What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
You work on commission, right? Big mistake! Huge!

What do you consider the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
I learned that there is always a bigger perspective to current problems that makes me realize how useless it is to stress about them.

What are the most significant achievements that you are proud of so far?
Acquiring a wooden table leg from a famous restaurant in Bratislava and building an electric car. 🙂

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
It’s not that deep.

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Giving a real life example always helps with the learning.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of so far?
When I was 11, I sold my mother’s headphones on the internet and bought an ice cream with the money, tastiest ice cream I ever had!

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
“Don’t let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice.” - Steve Jobs

What do you consider the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Being stressed and solving everything that happens around you does not make sense and will eventually destroy you. Focus on one thing you can influence and change.

What are the most significant achievements that you are proud of so far?
I organized the MEP conference 2022.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
“I want to be remembered for my poop jokes. Those are the most important kind.“ Eric Andre

What do you consider the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Every moment with your friends is precious, don’t take it for granted. Also sometimes they give back money from vouchers in Vespa.

What are the most significant achievements that you are proud of so far?
Maintained a healthy lifestyle for 4 years while living in a dormitory.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
I believe every human has a finite number of heartbeats. I don't intend to waste any of mine. - Neil Armstrong

What do you consider the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
I realized what my priorities in life are and where I want to be heading in the next few years of my life.

What are the most significant achievements that you are proud of so far?
Getting through two tough years at LEAF influenced by Covid, organizing SE Gate, and running a half-marathon.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
Som bohyňa. Všetky sme. (I'm a goddess. We all are.)

What do you consider the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
I think I might have learned to listen somewhat better. Listen and you may hear unexpected things that are worth hearing.

What are the most significant achievements that you are proud of so far?
I am very proud that I got the opportunity to join and work on the organization of the Model European Parliament Slovakia.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
I have an Introvert Hangover. I’m totally exhausted, from too much human interaction.

What do you consider the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Don't compare yourself with people. It does more harm than good.

What are the most significant achievements that you are proud of so far?
Being a co-founder of Inako (Student Enterprise) and seeing how the project grows.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
“Old enough… to party.” — Fogell

What do you consider the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
There isnt a one most important learning.

What are the most significant achievements that you are proud of so far?
Spreading cultural heritage of my friend

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
Live, laugh, love

What do you consider the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Every moment you spend learning and growing is well spent.

What are the most significant achievements that you are proud of so far?
I am very proud about the fact that I didn’t kill myself during the past 5 years

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
To-do list: 1). Learn to fly. 2). Fly away.

What do you consider the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Finding beautiful things in any situation and appreciating every little moment.

What are the most significant achievements that you are proud of so far?
Being able to travel on my own to so many places.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
Never say: "How could this get any worse?". Because life will usually show you how.

What do you consider the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Being everywhere doesn't always mean being everywhere.

What are the most significant achievements that you are proud of so far?
I remained sane during the last months of school.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
“When they asked me what I wanted to be I said I didn’t know. "Oh, sure you know," the photographer said. "She wants," said Jay Cee wittily, "to be everything.” ― Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar

What do you consider the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Some days, all you can do is just get through that day and that is enough. You don’t and shouldn’t be always happy, even constant happiness can slowly poison you. Being authentic is more than being perfect. You can’t save people, all you can offer them is to be there for them. Knowledge is not about the information you have, but the connections you can make with it.

What are the most significant achievements that you are proud of so far?
I am able to recognize the expectations of others or myself and stand up against them to pursue my own goals. I have confidence in my own ability to create the life that I want and have created a safety net of people who will be there for me when I can’t be there for myself. I can recognize and genuinely appreciate my achievements.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
What a man can be he must be.

What do you consider the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Everyone has a different path to success, whatever success is.

What are the most significant achievements that you are proud of so far?
Becoming more self-aware.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
Not every day you got to have a dinner.

What do you consider the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Overall from the whole experience here, I consider the biggest learning that as an individual it is best for you to be independent.

What are the most significant achievements that you are proud of so far?
My own journey, the things I discovered about myself, the confidence I have gained, the ability to deal with myself and so on.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
When all else fails have some snacks and take a nap.

What do you consider the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Learning that life will go on anyways, so I might as well try to enjoy it.

What are the most significant achievements that you are proud of so far?
Getting to all the universities that I applied to.

