Rooted in Heritage, Inspired to Serve: My Journey with the Kosciuszko Foundation
Emilia Krajewski shares her journey as a Kosciuszko Foundation scholarship recipient, highlighting how her heritage and service have shaped her path.
Event Description
The article is a first-person account of the author's journey as a Kosciuszko Foundation scholarship recipient. The author, Emilia Krajewski, shares how growing up as a first-generation Polish-American in Arizona, her heritage has been central to her identity. She attended Saturday Polish School and spoke only Polish at home, which helped ground her in her cultural roots. This sense of duty extended beyond her home life, leading her to pursue public service. The Kosciuszko Foundation played a transformative role in helping her weave together her cultural roots and professional ambitions. She received the John Kierzkowski Scholarship and the Stephanie Mucha Scholarship, which supported her graduate studies at Arizona State University. The Foundation also provided her with a platform to stay connected to the Polish-American community in an authentic and impactful way. Emilia volunteered with the Foundation during its Centennial Campaign and remains engaged in Arizona's Polish-American community through various activities.