"Today, I'm not afraid of any challenges"

Why did you choose Cracow University of Technology?

I planned to study something related to computer graphics, because I've always had artistic skills. But apart from drawing, since childhood, I've been fascinated by medicine, although I was afraid of the responsibility that comes with medical profession — the fear that instead of helping, you might accidentally harm a patient. When I discovered that there are degree programs that prepare for a job where one can help sick people in a different way, I decided to give it a try. Poland was my first choice because it's close to my home country, Ukraine, and also offers a diploma recognized across the European Union and even worldwide. And, I chose Kraków because my parents had visited the city several times and told me how impressed they were with its architecture and opportunities it offers. That's why I decided on the Cracow University of Technology.

You're an above-average student: you receive the Rector's Scholarship, you've already achieved several successes—such as a distinction at the 3rd National Conference of Young Scientists—and you helped organize events like Researchers' Night 2024 and Mechanics Day 2025. Was studying in Poland easy for you from the beginning?

I must admit it wasn't, mainly because of the language barrier, which meant that sometimes I simply didn't understand all the rules of how the university functions. For example, I didn't know that I had to pass a course before being allowed to take the exam, so I was removed from the student list. But step by step, I started to manage. My family supported me a lot and helped me stay motivated. Everything changed completely when I joined a student research group. Under the supervision of Dr. Sylwia Łagan — to whom I'm very grateful for her support, inspiration, and ideas — I began working on my first project: a breast prosthesis. Then came another project (surgical sutures), with which I began to attend conferences — my next step into the world of science. Now, I'm an active team member in the Future Lab project, where we are working on an artificial patient.

Are student research groups a good place to make the most of the opportunities offered by the Cracow University of Technology?

Let's be honest: as students, we are adults, and nobody will lead us by the hand — we must get involved and take responsibility for our own development and careers. Only when you take initiative, look for ideas and projects, and start working, the university does support you with training, funding for conference trips, competitions, and more. At the beginning, as a second-year student, I knew very little about medical prosthetics, but I was active and eager to learn. It meant much that I received enormous help from Dr. Łagan. She guided me through topics, advised me on research directions, and together we looked for ideas until I completed my first breast prosthesis project. The experience I gained working on that first project became a practical foundation that later allowed me to work on other research more independently.

What helps students thrive at the Cracow University of Technology?

A strong character — by which I mean resilience and determination, the ability not to give up when facing failures or problems. In my opinion, studying is not something any of us couldn't handle; you just have to be willing to put in the effort.

How have your studies changed your life?

For me, as a foreigner — even though I didn't come from very far — studying in Kraków was above all a lesson in independence and adulthood. It's also a gateway to professional development: I've already completed my first internship, I'm applying for another one, and I'm preparing to make decisions about my future studies and career. Today, I'm no longer afraid of any challenges, I know I can learn anything, and I can handle any problem.

What qualities are needed today by modern, innovative engineers?

Definitely courage in pursuing one's ideas. Creativity and openness to different perspectives. And finally, curiosity about what's around us.

Written by: Magda Tytuła