Karolina Sciesiek, '28

Hometown: Legnica, Poland

High School: Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong

Affiliations (CBO’s, etc.): UWC Davis Scholar

Major: Economics and Chinese double major

Main Extracurricular Activities: Russian and Eastern European Society, ResLife, Hirshfield Film Festival

Languages: Polish, English, Mandarin Chinese (intermediate)

Why did you choose to attend Middlebury?

I’m passionate about languages, and my friend from LPC (then a freshman at Middlebury) told me that it was the place to be. As I learned more about the approach to language instruction, programs, resources and the summer language schools here, I became convinced that it was the right fit for me. Although I love big cities, and really enjoyed studying at a UWC in Hong Kong, I also wanted to experience life in a rural town, slowing down, seeing stars at night (shooting stars and northern lights too!), enjoying the breathtaking scenery from lush green to vibrant fall foliage and winter snow. Middlebury felt like the natural choice, and I fell in love with it the more I learned about it. Middlebury may be a small rural town, but it has so much unique, endearing charm that I could feel even through photos and a virtual walk on Google Maps. The campus community is so vibrant and engaged, with tons of events to choose from and many student organizations to join! I felt I could thrive at Midd.

What’s your favorite course?

Buddhist Tradition with Professor Elizabeth Morisson! I took this class unexpectedly and by chance, but since my first term at Midd, I have not taken a more memorable class! Professor Morrison is incredibly knowledgeable and professional, and I went into each class genuinely excited to learn more. Buddhist philosophy was completely foreign to me, and challenged many of my assumptions and ways of experiencing the world. When we tackled difficult concepts, I would feel a click as my perspective expanded. The course also helped me understand how Buddhism influenced cultures across Asia, and I’d often go to office hours to discuss more and talk about things I noticed in movies and media that reflected these influences. 

Where do you hope to be in five years?

Coming to Middlebury, I knew I was interested in Chinese, Film and Economics, but I wasn’t sure how to bring these interests together. I’m now pursuing a double major in Economics and Chinese, and taking Film courses whenever I can. In five years, I hope to be working in a field that blends these passions. Middlebury has continually pushed me to challenge myself, and I hope to keep growing and approaching life with curiosity and gratitude. I also hope to be surrounded by close friends, and to look back on my time at Midd, remembering the late nights talking, the spontaneous adventures, the starry nights, and the sense of being at peace and at home!