This isn't the first time Elca Hubbard '27 has studied abroad in Poland. Well, maybe it is the first time she's "studied" in Poland. They don't give out a lot of homework in preschool.
One by one, Hubbard crossed colleges off of her list, almost always for the same reason. She would visit, ask her question, and when the answer was 'no,' she moved on... until she got a 'yes' from Siena.
"I knew that I wanted to study abroad in Poland. At least five schools I checked out didn't offer Poland as a study abroad destination for one reason or another. But Siena did."
Hubbard's mom grew up in Poland, near Warsaw. She studied abroad in college, at the University at Albany, met her future husband on campus, and stayed stateside. They raised Hubbard in an American-Polish household, with two languages and sometimes competing cultures, and they made frequent trips to Poland. On an extended stay more than 15 years ago, Hubbard attended a preschool while abroad.
"I've always been connected to Poland, and I wanted this opportunity to grow a lot closer to my culture. I've had the chance to spend a lot of time with family, too. There's a bigger emphasis on family in Polish culture. I have an uncle and aunt who live in Kraków. I spend time with them about once a week."
The family time has been special, and that includes the time her cousin held her at gunpoint.
Smigus-Dyngus, also known as Wet Monday, is a Polish holiday celebrated the day after Easter. It symbolizes spring purification, mainly accomplished by dousing loved ones and strangers alike with water.
"I threatened to barricade myself in my room, but I caved and went to my family's house. My cousin was waiting for me. The second I walked through the door, she soaked me with a squirt gun. Well, she did let me put the food down first. In Poland you've got to keep the food safe."
These were the moments Hubbard hoped for, spending time with her Polish family, revelling in their traditions. It's a major reason why she came to Siena. And so far, she's having an international experience every bit as good as her mom's. But remember, her mom never came home.
"She's very worried about that. My uncle told my mom that he's going to find me a husband while I'm here and that I'm never going back. As of right now, there's a good chance I'm going home. But I did find the church over here that I'm going to get married in. And as you know, when I put my mind to something, I see it through."
Hubbard has also set her mind on gaining her Polish citizenship. It would be asset for the political science major if she decides on law school and possibly a career in international law. The devout Catholic would like to help Christians who face political or violent persecution around the world. But right now, she's just enjoying her final few weeks in Poland. Assuming she does, indeed, go home.
