1. What does ESN mean to you?
I think it's easier to ask what it is not (laughs). With ESN, I associate a lot of things, for me, first of all, the opportunity to test myself (including strengths and weaknesses, working methods, interest in a new topic, learning how to work effectively in a team). It is also the opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds and explore the world. Often these people become friends with whom you can go on an unforgettable, several-day trip, have fun at an event or have a nice time working on something together.
2. How did your ESN adventure start?
I joined my section in March, on my 2nd year of studies. At first, I was not activate as much as now. I remember that the first event in which I took part as a volunteer was the regional NEG. Later, I joined several project groups operating locally. Probably the biggest influence to start acting at the national level was for me to participate in UPGRAGE KRAKÓW, organized by the ESN UEK section in the subject of Harry Potter.
3. How did ESN change your life? Why have you joined it?
Of course. Previously I was rather an introvert person, I hated public speaking or speaking during classes. In addition, I could not manage my time effectively. It has changed, I have no problem to speak or present something (there is always a light stress, but a lot less). Thanks to ESN, I also discovered that I prefer to deal with a training ground, motivating employees, managing a team or human resources. In addition, I am less afraid of new challenges (even if their difficulty is quite high). Now I do not have a problem with managing time so that I can reconcile participation in many events, rest and do not collapse duties.
4. If you were an ESN project, what would you be?
It seems to me that I would be a Mov'in Europe project. The Mov'in Europe project is particularly close to me because my first convention was the LEO congress. Interestingly, I was not yet a Local Mobility Ambassador at my university, and I took part in the event due to the interest in the subject matter presented during the training convention. I love him for the fact that in the project an important function is to inform about how you can implement mobility in life, what are the benefits of participating in mobility projects. #mobilityisalifestyle
5. #FunFact about a life in ESN.
I'm doing too many things related to ESN, I'm wondering how you can improve something or introduce something new, and that makes me focus too much on it. Recently even by providing a contact email so that I could become a section moderator on the ESN Polska Association group instead of the "gmail.com" ending I would like to enter "esn.pl" (laughs).
6. Did you go on the Erasmus+ exchange? / What is the most interesting experience you had so far?
I have not yet had the opportunity to take advantage of the Erasmus + offer. However, I plan to go on graduate or postgraduate studies. If I fail to implement this plan, I want to leave at least as part of internship or apprenticeships.
7. What inspires and motivates you the most?
Inspiration and motivation for action comes from a wide variety of sources. Sometimes enough music is enough for me to get inspired and focus on work. Often, when I have crises, I listen to videos about motivational topics [the best are English]. Another time I watch a funny video, so that my mind rests and thanks to that it worked better and was focused on creative action. I also draw inspiration from books. Another source of motivation and inspiration are people who are positive about life. By spending more time with such a person, I wonder myself how positive this has on me. I am also motivated for further action by the fact that I can test myself, see if I can cope with a given challenge. I am very satisfied with the good performance of a given task, in particular if I have people in my environment who are skeptical about whether I can do something well or that I can not reconcile all activities.
8. Favourite place in the world?
Tough choice. I can not choose one, so I will give three. I love Vancouver, for the type of landscape (deserts, lakes and mountains, forests), Japan (for monuments, culture, parks, people who live there) and Thailand (for beautiful monuments and for being associated with Buddhism).
9. Did ESN help you discover some things you didn’t know you were good at?
Before ESN I had no idea how happy it is to be a buddhist for Erasmus, who is new in the city and is often lost because of it. Being the same guide for a new person in the section is equally fascinating. Describing them how ESN works, what are the benefits of being active in this organization, helping when it makes its first steps in the organization of events; I am happy when I can be part of its development process and possibly advise him on a given issue if he needs it.