This was one of the Coolest Nights of My Life
The Flexers with US Ambassador to Poland Mark Brzezinski
This was one of the coolest nights of my life.
And it happened quite a bit ago (September 13), but I'd still like to share it. We (the Flexers, the 6 American students participating in the FLEX Abroad program in Poland) were told that we were invited to some sort of reception with some Embassy staff. In all honesty, I was expecting a one-hour meeting at a conference table with some tea where we would discuss differences between American and Polish culture and talk about the FLEX Abroad program. I did not at all expect some Great Gatsby party held at the Ambassador's mansion.
It was a random Wednesday afternoon and after I had finished school at 3, I quickly changed into my dress and blazer in the school bathroom. I was feeling a little stressed because I cut it pretty close (shocker), only giving myself an extra 5 mins of wiggle room to make it to the event on time. I followed google maps and while walking I noticed a group of police cars and officers walking around. I ignored them at first, continuing to search for my building, but then the google maps route ended, telling me that this was the right destination. Why were there tons of police at this supposedly tiny meeting? To reach the driveway that hopefully led to the correct building, I had to first cross a road, and oh my gosh, the police stopped traffic for me. I felt so special, but that's not even where it begins. In order to walk up the driveway, you had to go through this gate, so I started walking. Then a woman with a clipboard asked me for my name in Polish and I told her "Margaret Hotopp." My name was on the clipboard, alongside a list of other names crossed off. MY NAME WAS ON A CLIPBOARD!
At this moment, I was feeling excited, confused, and curious about what the rest of the night held for me. After walking up the driveway, and making it to the area where everything leveled out, I saw so many people, all in fancy clothes with champagne glasses in hand. This was not going to be some little meeting with a group of American high schoolers.
I walked up a few stairs covered over with a red carpet to the front door, wearing my school backpack, a pair of Converse shoes because I didn't bring heels, and a look which must've been complete awe. Immediately after entering, a man in uniform offers to take my bag to the closet (thank God) and US Ambassador, Mark Brzezinksi greets me with a handshake. In front of him there's a huge, shining chandelier on the ceiling and behind him is a picture of Barack Obama shaking his hand. I touched a hand that's shaken hands with Mr. Obama, President Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris! At this point, I went to go search for the Flexers because they're probably as confused and thrilled as I am. They were gathered, standing around a tall table and right way they said with excitement, "What is this!! We totally do not belong here." And it really felt like we didn't belong there. The closest age difference between us and the next youngest person was probably 12 years, everyone had already graduated college, and people were connecting with acquaintances of whom they'd met at previous parties through small talk. As a fifteen-year-old American who had just finished a typical day of Polish high school, I felt very much out of place, but I also felt as though I was witnessing a possible route my life could take if I chose to go into diplomacy. I didn't necessarily feel as though I didn't belong, but that I had the opportunity to learn so much from every single person surrounding me because they were on a different level than I am, holding incredible stories and years of experience and knowledge that I have yet to learn.
The Flexers and I went out in search of people to talk to because that's what we assumed we should do. And while we explored the residency, music played, and food and drinks were being served by wandering waiters. Ambassador Brzezinksi gave a short speech, acknowledging a few individuals and sharing the importance of intercultural understanding. We left once the music stopped playing, filled with a vision of what our lives could look like.
I was so excited to be a part of something so much bigger than myself and looking back, I am filled with gratitude for how much more perspective and knowledge I gained because of this experience and the opportunity of listening to people's stories.
This was a night that I will never forget, and even though I'm not exactly sure of what I want to do or who I want to be, I am positive that the lessons I obtain throughout this year will help guide me for the rest of my life.
⁃ Margaret Hotopp