What do you consider the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Probably understanding myself better.

What are the most significant achievements that you are proud of so far?
Coping. 😉

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
"There is no darkness so dense, so menacing, or so difficult that it cannot be overcome by light." —Elder Vern P. Stanfill

What do you consider the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
"To understand the actual world as it is, not as we should wish it to be, is the beginning of wisdom.“ —Bertrand Russell

What are the most significant achievements that you are proud of so far?
Professional: Running a weekly live broadcast of school assembly for about 1.5 years and setting it all up from scratch.

Personal: Being brave to try new things and let go of old ones that did not serve me anymore.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
"Always in Kaviareň Vták" - Nina Danišová

What do you consider the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Going to Jupiter to get more stupider.

What are the most significant achievements that you are proud of so far?
Taking my spirituality to a whole new level and coming a little bit closer to terms with my existence.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
Always give it a shot.

What do you consider the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
I have learned that life is about more than just school. It is about living a life with friends and having a positive impact on the world.

What are the most significant achievements that you are proud of so far?
Forming awesome friendships with my classmates and teachers.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
"It is what it is, take it or leave it, but complaining won't change a thing" - Maťo Kliment just now

What do you consider the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
You can achieve anything you want as long as you can picture a clear path to getting there and you're able to break it down into steps small enough to seem possible.

What are the most significant achievements that you are proud of so far?
Finding myself and also getting myself a handful of great friends on the way.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
Do or do not. There is no try.

What do you consider the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Don't ask for handouts. If you want something, earn it.

What are the most significant achievements that you are proud of so far?
Ran a marathon, gained 10 kilos of muscle mass and won a medal in International Biology Olympiad.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
Jack of all trades, master of none.

What do you consider the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Live your life.

What are the most significant achievements that you are proud of so far?
Winning.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
Don't wait for things to get easier, simpler, better. Life will always be complicated. Learn to be happy right now. Otherwise, you'll run out of time. - The Intouchables

What do you consider the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
After studying at LEAF Academy for four years, I have learned to be more confident in myself, responsible, and grateful.

What are the most significant achievements that you are proud of so far?
The development of the LEAF Academy's Assembly and helping Metropolitný inštitút Bratislavy to ensure a safer and more inclusive city would be two of my most precious achievements that I am proud of. I am also proud of my personal growth.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
Onions have layers

What do you consider the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Run

What are the most significant achievements that you are proud of so far?
Paw chicha paw paw

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
If you are going through hell, keep going - Churchill

What do you consider the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
I learned to appreciate the value of friendships and became more open thanks to our community.

What are the most significant achievements that you are proud of so far?
I am happy that I achieved greater self-appreciation after the 2 years spent at the LEAF Academy.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
Outside in a hurry, inside at peace.

What do you consider the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Learn about similarities and embrace the differences.

What are the most significant achievements that you are proud of so far?
Co-founding MEDCON o.z. in which we gather learners with a desire to improve the healthcare system in Slovakia.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
The desire to reach the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise and most possible.

What do you consider the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Being around people who are truly, authentically eager to learn is a push towards what one could label as "one's best version of self" that I never expected to be so effective.

What are the most significant achievements that you are proud of so far?
I am proud of managing to stay humble throughout this journey.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
The cake is a lie.

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Keep your head up.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of so far?
Come out of lockdown with learnings and not grievances.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
I sneeze really loud.

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Even when you think you can sneeze really loud, you can sneeze even louder.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of so far?
Discovering myself to the extent I have never imagined.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
“Veni, vidi, parti” -Bakchus

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?
There is always more to it than just what we see on the surface. Before making judgements or conclusions, strive to learn what is beneath the surface.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of so far?
Starting and leading NEuTEČ, o.z. through its first year of existence.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
“Don’t try”.

