There aren’t many students who set up their own charitable foundation - where did the idea come from?
Firstly, I’d like to thank you for the invitation to join the reputable circle of university members that ‘Distinguished and Talented’ represents. The foundation was established in 2012 and is the result of the history of my own illness – I started it to help children with cancer after I had completed my own treatment. The foundation helps children with cancer, primarily in the Clinic of Paediatrics, Haematology and Oncology at the Gdańsk University Clinical Centre. I think the foundation is multifaceted, since so far we have managed to provide effective aid, in that a lot of devices, pulse oximeters and infusion pumps have reached the clinic and are treating and helping sick children.
How does one become the Best Student in Pomerania?
You have to show you’re active on many levels, i.e. academic development, a high grade average, publications and lectures, and it’s worth getting involved in different types of social initiatives, I think, as that type of activity sooner or later will bring rewards to a greater or lesser degree. For me, it was the greatest one possible, since this is an enormous award.
Why did you chose this course of studies and not another?
When I was still at school, I was interested in law, we had classes on the basics of law, kind of introduction to jurisprudence, which I became interested in at the time. I thought it was a very interesting branch of science and I’ve been proven right, it’s true that everything I’m doing is interesting.
What is your course specialisation?
I’m greatly interested in economic law, commercial law, as well as civil law. I’m writing my MA thesis on property transformation in the health service, so on the commercialisation of hospitals. I believe I’m most interested in medical law in the broadest sense and that is a path I’d like to follow.
Will you stay at the university or throw yourself into the maelstrom of practical work?
That doesn’t entirely depend on me, I would be honoured by such an offer, staying at the university would be a great honour, but I’m not the only one who has a say.
The Best Student in Pomerania and head of a charity which helps children with cancer – does that leave any time for a private life and interests?
I do find some time for pleasure, time where I can rest from my obligations, from the drabness of an everyday life full of tasks, most of which have to be done ‘by yesterday’. So I find time for walks and going out with friends, but I admit I don’t find a lot.
Interview: Krzysztof Klinkosz
Photos: Piotr Pędziszewski
