Hello, my name is Oskar Wiśniewski, and I’m a first-year student of International Relations at Łazarski University in Warsaw, Poland. I was born in a country where history and politics permeate reality in ways that are at once fascinating and complex. This led me, from an early age, to seek to understand the reality that surrounds us.
Through the Democratic Education Network (DEN), I hope to spark curiosity, offer new perspectives, and invite reflection on topics that surround us, on the challenges we face, and on those that remain underappreciated.
From an early age, I was fascinated about politics, history and International Relations always asking why the world looks the way it does. Since starting my studies at Łazarski University, my perspectives on those topics have broadened significantly. I believe that in an increasingly interconnected world, speaking multiple languages can unlock new perspectives and ways of thinking. In my own case, I am fluent in English, Spanish, Polish and have a good understanding of Italian. Apart from academics, I play football at a semi-professional level in Poland as a goalkeeper. Football has played a crucial role in my life, shaping my mindset and character.
I’m very excited about participating in the DEN’s International Student Conference and visiting London. I truly believe that the conference is an amazing opportunity to explore certain topics from the perspectives of other international students and reflect on them together. Furthermore, I hope that by presenting my work and engaging in conversations, I can provide other students a fresh perspective on certain topics and phenomena and in doing so, inspire a meaningful reflection. Visiting and exploring London while engaging into conversations and discussions with students from around the world will, I believe, broaden my horizons in ways that go way beyond any classroom.
Growing up in Poland, a country that has experienced many defining periods in history, the impact of those periods can be seen across Warsaw. I have learned how certain events and political decisions can deeply affect society over time and shape people’s perceptions of the world. With that knowledge, I have observed firsthand how social and political issues affect people’s lives. Among the greatest challenges Polish society has witnessed are the effects of Russian aggression on Ukraine, challenges that have directly and profoundly shaped both social and political life in Poland. When over a million Ukrainians crossed into Poland almost overnight, few expected what followed. Poland not only rose to the challenge, it did so through means that are rarely acknowledged and consistently underestimated.
Studying at Łazarski University has expanded my worldview and made me look at certain topics from new angles. As a student, I have spent a great deal of time discussing global issues, history and politics with professors and fellow students, which has helped me understand different viewpoints and develop critical thinking.
Personally, I would describe myself as open minded and curious about viewing global issues and politics from the perspective of different people, especially those from different backgrounds. I am strongly convinced that in this way we can learn more and find the most effective solutions to the challenges that surround us. That is another reason why I’m very excited about visiting London. The conference will be a unique opportunity to discuss and learn other students views on relevant and ongoing world challenges. While being in London, due to my interest in history and politics, I would love to visit the British Museum and explore its exhibits. Secondly, as someone deeply passionate about football, I simply have to visit some of the iconic stadiums in the country where the sport was born.
By participating in The DEN conference, I am eager to share my conclusions and phenomena I have observed in Poland that are globally relevant with students from around the world. In doing so, challenge them to look at certain aspects of international affairs through a different lens. I deeply believe that the Polish experience in international affairs is unique, yet it remains widely unknown and underappreciated. By sharing our perspective, I hope to spark curiosity and demonstrate that there are tools and approaches to global challenges that the world has yet to fully discover. At the same time, I am just eager to listen and learn. In a diverse environment shaped by different cultures, religions, and mindsets, I am convinced that I will gain new insights and be challenged to revisit ideas I thought I fully understood. London, a city that effortlessly combines history and modernity, I believe, is a perfect setting for this kind of event. I am more than excited to experience it firsthand and engage in conversations about global issues, international affairs, and social phenomena with students whose perspectives I have never encountered before. I am going to London not only to share but to learn, to question and to leave with a broader understanding of the world.
Oskar Wiśniewski, Łazarski University | Poland