concerned with the results, however we came up with ways to make his small business just a bit more profitable. We focused on squeezing out as much profits as possible. I had finally established relationships and even friendships with the neighbors, which gave me the opportunity to spend time with others outside of my grandfather’s household and learn the language through conversations with locals and farm workers. Upon my gained responsibilities and duties within the farm, I quickly began to appreciate the fundamentals of the farm ranging from spreading fertilizer to harvesting tons of tomatoes and cucumbers, wheat, potatoes, milking cows, collecting eggs, and feeding chickens. We would always have the freshest meals, however it was intimidating to see first hand how a chicken is prepared. Campfires roasting potatoes and kielbasa with new found friends became staples of my weekends. I was at ease with the land, my peers and myself for the first time in what seemed like forever. To the surprise of both my family and myself, the two weeks prior to my departure were filled with sadness and reluctance. I had become accustomed to waking up to the rooster’s crow. It became my lifestyle one that proved itself hard to let go of. – I landed in America in a haze of exhaustion masked by the unparalleled feelings of true satisfaction and pride. As I debarked the plane, fellow passengers and personnel misunderstood me for a Pole, instilling the sense of accomplishment I had hoped for upon my internship’s completion. I am thankful to Poland and its people for quite possibly the most meaningful personal experience of my life. The two goals I had initially hoped to accomplish became an unconditional part of me; Polish was second nature and I knew I would be able to not only survive but also thrive in any uncomfortable situation I put myself in. As I look forward to my
concerned with the results, however we came up with ways to make his small business just a bit more profitable. We focused on squeezing out as much profits as possible. I had finally established relationships and even friendships with the neighbors, which gave me the opportunity to spend time with others outside of my grandfather’s household and learn the language through conversations with locals and farm workers. Upon my gained responsibilities and duties within the farm, I quickly began to appreciate the fundamentals of the farm ranging from spreading fertilizer to harvesting tons of tomatoes and cucumbers, wheat, potatoes, milking cows, collecting eggs, and feeding chickens. We would always have the freshest meals, however it was intimidating to see first hand how a chicken is prepared. Campfires roasting potatoes and kielbasa with new found friends became staples of my weekends. I was at ease with the land, my peers and myself for the first time in what seemed like forever. To the surprise of both my family and myself, the two weeks prior to my departure were filled with sadness and reluctance. I had become accustomed to waking up to the rooster’s crow. It became my lifestyle – one that proved itself hard to let go of. I landed in America in a haze of exhaustion masked by the unparalleled feelings of true satisfaction and pride. As I debarked the plane, fellow passengers and personnel misunderstood me for a Pole, instilling the sense of accomplishment I had hoped for upon my internship’s completion. I am thankful to Poland and its people for quite possibly the most meaningful personal experience of my life. The two goals I had initially hoped to accomplish became an unconditional part of me; Polish was second nature and I knew I would be able to not only survive but also thrive in any uncomfortable situation I put myself in. As I look forward to my
Naryman_Arujau_Poland.docx