Winner - 2020 Polish American Heritage Month Essay Contest
Congratulations to Julia Curry from Quincy, Massachusetts, who is the winner of our 1st ever essay contest! Julia is a 6th grader at the Broad Meadows Middle School in Quincy, Massachusetts.
Read her essay below.

My Story as a Proud Polish American
by Julia Curry
I was born in America and have lived here almost my whole life, but Poland has always been a huge part of my life and holds a very special place in my heart.
I love being a Polish American because I can speak, write, and read in two different languages. I also love being a part of two different cultures and feeling at home on two continents. I love being able to fly across the world and I always look forward to seeing my family and friends when I arrive. My favorite part about being a Polish American is learning about the rich history and culture of Poland with my family and traveling to see the places and buildings in person. I also love celebrating all the traditions and eating all the yummy food. As a member of the Polish American community in Boston, I attend many events and get to see my friends who celebrate the same heritage.
I usually go to Poland in the summer but last year I was able to go to Poland for a whole year and even attend public school in Polish. The experience helped me get better at writing and reading. At first, no one believed me when I said that I was American because I was very fluent in speaking. I loved hearing that because it made me feel like I was just one of the Polish kids and I belonged there. I got to experience what is is like to be a tween girl living in Poland. I loved it so much, I had a lot more independence and freedom than in America.
Being a Polish American is a big part of my life and not one day goes by where I do not think about my Polish heritage. All my friends and teacher know I am Polish and I am very proud of that. I speak Polish every day when talking to my mom and I keep in touch with my Polish friends and family. I am especially close with my Babcia and I try to talk with her as much as I can. I cannot wait for her to fly over with my cousin next year. I am so excited to introduce my cousin to my American life.
As you can see, I love Poland so much and I will never stop. There are many nationalities in the United States, but I feel proud and blessed to be part of the Polish American community.
by Julia Curry
I was born in America and have lived here almost my whole life, but Poland has always been a huge part of my life and holds a very special place in my heart.
I love being a Polish American because I can speak, write, and read in two different languages. I also love being a part of two different cultures and feeling at home on two continents. I love being able to fly across the world and I always look forward to seeing my family and friends when I arrive. My favorite part about being a Polish American is learning about the rich history and culture of Poland with my family and traveling to see the places and buildings in person. I also love celebrating all the traditions and eating all the yummy food. As a member of the Polish American community in Boston, I attend many events and get to see my friends who celebrate the same heritage.
I usually go to Poland in the summer but last year I was able to go to Poland for a whole year and even attend public school in Polish. The experience helped me get better at writing and reading. At first, no one believed me when I said that I was American because I was very fluent in speaking. I loved hearing that because it made me feel like I was just one of the Polish kids and I belonged there. I got to experience what is is like to be a tween girl living in Poland. I loved it so much, I had a lot more independence and freedom than in America.
Being a Polish American is a big part of my life and not one day goes by where I do not think about my Polish heritage. All my friends and teacher know I am Polish and I am very proud of that. I speak Polish every day when talking to my mom and I keep in touch with my Polish friends and family. I am especially close with my Babcia and I try to talk with her as much as I can. I cannot wait for her to fly over with my cousin next year. I am so excited to introduce my cousin to my American life.
As you can see, I love Poland so much and I will never stop. There are many nationalities in the United States, but I feel proud and blessed to be part of the Polish American community.