"I have always followed the principle that success is not the key to happiness, but being happy is the key to success. Therefore, personal development, investing in yourself as a person is for me the key to professional success. If you have passion, determination, knowledge, professional and personal discipline and out-of-the-box thinking – success is almost guaranteed."

What is your best memory of studying at the Jagiellonian University?

There are several of them. The first is definitely people and new friendships. I am a person who loves meeting new people and building new professional and private relationships. The second is reading classes with Professor Wojciechowski. In these classes I learned what it means to be disciplined, to always be on time and how to shape my character. The third memory, but no less important than the two above, is a trip to London, organized by Małgorzata Stanula, and participation in an academic project: Polish Library Data for Foreign and International Information Systems and Networks.

How did your career begin? What were the turning points?

After my fourth year of university, I had the opportunity to spend the summer in New York. Even then I knew that Cracow, a city I absolutely adore, was too small for me. I promised myself that after completing my Master’s, I would try myself in this concrete jungle where, in the words of Alicia Keys, dreams do come true. And so I did. On 2 July, I defended my MA thesis, with professor Wojciechowski in the examination board, and on 7 July I was already admiring the beauty of the Big Apple. I found a job quickly. I established wonderful professional and private relationships. I overcame all my fears, which stood in the way of my professional and personal development. After living in New York for several years, my husband and I moved to Massachusetts. New Salem – a small town (less than 980 inhabitants) surrounded by a nature reserve. The only thing it had in common with New York was just the “New” in the name. Although the change was drastic and at first I could not find myself, it was here that I got my first job as a trained librarian. After a while, I decided I wanted to spread my wings a bit and try my hand at education. I have been a support teacher in a local primary school for several years now. I love my job, with all its advantages and disadvantages. After years of looking for a place in the world, I can safely say that I feel fulfilled here.

How has education contributed to your career development?

The Jagiellonian University’s reputation in the world has helped me to open several doors along the way. My English language skills and work experience in London gave me the courage to move out of Poland and get my first job in New York. However, the most important thing I took away from the University was a lesson in humility. I learnt to take nothing for granted, that by working hard and being disciplined, the road to professional and personal success is more rewarding.

Please tell us about your current job. What are you doing now?

I am currently a support teacher in year 5 at a local primary school. For me, working with young people is the perfect combination of career and vocation. My aim is to centralise the compulsory curriculum with creating the capacity for integrated understanding and the ability to use knowledge intelligently. The work of a teacher extends beyond the walls of the school building. Therefore, I place a strong emphasis on students’ social-emotional development that prepares them to be effective leaders in their professional and personal lives.

What are your biggest challenges now?

“Challenges are what make life interesting, overcoming them is what gives life meaning” - Joshua J. Marine

I think the biggest challenge for me now is to gradually and successfully return to normality, which we all lost due to the pandemic. This year has been a tough year in every way. Navigating my professional and personal life has been one of the toughest challenges I have faced. My goal is to be an example to my family and students. A resilient and disciplined individual who persists and pursues her goals with great determination.

What is your definition of success?

I have always followed the principle that success is not the key to happiness, but being happy is the key to success. Therefore, personal development, investing in yourself as a person is for me the key to professional success. If you have passion, determination, knowledge, professional and personal discipline and out-of-the-box thinking – success is almost guaranteed.

What tips do you have for students who are just entering the job market?

Now is your time to be a young person, make mistakes and learn lessons from them. Face your fears. Fear comes from a state of ignorance, so get to know people and the world, learn from them, grow. Be consistent in everything you do. Work hard and be a good person.

How do you envision the Jagiellonian University’s cooperation with its graduates? What can graduates expect from the Jagiellonian University?

A mentoring programme is an ideal idea for working with university graduates. Organising job fairs, training in professional and personal development. Looking back, it was the exchange of experiences with older university colleagues that gave me courage and often helped me make career-related decisions.