She was 18 when she wrote two articles published in Gazeta Wyborcza.

At just 18 years old, Kalina Kalwasińska, hailing from the picturesque town of Sopot, has already made a significant mark in the world of journalism and education. Her remarkable journey began when she contributed, with her mentor - Karolina, two compelling articles to Gazeta Wyborcza, a well-respected Polish newspaper. These articles not only showcased her talent but also shed light on critical issues affecting her community.

Kalina is not your average teenager. While many of her peers were navigating the challenges of high school, she stood out as a passionate student. Her dedication to education extended beyond the classroom as she took part in the Model United Nations (MUN) conference, an initiative that encourages young minds to engage with global issues and diplomacy.

One of the defining moments at the beginning of Kalina’s career was taking part in the Girls Future Ready Foundation program, #HerStory. The programme aimed to strengthen the voice of young women and enable them to develop and express themselves. Kalina’s journey from #HerStory began when she applied for the project, and her life changed when she was selected.

Karolina Słowik, an experienced journalist of Gazeta Wyborcza, recognized Kalina as a unique blend of youth, ambition, and natural talent for recognizing convincing news. “I was looking for girls who were determined to write. Kalina was such a person - young, ambitious, with a nose for press subjects. She was able to interest the reader” - said Karolina.

The moment Kalina received the news that she had been selected for the project, she was overwhelmed with joy. She promptly shared the results with her parents and friends, who had been a constant source of support throughout her journey. Reflecting on this achievement, Kalina remarked, “I was very happy. My childhood dream came true. Previously, I imagined that publishing an article in a newspaper would be something for adults.”

One of the most memorable experiences during Kalina’s journey with #HerStory was her visit to the editorial office of Gazeta Wyborcza in Warsaw. There, she not only had the opportunity to meet seasoned journalists but also participated in a professional paper college where topics for publication in the newspaper were discussed. Kalina initially felt nervous, but that quickly gave way to a sense of wonder as she immersed herself in the world of journalism.

The process of crafting her articles was both fascinating and challenging. Kalina listened to the stories of young people, some of which were deeply unsettling. “At first, I was very unsure. I couldn’t find the characters for my articles because people were hiding under anonymity. But in the end, it turned out that there was so much material that you could split everything into two articles,” Kalina shared. She realized that the issues she described were far too normal, considering the hardships young people faced. It was a stark revelation about the flaws in the system that many silently accepted. “I felt I wanted to share it, especially the stories of Olivia and Andrzej,” she added.

When Kalina’s articles were published on June 1st, they immediately ignited discussions among readers and the media. It was a resounding success that affirmed her talents and the importance of her message. Despite moments of doubt and the emotional toll of delving into difficult subjects, Kalina and her mentor, Karolina, had created something extraordinary.

Thanks to her participation in #HerStory, Kalina not only honed her writing and journalism skills but also developed the ability to craft compelling narratives. As she continues to grow in her field, she is slowly preparing for her final exams, all the while remaining actively engaged with Girls Future Ready.

Looking to the future, Kalina has her sights set on furthering her education in economics and potentially even penning a book. Her journey thus far serves as an inspiration to aspiring young journalists, demonstrating that age is no barrier to making a meaningful impact on society through the power of the written word.

Kalina Kalwasińska’s story is a testament to the potential and determination of young individuals who refuse to stay silent in the face of societal challenges. Her dedication to education, journalism, and empowering others paints a promising picture of what the future holds for this remarkable 18-year-old from Sopot.

By Weronika Wojnarowska and Girls Future Ready Foundation, 2023