Who I am:

I am a first-generation Polish American who is driven by creativity and curiosity. In 2023, I graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Studies, and minors in Psychology, Disability Studies, and Medicine & Society. In addition to my degree, I independently earned a TEFL certification.

Since graduating, I have taught group guitar lessons at a summer camp in Michigan and voice lessons in a high school music program in a Chicago suburb.

I am passionate about jazz, reading, writing music, and exploring the outdoors. I enjoy engaging with the Chicago music scene by participating in jazz jam sessions or attending concerts at various venues around the city. Since 2021, I have written, recorded, and produced music that has been released on all music streaming platforms under the artist name “kasia”. Along with keeping busy in the city, I appreciate spending time in nature, whether that be at a local trail or visiting the beautiful National Parks in the United States!

While at the University of Dayton, I gained an understanding of the value of community, which I hope to further experience in Białystok throughout my grant period.

My Fulbright grant focuses on:

I will be an English Teaching Assistant within the Department of Cultural Studies at the University of Białystok. In developing the English language and conversational skills of my students, I hope to cultivate a learning environment that is exciting and empowering.

I decided to apply for a Fulbright grant because:

The opportunity to be an English Teaching Assistant in Poland presented a compelling convergence of my passion for teaching and education, my Polish culture, and my desire to learn through cross-cultural engagement. Language as a medium allows us to gain an understanding of culture through a personalized lens. Being able to help broaden students’ language skills and confidence while nourishing my own curiosity through exploration abroad was an opportunity I could not pass up!

After completing my Fulbright grant I would like to:

I plan to continue teaching and pursue further education through graduate studies. My goal is to build a career in academia, involving both performance and research. I aim to write a book that integrates the idea that music and culture are highly interactive with one another. In this pursuit, I hope to continue traveling and gaining new perspectives through immersion.