A short Q&A with Agata Lech, the president of Erasmus Student Network Poland Association. 9 facts about her life in ESN and beyond.
1. What ESN means for you?
When I explain it to my family I tend to describe it as free-time activity. It is quite funny considering ESN is the exact reason I have no free time ;) It is not really a passion either. ESN acts as a very cool pair of huge sunglasses through which I look at the world around me, believing there is nothing I couldn’t change.
2. Why have you joined ESN?
One story tells that I needed some engaging activities, shocked by the amount of free time I got while starting university. The other one suggests it might have been connected with some parties with international students. And both of them are true. I was attracted by possibility to meet other cultures and practice language skills, while doing something for others and getting valuable experience.
3. Fun fact from your #ESNlife.
The very first role I got in my ESN career was being a local webmaster. And at the same time very last role in that area.
4. What has changed in your life since you’ve joined ESN?
Where to start… I decided to do another degree to match with my ESN interests, I got many new friends from different countries, lived a year abroad, got a chance to pursue professional career of my interest (at each stage mostly thanks to ESN!), I started travelling more than ever and not being afraid of trying new things. What haven’t changed is that my parents are still worried each time I travel (even if it’s only from łódź to Warsaw). ESN doesn’t really help here ;)
5. What ESN taught you?
It would be easier to mention things I haven’t learnt in ESN! Besides various soft-skills (starting with team-work, through public speaking and presentation skills, ending at learning how to be a motivating leader), I definitely appreciate knowledge of various tools that help me in organizing work. What I consider the most beneficial is introducing me to the world of non-formal education and training, that became my passion and direction of professional career.
6. If you were to be an ESN project, which one would it be?
Definitely Mov’in Europe. Mobility is a lifestyle perfectly sums up the attitude I see in my ESN and erasmus friends. And I wish every young person would have a chance to experience a period of mobility.
7.Have you been on Erasmus exchange?
Yes I have! I’ve been Erasmus in Aveiro, Portugal. Already being an ESNer during my time of exchange I could truly appreciate the work of ESN Aveiro.
8. Your favourite place on the planet is...?
There are various places in Europe I love coming back to (Paris and Lisbon are in my absolute top) but the older I get, the more I appreciate the area of a summer house I used to spent my holidays at when I was a kid. Lack of proper internet connection can be a blast!
9. Your favourite word?
Is pallomeri an expected answer? I’d go with saudade. It’s portuguese expression for nostalgic longing for an absent something or someone that one loves. Or in my interpretation a feeling you have, when you have throwbacks of your erasmus time.