforms I never really had a chance to explore i decided to go back to those places. This is how I discovered what a beautiful country we live in.
6. Did you go on the Erasmus+ exchange? / What is the most interesting experience you had so far?
Currently I am on Erasmus exchange in Paris, France. Two years ago I was lucky to do one in the Netherlands. The most interesting experience? It’s hard to choose one. All the flights, bus, train, underground, bike rides, sometimes with too big luggage to get home for holidays or to visit friends abroad are definitely what I ‘d consider.
7. What inspires and motivates you the most?
I’ll be different and I won’t say that it’s the people. They are super important but the thing that motivates me the most is a moment I can see my achievements. When I see things I’ve done by myself (graphics, articles) published and for everyone to see - I want to continue doing more and better. There is nothing more motivating than seeing your work being helpful to others.
8. Favourite place in the world?
It’s too hard too choose only one… I think each one had a chance to live in because I’d left pieces of me in them. Firstly, Łódź - beautiful and underrated. A city of hidden places, unconventional art and amazing memories. Secondly, Enschede and whole Netherlands. Extraordinary country which convinced me that a bike is the only right means of transport and that even after the most cloudy, day the sun comes out. Last but not least, Paris - a city where I currently study in. I loved it before and now as a temporary inhabitant I can explore it once again, stop following tourist attractions and get lost in picturesque streets….
9. Did ESN help you discover some things you didn’t know you were good at?
Assertiveness. I had to learn how to say ‘no’... to anything. When you are working for ESN you get loads of invites everyday - to a new projects, activities, trips or to go out. Sometimes you need to say no to be able to finish your work and take care of yourself.