Meet Paulina who is the first prize winner of the first edition of Cambridge cLASs and will join Krzyś at Leysin American School to spend two amazing years studying in the Swiss Alps!

 

Paulina Łajkowska comes from Białystok, but lives in Warsaw and is a pre-IB student in II Liceum Ogólnokształcące im. Stefana Batorego. Traveling, meeting new people and learning languages are passions that consume most of her after-school time. Over the last few years she has been involved in volunteering, drama and ballroom dancing..

 

I found out about Cambridge cLASs just a couple of days before the deadline and, convinced by my friend, decided to give it a shot. Without much time to contemplate, I began with the most exciting part – researching the Leysin American School by trawling through its website, Facebook page, and other social media. Then, instead of mulling over the questions in the application form I answered them honestly and intuitively in order to show my real self and let the committee decide whether I am the right candidate. Not until the interview day did I realize that no matter what the final outcome would be, I had already had an amazing opportunity to meet new friends and gain valuable experience.

During my first interview I was asked about my free time, school, activities, role models and aspects directly associated with my essay and answers in the application form. My excitement increased when I was invited to the final round and had to tackle more unexpected questions, for instance what I would be famous for in 20 years time, how would I change the Polish education system, what are the issues the U.S. society has to deal with now, and how the language influences society. The committee did not check the academic knowledge, but the ability to express clearly and articulately. Therefore, learning how to cope with stress was the best way I could prepare for the interview. It was challenging to present my opinion on so many different topics in such a short time. This unforgettable day ended with the closing ceremony. The great ambiance and newly made friends made it even more unique.

What am I looking forward to the most? Waking up in a room with a window overlooking the mountains and beginning new exciting adventures every single morning. Because when the school where I am going to spend the next two years of my life is set in the Swiss Alps, above the clouds, I believe, even the sky is no longer the limit.