As part of their assignments, fourth-year students of the Technical School of Tailoring interviewed their peers about their future place and role in the life of our country.
I would like to present several characteristic statements given to Ludmila Samoszyńska, a fourth-year student. The questions were as follows:
What is your attitude toward the reality surrounding you in Poland?
How do you assess your own capabilities in the near future?
Do you think you will be able to fulfill your plans and ambitions as you enter adult life?
What is your motto today?
Here are the answers (presented briefly due to lack of space):
IWONA: I see no prospects for myself or others. Many young people cannot find work or a place to live. The economy does not meet people's needs; on the contrary, it is "digging holes under them." My chances of having a good life are slim because, after graduating from such a school (Iwona attended an agricultural school), I will not be needed by anyone. No one is interested nowadays in a farmer who would like to run a farm in an ecological, clean, modern and practical way. There is no money to buy equipment, expand the farm or obtain the means needed to keep it in good condition. If I took out a loan, I would create more trouble for myself by paying interest than I would gain. Motto: Everyone, especially young people, should rely on what they know how to do.
AGNIESZKA: I am aware that things are not easy. To achieve something, I have to fight for it. Even if reality does not change, I will keep trying my strength in this ongoing struggle. I do not know what my capabilities are. I want to keep learning and learning. To rise above others. I do not expect my life to be easy, but I want to achieve something in it and for it to be interesting. My life is closely connected with faith in God, so I think that God will guide me and my life... Motto: Believe in yourself, believe in people, believe in God, believe in a better tomorrow. Faith makes us stronger.
BARTEK: My attitude: tragic. I assess my capabilities as good, although they could be much better. In general, I see no possibility of carrying out my plans in the current situation in the country. Motto: "Carpe diem" (seize the day) and "Non omnis moriar" (I shall not wholly die).
PAULINA: Life is very difficult. Money rules the world. I assess my capabilities as good at times and badly at others. It depends on luck and the people one meets. We will see what time brings. I will probably fulfill my plans. I will try everything in the field in which I have abilities. I will fight for what is mine until I reach my goal. Motto: Forward, forward, and forward once again.
ROBERT: Things cannot get worse than they are now, but I am a great optimist. It seems to me that I will achieve my goal and carry out my plans. After all, I am not an idiot... Motto: Things are better than they were, and they will be better than they are now.
MARTA: I believe that we live in the most wonderful country. Really! Despite our nation's tendencies toward Sarmatism and arrogance, Poles are capable of remarkable acts of social solidarity. If, as a nation, we are good, strong, united and not opposed to one another but supportive, everything will be OK. I believe we have great opportunities for our own development. I definitely believe that I will be able to fulfill my plans. It all depends on one's ability to make an impact. Nothing is a matter of chance. Motto: Everything depends on us. The only thing I believe in and trust is my mind.
WOJTEK: I am an optimist. I think I have a chance for a successful start in life because I am very hardworking, while at the same time not very ambitious. Motto: Let us enjoy life and be full of optimism. Let us live each day and love one another.
So much for the young people's statements in brief. I would like to wish all my students enough luck and such determination that they can move mountains. To all this year's secondary-school graduates, I wish you success in your exams. Smile—tomorrow will be better!