I was born on Oct. 29, 1962 in Hamtramck, MI. As an eight year old, my mom signed me up to ZHP (Polish scouts) and I was hooked—54 yrs. later l’m still going strong. I attended Transfiguration school (elementary), St. Florian (high school where Stella Szczesny was my teacher), and WSU for undergraduate & graduate studies. I also attended Polish school classes at Dom Polski (6 & Buffalo) for 12 years,
During my time at WSU, I was troop leader for ‘Jaskółki’ (Swallows) in Hamtramck. In 1987 we started the explorer scouts’ group ‘Wiosenny Poranek’ (Spring Morning) of which I was troop leader. In 1988 I took overas troop leader for the instructors’ group ‘lskry’ (Sparks).
I achieved my first rank of instructor in 1982, 2nd rank in 1987, and third and final rank in 1991.
I’ve attended many summer camps as a participant and scout leader; participated in junior counselor training camps; attended several explorer scout jamborees/hikes; attended seven out of ten worldwide scouting jamborees; hove worked with all levels of scouts; hove been on national and international committees; and I’ve attended National & lnternational conferences.
Outside of my volunteer work with the Polish scouts, I worked as a teacher for VDPS for 25 years – I started out in Adult/Community Ed. and then taught Physical Education at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels.
I fondly remember my first instructors, many of whom persevered through the atrocities of WWII and who were patriotic, strong-willed, intelligent, and loved to share their love of Poland and Polish scouting! lt’s because of their dedication that I continued to stay in scouting.
As I got older and traveled to comps/jamborees, I met many wonderful people with whom I still keep in touch. My ‘oldest’ scout friends go back to the days of zuchy/brownies 52 years ago. Thanks to this wonderful organization, I’ve developed leadership skills, self- discipline; have sharpened my Polish language & history, love of the outdoors, my love of travel, and most of all — the friendships I’ve made & scouting ‘family’ I hove throughout the world! Thanks to all these friendships, I’ve had the opportunity to trove! to five of the seven continents. My first trip abroad was in 1982 to Belgium for the 3rd worldwide scouting jamboree. What an amazing experience! 1300 people from seven or eight countries and the one common bond- the Polish language! Any opportunity for travel is wonderful as we learn so much!
I am truly blessed!
CZUWAJ! Teresa Wiącek, hm
Source: Booklet “Top 25 Polish American Leaders in 2025 Awards Banquet”.
