Hello! My name’s Maria. It is a very popular name in Poland among the people in my age. I was born 52 years ago.
I think I have been living in a very interesting period of time so I didn’t have time to be bored so far. Since I have learned how to read, I have a great passion for books and literature. My second interest is traveling and German language. I studied German at the university in Lublin, city in eastern Poland. Although I graduated from pedagogic specialization, my way to school was not straightforward . At the beginning I worked as an interpreter in the industry plant in Dębica. In my spare time I was going to Germany (The German Democratic Republic- East Germany) as a tourist guide for young people.
After some years of work as a white collar worker I did something really brave at that time. I went for more than five years (1986- 1991) to Berlin and I was lucky to be an eyewitness of historically important events. That was great to be able to celebrate reunion together with German . At that time I felt that I was in the center of something really important.
After all these years in Germany I came back to an independent Poland. I started working in the plant again but I noticed the lack of a real contact with German language. I decided to change my career path and finally go to school. It wasn’t easy at the very beginning, that was a huge jump. As a false beginner teacher I started working at primary school then middle school and finally secondary school. I experienced teaching all levels.
At present I teach German at the secondary school as well as at the postgraduate school.. Work at school is a big challenge and gives a lot of satisfaction. I like being needed and I’m glad if I can help those who need and want my help. My motto is to work even though there is only one person that wants to learn. I think I have got some pedagogical successes which sometimes are not very visible. I’m really happy when the students appreciate my work and attitude to them. I understand that adolescence has it’s own rights . I like kids and teenagers, I think I get on well with them. I like being direct and hate being bored. When there are funny situations during my classes I enjoy laughing with my students.
I have been working on European Union Projects such as Socrates Comenius and Comenius for seven years. I try, together with Polish team, to be a genuine ambassador of Poland. In my opinion we have been successful.
I’m glad that I can cooperate with the school from Iceland. It’s going to be our new experience. I look forward to make great friends there.
