Completing my 310 km hike to Santiago de Compostela was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. This journey was not just about reaching my destination but also about raising funds for the Home Hospice Kolory in Leszno. Along the way, I faced numerous difficulties, including fatigue, sickness, knee and arm injuries, and even wasp stings. Despite these obstacles, I was determined to push through and prove to myself and others that nothing can stop you from reaching your goals, and that there is no excuse not to help others.
 
As someone with hypoglycemia, I need regular meals with a low carbohydrate ratio to manage my condition. This presented a significant challenge during the hike, especially in Spain, where food options are often high in carbs. In many villages, there were limited places to cook, and sometimes there wasn’t even a single shop nearby—just cheap bars or vending machines stocked with sweets and snacks. Despite these challenges, I learned to adapt, finding creative ways to manage my diet while staying focused on my fundraising goal.
 
With the support of kind-hearted individuals I met along the way, I managed to raise 1200 zł for the hospice, making the experience even more meaningful. The journey was as much about the people I encountered as it was about the hike itself. I had the opportunity to meet individuals from various countries, including Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Canada, the USA, France, Portugal, Poland, Germany, Korea, China, Japan, Egypt, India, Bangladesh, Czechia, Slovakia, the UK, Switzerland, Peru, and Italy. Each encounter brought forth meaningful conversations that broadened my perspective on the world.
 
One particularly impactful conversation was with a Jewish lesbian woman from Canada who now lives in the USA and works as a lawyer. We bonded over our shared experiences with ADHD and discussed important topics such as gender and racial equality, the influence of Disney movies on society, the Holocaust and World War II, and the current political situations in both Poland and the USA. These discussions helped me reflect on my own beliefs and encouraged me to consider different viewpoints.
 
I also met a Polish man who was on a much longer journey, walking from Suwałki to Finisterre, a staggering 5000 km. Hearing his story and motivations inspired me to appreciate my own journey even more.
 
Throughout the hike, I documented my experiences on my Instagram account (@zana_awp), sharing daily stories and posts that served as a journal of my journey. This allowed me to reflect on my thoughts and emotions in real time, as well as share the beauty and challenges of the experience with friends and family.
 
Overall, this CAS project has profoundly impacted my life. It has strengthened my resolve, deepened my empathy, and expanded my understanding of the diverse world we live in. I returned not only with a sense of accomplishment but also with a renewed commitment to service and a broader perspective on global issues. I am grateful for the lessons learned and the connections made along the way, and I hope to continue engaging in meaningful projects that contribute to the community in the future.
 
Zuzanna Kluszczyk, IB Year 1
 

 



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