My report on my first month in Poland as a Rotary member! 😊😊
My arrival here was a bit difficult because of the time difference, but my family welcomed me warmly! By the way, I forgot to pick up my suitcase at the Poznan airport 😨😨 I was very tired from the trip! Everything worked out in the end.
Well, I’m in love with cities. All of them are super beautiful. The streets are very clean, and the churches are simply beautiful! I really like that Poland is a very Catholic country.
At the meeting in Warsaw, I was able to meet a lot of people from different countries, and I get along really well with the girls who are in my hometown of Poznan.
In Warsaw, we went to a World War II museum and to the city center, and it was really beautiful, and we learned a lot.
The school is very different; they have a somewhat tedious educational system, unlike Mexico in terms of academics. But the truth is, it hasn’t been difficult for me to make friends at school; the people there are super friendly! My grandmother from Mexico says that Polish people are the kindest people, and I agree. They’re always there to help me and are very kind! In fact, they threw me a surprise party for my birthday—she’s just such a lovely person!
I realized I wasn’t ready to leave home, but I’m grateful I went because I’m growing incredibly personally. I’m learning to be independent!
The truth is, I don’t speak English very well 😨 Communication has been very difficult. Because of this, I had problems with my family. It was a huge problem, but the good thing is that it’s now resolved. I communicate better with them, and they communicate better with me, and they’re now patient with me. I’m very grateful I came because I’m learning Polish and English.
I’m trying to give my best and have a very positive mindset!
A week ago, I was very sad, I missed it a lot, and I had a lot of problems with my family. But everything is better at home now.
I have a problem. I talk a lot with my friend and family. I’m trying to change that. And not stay up all night. I’m a very social person and I love to talk. Since I can’t communicate very well, I talk to my friends, but I’m trying to change that. 🤗🤗
I’ve already met almost all of my Rotarians. They’re very good people, and the club is very nice.
In short, I’m very grateful to be in Poland because I’m growing as a person. I’m learning something I wouldn’t have missed in Mexico. I want to thank you for your patience with me, since I know my situation is difficult. And my family and friends are delighted with Poland.
Since it’s not a well-known country in Mexico, I want to add that I’m teaching more Spanish than I’m learning Polish. I’m very happy that many people are learning Spanish thanks to me.
And that would be all. Thank you so much for this opportunity to meet and learn.
María Begoña Smith Contreras.
From Mexico, Guanajuato.
September 28, 2025