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Importance of patience and discipline.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of so far?
I managed ap calc and physics c.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
Fb=mc^2

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
It's not about how much homework you get, it's about how you schedule your time for it.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of so far?
World championship in Dubai First Global, playing with bands in many cities in Slovakia.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
I was never really good at anything except for the ability to learn. - Kanye West

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Being self-sufficient.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of so far?
Graduating.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
"According to all known laws of aviation, there is no way that a bee should be able to fly. Its wings are too small to get its fat little body off the ground. The bee, of course, flies anyways. Because bees don't care what humans think is impossible." - Bee Movie

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
1. LEAF Academy navigated my way to a much greater emotional maturity, which was challenged countless times here. Along with the development of my character traits that I can use in my future life to make better choices and live a more meaningful life. I discovered that behind a meaningful life, there are core values that a person upholds. At LEAF Academy, I learned to value people´s character and approach to life. 2. I learned that each person has their own life timeline which is not comparable with any other individual. I also discovered that intelligence is composed of a large number of small components that are mixed up differently in every individual. This makes us unable to compare. 3. I learned how a successful and high-quality school should work, how the approaches and communication differ from what I knew before.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of so far?
The ability to slow down in this fast and high-achieving (sometimes pressuring) environment, take a GAP year and give myself time to make a meaningful choice for my future studies.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
"When in doubt, go to the library." - Hermione Granger

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
I learned how to balance work and relax and how to take care of myself and others. I also learned a lot about studying and teaching, as well as community service.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of so far?
I am proud of my academic results and getting into my first-choice university.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
"Theoretical violence, not the truth, is the only resource left to us." - Jean Baudrillard

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Engineer your mistakes to maximize learning.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of so far?
Organized the second best-rated Model UN conference in the world, represented Slovakia in competitive debate, woke up early enough to have krupicová kaša (several times!)

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
Takin' my inner child, I'm fighting for custody.

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Even when we fall, the most important thing is how we get up.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of so far?
Organizing the MEP conferences.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
In times of a crisis, the wise build bridges while the foolish build barriers. - Black Panther

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Take it step by step.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of so far?
Expanding my intellectual and social circles.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
I love men, I think men are the coolest. But you don’t really need them to live. My mom said to me: “You know sweetheart, one day you should settle down and marry a rich man.” And I said: “Mom - I am a rich man”. - Cher

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Don’t let others define you or what you’re worth - you know your value. Anyone else’s opinion doesn’t really matter.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of so far?
Probably participating in many theatre plays back in my hometown and being one of the supporting actresses for a show by Česká televize. Also managing completing both of my high schools, and becoming an RA in my Y4.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
"You never too old to take baby steps" – Capital STEEZ

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
There's something to learn from everyone.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of so far?
learning to say no; building many wonderful relationships with classmates and staffulty; teaching assistant program in the STEM Department; being actively engaged with ultimate frisbee & bikes during my studies.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
“Parties are the nightly ritual of the sophisticated society.”

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
- teamwork is priceless and collaboration takes you further than if you were on your own - spending time exploring what you enjoy is crucial but nothing is definitive: you can always decide differently and reconsider your path, the world is full of infinite opportunities - make sure you slow down in your busy life and see value in what you are doing - you are who you surround yourself with, so choose wisely. the environment you're in affects you more than you realize. also, don't forget that YOU are also part of the environment people create - there's no rush, enjoy your time and have fun - every success is meaningless if your friends aren't around to celebrate with you

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of so far?
surviving and staying sane 🙂 production of a short documentary about homelessness, co-founding a civic organization Dobrý Kolektív, leading a development online program Nexteria Lab, hosting and organizing TEDxYouth@Bratislava, organizing Startup Weekend Bratislava, representing Slovakia at an international round of Model European Parliament.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
Refuse your homeowners’ association. Grow corn on your front lawn.

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
To focus on what you find important, take the most of what you can get from an opportunity, and ask for help.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of so far?
Surviving and growing beyond my past, becoming someone I’m happy to be.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." - Tim Notke, a high school basketball coach

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
My most important learning from LEAF is not being afraid to take risks and fail.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of so far?
I am proud of my SE - Cánh Diều, a project that aims to reconnect Slovak-Vietnamese children with their root. It has adapted and survived the Covid-19 pandemic, and hopefully will continue to grow in the future.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
"When there is a conflict [of values], the price I usually pay is being unpopular, which can be treated with wine, or by compromising my integrity, which can also be treated by wine."

