In 1998 I spent my first holidays abroad without my parents. I loved it so much that every the next year I wanted to do the same. When I was 16, I decided that I have to improve my language so instead of having fun on the beach, I went to London where for over 2 months I was studying English.
I came back to Poland and started High School. It was wonderful; new people, lots of studying (I did not mind) and what is the most important … living with my parents what meant no problems at all. But I knew that I have to do something, I need more challenge.
In August 2005 I left my country and flew to America… I spent a wonderful year in Colorado where I have done 2 years of High School in one. It was a good experience but a hard work as well. I had to study twice more and started playing volleyball and basketball. During one of the games I jumped to high, and fell on the floor. I had problems with breathing, I couldn't feel my legs. I've got lots of medicines so I could not feel that horrible pain. I knew that I can't continue the game but I've seen my friend's eyes as well. Eyes which were looking at me, and in which I could see hope. I decided that I have to play, that I have no choice. We won that game but when medicines stopped working, I couldn't move. I was lying on the floor in the dark room and crying quietly, so my host family (with which I was living in Colorado) couldn't hear me. I was crying because I didn't know how much more I can take. I was crying because I couldn't see my family for a year, every day slept no more than 4 hours and because I was 17 years old girl who had to start her life from the beginning. I was asking God if it was the right decision, if I should stay or go back. And that pain, which was killing me … I really didn't know what to do.
Time was going very quickly, days after days … Finally after travelling, after a year I graduated and flew back, flew to see my family. When I saw them on the airport I couldn't stop my tears. I couldn't believe … it's been a year on the other side of the World. It's been the most exiting and difficult year in my life but I knew that not the last one.
In 2006 I started studying in Aberystwyth. It's like starting my life from the beginning once more. But it's been a good choice. Aberystwyth is an amazing place, where I've met new friends; its brilliant university and interesting course.
The second year is much harder but nobody said that it's going to be easy.
Travelling, meeting new people and cultures …
Over two years ago I started writing a book in which I try to help young people; I try to help them believe that together we can change the future.
I read 'I have a dream …' as often as it's possible and it reminds me that only hard work lets me achieve what I want to achieve. I'm looking for people who need help and help them. And every time when I go to sleep, when I close my eyes, I see people who were sitting during my volleyball game. I see their eyes and I hear how they scream my name. Every time I play the same game once more (over and over again) and every time I fall down. I didn't know why. But today I do. Wining is not about 'scoring' points but about standing up after every fall. It's about learning from each mistake which we make. And I hope to learn a lot.



You can read my confession: http://www.missstudent.com/student.asp?s=2165