Karol Andrzejewski
Being a Human being means belonging to one group of species. While we are one species, we have big differences, like our heritage and culture. With so many changes in the world happening nowadays we can tend to forget, and lose our inner selves. Persevering our culture is not just about honoring the past, it’s also about carrying our culture towards the unknown future. For me keeping my Polish spirit and heritage has always been dear to my heart. As far as I can remember the Polish American community has been a huge part of my life. It’s taught me so much about not just myself but also my religion. It has shaped me into the man I am today.
Many of my hometown friends have come from the fact that I’ve been a long-lasting member of the church. We shared so many things in common that also brought us together. Having friends that share traditions like Wigilia and Śmigus-dyngus creates a relationship that will last me a lifetime. Not only that, but it will also let me pass on our traditions for our kids to see and experience just as we did in our lives.
Now that I am attending Central Michigan University, I have a great opportunity to continue spreading Polish Heritage. The Multicultural Advancement and Cofer (MAC) scholarship is a great way to do this. This program encourages students to spread leadership, diversity and cultural awareness. I want to use this resource as a way to show people what our beloved heritage is actually about. Whether it’s creating an event where I share the delicious foods of Poland, or discussing the history and values of our people, the possibilities are endless.
With not only the MAC program there are many other ways I can keep my heritage alive. One of the major staples of a Polish home is speaking our language. Language is one of, if not the most important parts of culture and Heritage. It creates the strongest tie between people and should be something that will never be broken. I also plan to keep eating and cooking home cooked traditional meals. Whether it’s an everyday meal or a more traditional one like Wigilia, it will always be a part of my life. Not only that I will share it with more than just my future family but with others so that they can get a sense of our beautiful culture.
Not only that but I have been consistently visiting my family in Poland every other year in the summer. There is a deep sense of belonging when I visit, it’s like a home away from home. I love truly being a part of my culture when I visit. From visiting historical sites like the Wawel in Krakow, to hiking the mountains of Zakopane, to even ordering a schadowy in a restaurant. All of these things give me a sense of belonging. Each time I visit it makes me fall in love more and more with my past. In the future when I am on my own without parents to guide me, I will always make time to go back to roots in Poland.
Lastly, I want to be more involved in the church. Ever since I have moved away to college for most of the year, I haven’t been able to be as consistent at the church. Now that summer has begun, I want to go back to my roots and be more involved again. I have had so many memories with my friends over there. From catechism, boy scouts, church groups with Father Adam, Polish school, to even just mass.
Looking back at my writing I’ve realized one thing. Polish heritage isn’t just heritage it’s a way of life. I’ve been on this wave of life since the beginning. Every breath I took and will take has been through the roots and actions of my people. Letting my traditions fade away will only do me wrong and let me forget about who I truly am. So why not keep it alive!