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
That, strangely enough, the world does not always revolve around me.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of so far?
Having written a couple of fairly decent essays, pulling a respectable GPA, laying a steady basis for the TA program in the STEM department, attaining a WR of 53.37% in an online game.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
“Raise your words, not your voice.” — Rumi

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
I learned that confidence and humility aren't contradictory; they are equally important. We should all listen before we speak, and LEAF has shown me that everyone has a unique experience and perspective to contribute. Growth happens when we learn from each other, and have the courage to express ourselves, too.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of so far?
Being able to combine my passions for computer science and politics throughout my studies, getting to join interesting projects with external companies and high schools, serving as RA and TA together with some amazing people... Most importantly, though, I learned that planning for your future is pointless if you never stop to appreciate the small, everyday stuff. I'm proud of all the coffee I drank with my friends.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
Women love me, fish fear me.

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Mental health is more important than academic success.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of so far?
I learned to make vifonka really well.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
život je lajf

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
The most important thing I learned during my stay at LEAF Academy is to recognize and accept my strengths and weaknesses and to communicate them to others.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of so far?
We managed to build a small electric car with our team during EL classes.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
Carpe diem.

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
Life is a b*tch but it’s always worth living.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of so far?
Doing what I enjoy and never giving up.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?
"People you love, they made you who you are. They're still part of you. If you stop being you, that last bit of them that's still around inside, who you are, it's gone." - Glenn Rhee (The Walking Dead)

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy? 
While at school, you'll always find time to hang out with people and make new friends.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of so far?
Learning the snake language - Python

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

"Food is life, life is food."

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

I learned that it is important to always look at the actions of people, not at what they say. Eventually, anyone can say anything, but what they do on a daily basis, if they are living by the words that are the key, that is when you see the true character.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

I am proud of Belasý Kolibrík, Art exhibitions and dances, friendships that I made over these four years, and also that I made it through these four years without any serious marks on my mental or physical health (trust me this one can by sometimes challenging).

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

"Most people become bankrupt through having invested too heavily in the prose of life. To have ruined oneself over poetry is an honor."(Oscar Wilde, 1890)

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

1. "Knowledge would be fatal. It is the uncertainty that charms one. A mist makes things wonderful." (Oscar Wilde, 1890) We don't ever really know what's going on, and I've fallen in love with that uncertainty. 2. I learned a huge lesson about love. I've become a sort of hippie, with a not-exactly-textbook definition of love. I see love as something you can give endlessly, and I think you can fall in love with anything - a sensation, a feeling, the evening sky or a look somebody throws you. I think at some point I fell in love with humanity. I found out that everyone can be understood if you try hard enough. There is nobody in this world whom I hate, only people I pity. I found out how terribly similar we all are, and to what extent our temperaments are just products of differing uncontrollable circumstances. This means that I never get angry at people. Instead, I ask and listen until I understand where they're coming from. I listen to understand, and from that, the love comes naturally.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

I've struggled a lot with confidence, identity and relationships. Now, I think I'm able to stand up for myself more than I ever could, my personality is more my doing than I ever thought it could be, and my relationships are more genuine than they have ever been. That is what I'm proud of.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

"One thing only I know, and that is that I know nothing." - Socrates

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

I have learned to seek motivation internally rather than from external rewards, which allows me to act with consistency and purpose.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

Leading the school's football team and facilitating powerful bonding moments for LEAF community during our matches.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

How to be able to think outside of the box, to be able to look at the different sides of the story as well as preparing for university life.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

Being part of MEP, getting accepted into my dream University and surviving LEAF Academy.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

"You never know how strong you are until strong is the only option." - Alex Honnold

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

Nowadays, you can learn almost any subject you wish on your own. You can learn how to integrate, how epigenetics works, or how to calculate a battery resistance, all of this, and much more, you can learn on your own. However, what you cannot learn on your own is who you are, what matters to you, and what your place in this world is. These are the things, which you can learn only with the assistance of other people.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

There are several achievements I could list here, but the one I am most proud of is that I discovered what I ultimately want to achieve in my life. Through the means of biomedical research, I want to help as many people as possible, as much as possible, for as long as possible.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

"I can resist everything except temptation." - Oscar Wilde

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

There is no set timeline or pathway to success.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

Surviving my two years at this institution thousands of km away from and at the young age of 15-17.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

"Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it." - Lao Tzu

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

At LEAF, I have learned that I can be whoever I want to be. I can rely on people close to me and that it's all about perseverance. On the other hand, sometimes I need to recharge, there is no need to feel guilty for that. How am I gonna give to others when I have nothing to give? Recharge first.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

My biggest achievements are the acceptance of both my Romani and LGBT identity. With that, I was able to help break down the social barriers and stigmatization in Slovakia in cooperation with NGO's. Also, I am proud of my journey to Japan "send a gypsy to Japan", thanks to everyone who supported me on my journey.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

"Wubba lubba dub dub."

