My Penultimate week in Poznań!

Week 15 –Personal Development – 8^th June 2011 

As Erasmus is starting to come to an end there is so much to do. I need to revise and sit exams, meet with lectures but also enjoy the last few weeks I have with my friends. With two Exams and a presentation within two days this week I have had to do a lot of preparation but just like at home, you always get the best weather during the summer exam period, so it is difficult to stay motivated when there are +30^oC temperatures outside.

Wilk i Mysliwy (Wolf and Hunter)

A few months ago I wrote in my blog that I had joined a beginner’s polish drama group with a couple of friends from my class. For the past few months we have been writing the script and doing rehearsals for our big performance that took place last Friday. Writing and performing has been a great opportunity for us all to practice both our written and verbal polish. As a group we wrote our own short interpretation of the story ‘Czerwony Capturek’ (Little Red Riding Hood). We looked a little bit ridiculous but our audience loved us and it was so much fun to do.

Me with my MVP trophy!

Also at the weekend I had the opportunity to play my first competitive volleyball tournament since I got here. When I got to Poland I hoped to have the opportunity to play a great deal of volleyball but unfortunately in Poland foreigners are only allowed to play in the top professional leagues. This meant that for the past few months I have been training with a team, but haven’t been able to play any matches. This weekend we attended an amateur volleyball tournament with three other teams. One of the other teams was very good and gave us a great quality match! Fortunately we came out winners though, winning the tournament, and I also won the MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the tournament award! I was absolutely thrilled to be MVP of such a high quality tournament.

The realisation that Erasmus is coming to an end is setting in. With less than a week left until I am back in Northern Ireland I have had to start saying some goodbyes. On Monday I was in my school for the last time. As you know, I have really enjoyed being there and it was difficult to say farewell to both my class and the other teachers. I have really loved my time here in Poland and have made some lifelong friendships. I think this week will be a difficult week for me not because of exams or presentations, but because I will have to say goodbye to some of my best friends!

Until next time,

Jeff