The idea of going to the States first came to me after eighth grade. When I was about to start high school, Kajetan contacted me with a proposal. Besides volleyball, I wanted to have a “plan B” from the beginning. I knew that an athlete’s life is unpredictable and that one injury could ruin everything. Therefore, I wanted to develop both educationally, and the States offered the perfect opportunity to combine these two paths.

Preparing for the trip took about two years. Kajetan and the agency helped me throughout the entire process. From contacting universities, to managing application and visa deadlines, to providing tips on how to communicate with coaches. I could conduct interviews independently, but I always had support and confidence that everything was going according to plan. This allowed me to focus on training and mentally preparing for this new stage of my life.

My first days in the US were a culture shock. Everything was different; from the excessive ice in drinks, to the air conditioning, to the communication methods and social life. At first, it was difficult for me to hold casual conversations in English, joke, or be myself. Over time, however, I became increasingly open, confident, and independent in my interactions with people.

My experiences on and off the court were incredible. I learned how important each individual’s contribution is to the team’s functioning. I understood the importance of communication, openness to others, and devoting energy to the good of the team. My greatest sporting experience was playing in the NCAA tournament. Nearly five thousand fans cheered on their team and created an incredible atmosphere. I had never experienced such energy in Poland. In the first round, we faced Texas A&M, who later became the U.S. champions. Although we were eliminated in that round, this experience taught me a lot about the strength of a team, fan support, and how exciting the highest levels of competition in the U.S. can be.

Beyond sports, the U.S. allowed me to discover myself. I had time to pursue my interests, explore new places and people, and better understand who I am beyond volleyball. This experience strengthened my self-confidence and independence, taught me responsibility and openness to the world.

Looking back, I know that moving to the USA was one of the best decisions of my life. I developed both athletically and educationally, meeting people and places I would never have experienced in Poland. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that truly opens your eyes to new possibilities. For every young athlete who dreams of combining education and sport at the highest level, I can say one thing: it’s worth a try!