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

One shall make things happen.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

Making my mama proud.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

"I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints."

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

It's never too soon to consider what your future might look like and plan ahead accordingly.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

Willingness to work on my weaknesses by challenging myself with difficult tasks instead of avoiding them, and developing, as well as solidifying many values that I deem core to my character.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

Yet to find one which would be sufficiently accurate 🙂

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

Not stressing too much, approaching big tasks one step at a time and being grateful and more open-minded.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

Clarifying my area of interest but also developing new passions, co-creating and running the LA magazine SE project as well as becoming more independent, and lastly significantly improving my knowledge of foreign languages.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

"Fake it till you make it."

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

That I don't need to try being best at everything and I should rather focus on things that make me happy and the people around me.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

Getting married before finishing high school and managing to keep a good balance of social life and academics.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

"Don't get stuck while trying to pursue perfection." - Samuel Chaba

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

I learned to stop perceiving myself as always on the chase for more. I learned that what matters is here and now and what I decide to do with it. This is probably one of the key takeaways that I will keep with myself in the future.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

Organizing the first Science Slam in Poland, realizing a lot of things about myself.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

"Live to the point of tears." - Albert Camus

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

I learned who I am through voices, experiences, and how to accept, love myself. I am learning how to balance pride and humility, acceptance, and ideals as well as time for others and myself.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

I am proud of making such strong relationships at LEAF.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” - Victor Frankl

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

1. Words matter, but actions better more, words which are aligned to one's actions matter the most. 2. When I am involved in different projects or make a different decision, I always ask why and if that "why" is a good enough.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

Co-founding an "občianske združenie" which provides children young talented Roma musicians and children with mental disabilities with opportunities to fulfill their potential

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." ~ Albert Einstein

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

Sometimes I cannot understand and then the best I can do is to accept and respect.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

Continuing to practice and develop in my passions and staying honest to myself.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

"One man practicing kindness in the wilderness is worth all the temples this world pulls."

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

How to prioritize things. With this amount of opportunities that LEAF Academy is offering, you can easily get lost in them. Therefore I learned how important it is to find what you truly want to do, and prioritize it over other appealing choices. I also learned how essential it is to have the right people around you, and how grateful you should be for finding those.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

Realizing what I truly want to do - even considering I realized the importance of it (and if not being impacted by the option of others) quite late, I'm proud of being able to persuade it in the future.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

"Experience does not have to be good but it needs to be intense" - my quote

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

Put first things first. Find what are those and do them.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

Swimming in 2°C water, Fide Master chess title, a couple of results in Math and Informatics Olympiads

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

"You change the world by being yourself"

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

Learning how to approach situations from different perspectives and challenge my prejudice. Learning how to tolerate other people's opinion even if they fundamentally contradict mine and look at it as a growth opportunity rather than a challenge.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

Representing Slovakia in the international session of the Model European Parliament in Malta.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around at once in a while you could miss it."

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

If at the end of the day you don't have best friends with whom you could celebrate your accomplishments, your achievements are worthless.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

There are many personal achievements I am extremely proud of, but if I have to choose I'd say receiving my High School Diploma and passing all AP courses (hopefully), leaving this school with the strongest and most genuine relationships I have ever created, and realizing what I really want to do in my future and what kind of person I want to be.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

“I have been and still am a seeker, but I have ceased to question stars and books; I have begun to listen to the teaching my blood whispers to me.” - Herman Hesse

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

You don't need to understand everything people are going through and you don't need to know everything.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

The success of HART, enhancing my public speaking skills, mastering some basic latte art, writing pieces for and outside English I'm proud of and people like them.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

"You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them." - Michael Jordan

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

Not to postpone anything.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." - Wayne Gretzky

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

To focus on what is most important to me. Not to my parents, not to my school, not to my friends. Everyone is different, some people are focused on academics, others on working and either of them is fine as long as we are fine with doing it. So instead of making other people happy, we should focus on our happiness first.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

At LEAF Academy, I consider my biggest achievement to be passing Advanced Placement stats in the third year and getting 5 from AP Art History. I remember how happy I was when I found out. Outside of LEAF – I think I progressed a lot with my work as a graphic designer. It seems like the more I work the more I love graphic design. I don't know if it can be considered an achievement, but it's definitely something that means a lot to me.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

“Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.” —Pablo Picasso

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

Being able to utilize opportunities, which are relevant to me and being able to say no to many despite many of them being interesting to keep myself sane.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of? 

