Following a year-round educational schedule, junior Elizabeth Gacek spends her summer in Poland for school and travels back to Texas for the rest of her studies and activities.
Through her travels and experience living on two continents, Gacek became fluent in eight languages. Growing up, Gacek overcame a series of challenges with her dyslexia that did not stop her from learning in school and picking up information from each place her movements took her. For Gacek, life is split between two distinct countries and cultures, as she spends her summers in Poland for schooling and the rest of the year in Texas. She speaks English, Polish, Russian, French, Yiddish, and American Sign Language, along with the ability to read and write in Hebrew.
“In Poland, the culture is more serious,” Gacek said. “If you smile, it can be perceived as being dumb or creepy. In Texas, it’s a more casual and friendly atmosphere where smiling and casual interactions are common.”
Gacek said she enjoys her time in Poland, where she has many cherished memories. One of her favorite activities is visiting old bookstores, where she can explore Polish literature and culture.
“In Poland, we typically have an hour for lunch, allowing us to go home to take a break,” Gacek said. “In Texas, though, we only have 30–minute lunches, which is often not very good quality and does not give us enough time for a proper break.”
Besides dedicating her time to academics, Gacek also stays involved in extracurricular activities, such as JV musical theater, choir, and studying American Sign Language – at the ASL 3 level. As she participates, she notices differences in how students present themselves between the two countries where she spends most of her time.
“In Poland, modest clothing is preferred,” Gacek said. “Some schools have uniforms, especially for younger students. Meanwhile, in Texas, students often choose to wear a more casual attire, sometimes even wearing pajamas.”
Elizabeth said her family traditions shaped her schooling experience. Those traditions go back to her father’s childhood. Her father also attended school between two countries, which inspired her to follow the same path.
“My father did the same thing when he was growing up,” Gacek said. “He encouraged me to continue the tradition of attending school between two countries, and it’s shaped my schooling experience in a significant way.”
Gacek said she has learned to adjust to different teaching styles and methods in both countries, which has helped her navigate some of the obstacles of her dyslexia.
“My dyslexia makes language acquisition difficult,” Gacek said. “I often feel very burnt out from the constant switching between the cultures and speaking different languages.”
According to Gacek, school starts around 10 a.m. in Poland and ends around 3 p.m., with multiple breaks throughout the year. While Texas has a longer summer break with shorter breaks distributed throughout the year.
“In Poland, I have so many cherished memories, like visiting the lake and exploring old bookstores,” Gacek said. “These moments allowed me to connect with my Polish heritage while also enjoying the natural beauty of the country. I love experiencing the local culture and learning about my heritage.”
Looking toward the future, Gacek said a class she takes here in Texas has sparked her interest in pursuing a career in ASL interpreting. She said she also feels passionate about teaching, a field that aligns with her desire to help others. According to Gacek, Brittany Middleton, a Prosper High ASL teacher, helped the junior to continue her passion for ASL. Gacek said her journey indicates the value of perseverance and adaptability, having built a strong foundation that helped her continue to pursue her work in education.
“I’m interested in later pursuing ASL interpreting,” Gacek said. “Another thing I would love is teaching.”
