
Welcome to KF Stories, a project where we share the accounts of our program receivers. We are excited to introduce Angelika Kwak, an inspiring student and future doctor who participated in the KF Summer Studies program in Krakow and received the Tuition Scholarship to help her pursue a degree in the U.S.
“From studying abroad in Krakow to winning the Tuition Scholarship, I am truly so blessed by this organization. The Kosciuszko Foundation has been life-changing for me, and I will always be grateful for the kindness and generosity. Anyone who has a passion for Polish culture should apply for this program; let’s continue spreading the love and support into the Polish Community,” says Angelika Kwak. Her story and spirit embody what it means to be a part of the KF community.
By Ella Paritsky, KF Volunteer
Raised by two hard-working Polish immigrants, Angelika Kwak is not your average medical student. Currently, in her fourth year at Loyola Stritch School of Medicine and Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health candidate ‘24, Kwak’s incredible journey has only just begun. During her time at Loyola, she has held leadership positions in the Medical Polish organization, where she taught medical students the Polish language and culture and was a Polish interpreter at the volunteer-based clinic CommunityHealth.
For Kwak, medicine is not only scientific but “…an art that requires enthusiasm, integrity, compassion, and love.” Even with her steady enthusiasm, Kwak’s journey has not been without hardship. As a first-generation student, she often had to take the initiative to find and build mentorship in order to gain the skills she needed to apply for scholarships such as the KF’s. However, with her hard work and unwavering support from her mom, Kwak continues to persevere.
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