Successfully guiding over 20 students through their university application process from the Czech and Slovak republic, which I hope will have an immense impact on our society in the future once those students return back to Central Europe.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” - Winston Churchill

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

I have learned that deep down, we are all the smartest human beings on Earth. We just need to dig deeper in order to discover that wisdom.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

I am proud of not giving up and pushing myself to manage all of my projects and responsibilities inside and outside of LEAF Academy during the past four years.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

"Talent can get you in the door, but the character will keep you in the room."

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

There is a reason why the admission team picked me.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

I grew a lot. Mostly mentally, but that is what counts for me. I became a Residential Advisor, a member of the Community Principles Committee, I organized a surprise party. I experienced the best 2 years of my life with the greatest people.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

"Nevertheless, she persisted."

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

Do what you love and love what you do - that's how you'll create meaning.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

Growing as a person and consciously improving.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

"Happiness is letting go of what you think your life is supposed to look like."

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

As long as there are right people by your side, every difficult time passes once, and you can even enjoy the process itself.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

Honestly speaking, that I was able to find something I am truly passionate about and follow it even in times when the goal did not seem exactly plausible.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

"The sense of being well-dressed gives a feeling of inward tranquility which religion is powerless to bestow." - Miss C. F. Forbes

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

It does not matter how successful you are if you have no one to celebrate your success with.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

I am proud of getting into a competitive UK university, having an outstandingly reliable group of friends, and being truly myself.

What is the favorite quote that describes you as a person?

”Jonathan Seagull discovered that boredom and fear and anger are the reasons that a gull's life is so short, and with those gone from his thought, he lived a long fine life indeed.” - Richard Bach

What do you consider as the most important learning from your studies at LEAF Academy?

The true evil is entitlement.

What are the biggest achievements that you are proud of?

Maintaining a healthy sleeping schedule for almost the whole academic year.

Albert Vrzgula is passionate about marketing, politics and nature. During his time at LEAF Academy, Albert utilized his entrepreneurship skills by starting City Soda, a project which aims to raise the profile of young artists in Slovakia. He pursued his interest in international relations by taking part in the Slovak round of MEP (Model European Parliament) and contributed to the community at LEAF Academy as a member of the Residential Committee.

When asked about his self-development in the past years, Albert finds he has “become more confident, less unhappy with myself and more open.” One of his biggest takeaways is to “stay honest, be independent and value your friendships.”

Dominik Jarzemski used the opportunities offered at LEAF Academy to explore his interests in IT, languages and organization; as he explains ,“from the way I pack my suitcases to how cities and countries are organised”. At the school, Dominik provided guidance to his fellow students through peer counselling and was a part of the group researching LEAF Academy culture.

Dominik’s goal for the future is not to end up as “a gray individual in a gray crowd”. Reflecting on his growth at LEAF Academy, he shared “Before LA, I had a vision of myself which was challenged here, and without that I would not appreciate my capabilities as I do now.”

During her time at LEAF Academy, Dominika Geregová engaged in many activities and projects that helped her explore her love for art, specifically fashion and filmmaking. She pursued this passion by establishing and leading the LA Drama Club for 2 years and being part of the student enterprises Fountain Poetry and City Soda. Dominika developed herself as an artist through a Global Online Academy Filmmaking course and as a member of the LA marketing team. She also worked as an intern for Vagus, a non-profit organization which creates innovative services for people without a home.

When asked about her experience at LA, Dominika reflects that she is thankful to the Academy, “For giving me high-quality education, provided by professionals in their fields and amazing people - our teachers. For preparing me for later life and shaping me as a person. For giving me the opportunity to meet some people who later became my closest friends.”

