Personally

Background

Being aware of the constantly changing nature of the contemporary world, I have decided to pursue an educational path that makes it possible to follow the newest discoveries of science. After finishing the math-physics curriculum in high school no. 64 in Warsaw, Witkacy, I decided to jump into the deep end and continue learning abroad in the global center of high technology and innovation, California. I did my bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus in Robotics, because it offered the most extensive curriculum that involved the design of entire systems consisting of hardware, software, and electronics. I have always desired to design something that will enable others and I believe that machine learning, my current area of focus, is currently at the core of improvement of workflows that can fuel growth in virtually all areas of life. I am sure that my experiences, which evolved in me curiosity, persistence and creativity will prove valuable during my further education and career in the area of intelligent systems. Those three characteristics have been reflected by my undertakings throughout my whole life.

Top Pic(k)s

With this section, I want to present you with some of my favorite pictures and tell you the story behind behind them, that is, why I chose them, or how they came into existence.

This photo was published in Other People Magazine Issue No. 1

I Left My Heart In Amsterdam

This picture is named after lyrics from one of my favorite songs, Amsterdam by Nothing but Thieves, and it tells the story of my passion for photography. As the name suggests it was taken in Amsterdam, a city so colorful and vibrant at night that for a photographer it’s nothing short of a paradise. I also finally got to experiment with a better camera so all the photos would be coming out as desired. To be fair, I don’t think the perfect moment can be captured because once it becomes permanent, it looses it’s magic. As people, we tend to dichotomize memories by adding color and removing blemishes when reminiscing about the good times so I believe that true perfection can only exist in our minds. Nevertheless, I remember taking these photos to be a truly dreamlike experience. Ever since my visit, I’m chasing this sensation trying to find what I lost in Amsterdam, a photo that would make me feel like this again.

Skiinterkriterium Vratna - Slovakia

This photograph is a tribute to my skiing coach who not only taught me how to ski, but also everything I know about human anatomy, how to stay healthy both physically and mentally, and how to balance work with passions. Not only that, she also showed me how to get into the competitive mindset and keep a cool head under pressure. Under her wings, I went from amateur level to finishing on the podium of the Polish Cup within 4 years of training. This photo was taken during international alpine skiing competition in Vratna, one of the most prestigious events of this type. Through these experiences, I understood that focus and determination are the keys to success. A word of appreciation from the Polish Champion’s coach after one of these races made me realize how much of this sport is in the mental game. A lot also depends on the right guidance, inspiration and willingness to work hard.

The Story Of Full-Metal Magnus

As a keen sailor, I was exuberant when I was offered a spot in a scientific expedition to gather samples of zooplankton from drifting ice in the region between Greenland and Spitsbergen. Curious about the unknown environment, so distant from my home, I decided to take the risk and follow my dreams. Being part of the crew of the Magnus Zaremba was a priceless experience, not only because of the theoretical knowledge I have gained but especially because it made me aware of my weaknesses and taught me how to deal with fear under most inconvenient conditions. Being at sea during a heavy storm and facing the immense power of the ocean waves was a growing up experience that allowed me to see the great strength of natural phenomena. I understood how important it is to cooperate with your team and that you can’t blindly try to resist the forces of nature. Having a good understanding of the underlying physical process can, however, be used in the favor of people.

Early Bird Catches Best Waves

Deep-rooted into Chinese medicine, martial arts, and philosophy, Qigong is a millennia-old practice devoted to enhancing one’s awareness of their own body. The true mastery of this technique can be achieved through repeated movement training in a state of deep meditation called Wuxin [no mind]. Both Wuxin and the improvement of the spatial perception of the body targeted by Qigong are essential to achieving the best results in surfing.
In my life, I’ve tried multiple extreme sports that involve processing complex information about your body and your environment, but I don’t think there is another one sport that would require you to be more in sync than surfing. The spiritual aspect of this connection was very prominent in the sports’ Hawaiian origins and it’s something I like to think about when waking up at 6 before heading out to the beach.

Ignoring Your Passion Is Slow Suicide

Who said you can’t surf the street? Well, a lot of people actually… Skateboarding has become one of the most notorious activities a kid can get into. It is dangerous, but even the famous Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson wrote in his book 12 Rules for Life – “Do Not Bother Children When They Are Skateboarding”. It’s actually the title of one of the 12 chapters in this bestseller piece. Even though very often parents will want to shelter their little ones from the dangers of this world, the exposure to it is inevitable and skateboarding is an amazing way to explore them. For me, it’s about a completely different perspective on the way you interact with the city, something that forces you to push your limits, and about all the good times with all the bad people.