Who even am I?
Finding another version of myself in Krakow!
Being out of place
Somehow, I usually put a lot of stress on myself. I care about what people think of me: my clothes, my voice, my choices… basically everything that could be “different.” Then I went to Krakow, Poland. A new city, and suddenly, a different me. Being somewhere new made me realize I didn’t care as much about other people’s opinions. I did my makeup the way I wanted, wore the clothes I liked and actually shared my thoughts in class. Somehow, it felt freeing to be in Krakow. The first few weeks were a bit overwhelming, though. Supermarkets, buses, trams, different currency and overall, I didn’t feel at home yet. But slowly, the city became a place where I could explore not just a new culture, but a new version of myself.
What being a team means
As I started to settle into life in Krakow, I realized that this feeling of change didn’t stop outside the university, it followed me into the classroom as well. Being surrounded by students from different cultural backgrounds made me reflect not only on who I was becoming in this new city, but also on how I work with others, communicate and deal with difference. One of the most eye-opening experiences happened in a group project for my International Project Management class. Our team was really diverse: a French student, two Chinese students and me. At first, I thought working together would be easy. But our styles were so different. I like to work fast, make quick decisions and adjust as I go. The Chinese students preferred careful planning and long discussions. I got frustrated at first and judged their pace. But then I realized what felt slow to me was actually thoughtful and responsible. I had to slow down, listen more and meet them halfway. That’s when I understood that foreignness isn’t a barrier it’s a mirror reflecting your own assumptions. And then there was my Design Thinking class. Honestly, I didn’t expect to love it but I did. The hands-on, creative work was so fun and it became my favorite course. I also worked with a Mexican student who was super calm about deadlines. He once told me a saying from his grandmother: “Don’t stress about things you can’t control.” It really stuck with me. These little moments taught me to relax, think differently and enjoy learning in new ways.
Working as a group every class
When working together feels so fun it is not even like work
Final presentation in design thinking class
Professor loved our presenation and we were very proud
Feeling like I belong
Before coming to Krakow I was honestly scared of feeling alone. A new city, new routines, new people and it felt overwhelming at first. But Krakow surprised me in the best way. The city feels warm and alive, full of people who meet, talk and laugh. Walking through the streets, surrounded by historic buildings and beautiful architecture, made me feel small in a comforting way, like I was part of something bigger. Cafés quickly became my safe places: spots where I could sit with a matcha for hours, observe the city and feel connected without needing to say a word. And some of my favorite moments were the simple ones: picnicking by the river, watching the sunset, talking, laughing or just enjoying the moment. What I feared would feel lonely turned into something peaceful and full. Krakow didn’t just give me a place to live it gave me a feeling of belonging somehow.
I know who I am
Looking back, my semester in Krakow wasn’t just about language barriers or new places. It was about encountering different ways of thinking, working and connecting with people. I learned to be flexible, open-minded and more self-aware. I also discovered a version of myself that I hadn’t seen before: someone more confident, relaxed and willing to try new things. And even though I know that cam all within myself I know for sure Krakow made it happen. When I returned home, I was reminded of the song “End of Beginning” by DJO. It captures the strange feeling of leaving a place and realizing that a different version of yourself remains there. Krakow wasn’t just a city I lived in for a few months. It was a place where I learned how foreignness can shape personal growth, challenge your assumptions and teach you to enjoy the little differences in life. Suddenly I knew who I was. A version of myself I always pictured in my head: free, confidnet, outspoken, extroverted and open. And now I will keep that version of me close to my heart just how I will always hold this beautiful time in Krakow there.