Karolina Brdak

Polish teacher in the heart of Paris

Graduating from Polish studies I was aware that I would have a lot of difficulties in the labor market abroad, that perhaps I would never have the opportunity to work in a job connected with my learnt profession. Despite this, I consciously (since the third year of studies I have lived outside Poland) graduated from the Polish studies at the University of Gdańsk, which today I am very happy about. It determined me to seek work in a very narrow area, made it possible to attend a number of interesting trainings and led to a situation in which I am today. I must admit, however, that although studies at the University of Gdańsk are maintained at a relatively high level, I finished them with a sense of the lack of a specific profession and with confidence that the professional development would depend entirely on the level of my determination, mobilization and discipline.

After several years of experience in different environments, I was able to get the coveted job in the literary world. I work in an English-language bookstore in the heart of Paris, called ‘Shakespeare and Company’, whose extremely rich history and unique activity in the Parisian artistic life attracts readers and literary enthusiasts from all over the world. In addition to selling books, I participate in the creation of a rich program of literary meetings, lectures, soirées, festivals, concerts; I deal with the recruitment and training of apprentices. I can say that in professional terms, I work exactly in the place where I imagined myself 11 years ago, taking entrance exams to university. With a successful professional and personal life, I do not have, however, a sense of definitiveness of this situation. I have never said goodbye to Poland forever. Just the opposite, with each single visit I experience the belief that perhaps the next stage will be moving to Poland and trying life here. I would like to give our couple, future family, the opportunity to learn and experience life in both countries, with all their advantages and disadvantages.

I am still very much connected with Poland, perhaps more than when I lived here permanently. I am familiar with everything what is happening there. Thanks to the Internet I have access to all media, which I use regularly. Radio Three and Two are listened to in our home almost all the time. I also try to keep up with the Polish publishing market. In the bookstore where I work, I promote books of Polish authors, I try to get foreign readers familiar with them. I discover Paris through the prism of experience of Polish writers and artists, who were always here. I visit my family and friends every 6-8 weeks, so I am able to maintain bonds and real relationships with my loved ones.

Emotionally and intellectually I live with everyday lives of the two countries simultaneously. Both countries I love with another kind of love, whose colors and intensity are constantly changing. Living in such a love splits costs me more effort, but also enriches and inspires me to make decisions that I would never take in other circumstances.