Eliška Kalinová used her time at LEAF Academy to engage with the community and develop her passion for sociology. She explored these interests as head of the Residential Committee, and part of the LEAF Academy Community Award committee. Eliška also conducted qualitative research on the culture at LEAF Academy, investigating how the community could be improved.

Eliška looks back at her personal growth at LEAF Academy, “One motivation for me to join LA was to find what I want to do in the future. Not only did I find out what my academic focus is going to be, but I also got to know myself better as a person. I discovered what I like and dislike, which ultimately helped improve my self-awareness.”

During her time at LEAF Academy, Ema Vargová explored various platforms and participated in many different projects and events. She was a leader of the LA Assembly team and the Community Award team at LEAF Academy, and worked as strategic manager at Edutime, an educational program for kids. During her studies, Ema also juggled internships at the Slovak Fashion Council and ADMA Media, time as a researcher at Creative Dock and work at the start-up Wasteno.

Even though it was challenging, Ema is proud of staying authentic to herself and her values throughout her years at LA and building strong friendships and connections with many of the people she encountered during that time.

Reflecting on her time at LEAF Academy, Ema says “I have managed to become self-reliable, responsible and I have learned how to take life with ease.” She continues, “right now, I have a more realistic approach to life as I strive for meaning in my future plans and I consider their costs (not only financial) much more.”

Filip Glatz’s is a very creative person interested in architecture and urban planning, which he plans on pursuing in his later studies. Through his passion of entrepreneurial leadership, Filip took part in Soutěž a Podnikej, a competition for students interested in creating their own business in high school. Filip also worked on Edutime - an educational program for kids which competed in the Social Impact Award competition, and Playpark Bratislava – an initiative aiming to increase the skills of future entrepreneurs.

When asked to reflect on his personal development at LEAF Academy, Filip shares, “I have found what really fulfils me. And this I have found during EL (Entrepreneurial Leadership classes), when we got a free hand. I felt that during this time, I was more creative. I feel much better when I can just take my computer, go to some coffee-place or gallery, and work. Create. This experience has totally shifted the path which I chose for my future. I realized that having this work freedom is crucial for me.”

Filip Miháľ used his time at LEAF Academy to pursue his passion in programming, which has resulted in a student enterprise called Proxima which he has been leading. Besides putting a lot of time in evolving their product, he has also been a member of LEAF Academy Community Award. Through many activities and school projects he was involved in, he learned that he cannot manage everything on his own and should not worry to ask for help.

When asked about what he is most proud of, he mentions three things: “Despite many challenges that I encountered at LEAF Academy, I persisted and never thought about giving up. In addition, I realized how important it is to be surrounded by people that you enjoy being with. Thanks to LA, I got to know myself a little bit more. These are the three things that I am most proud of.”

Looking back at his two years at LEAF Academy, he expresses gratitude towards one and each member of LEAF Academy who, by their uniqueness, made this an incredible experience for him.

You can learn more about his experience through an online memory game coded by Filip himself: http://leaf.filipmihal.com/

Hanna Ferdynus’s LEAF Academy experience was full of great opportunities to immerse herself in learning things that interest her. She was a part of the Model European Parliament Slovakia, the TED-Ed Club and Eco Club. Motorsport, especially karting and formula 1, have remained Hanna’s passion throughout her LEAF Academy experience.

Looking back at her years at LEAF Academy, Hanna learned that “It’s crucial to find time for things you love and to have enough sleep each night.” She is “most grateful for meeting various people who, through direct or indirect interactions, helped me discover my true self.”

Ján Hlinka’s LEAF Academy experience motivated him to pursue his passions both in and out of the classroom. By following his broad interests – from finance and politics to squash and yoyo, Ján learned the value of adopting responsibilities which lead to long-term contentment. His interest in finance led him to work in the leading Central European investment bank, Wood & Company, and to other consulting projects for companies such as O2. Through his passion in competitive debating, he advanced to the Slovak Debating League National Finals in two consecutive years. At LA, Ján proudly learned to develop “the ability to study and learn consistently - something inherently valuable for the future”.

Ján feels grateful “for the opportunity to meet hard-working, talented and smart people who pushed me throughout my journey to discover my passions.” He will miss “the profound bonds which have been formed throughout the two years”.

Jasna Cifrová’s experience at LEAF Academy was shaped by her passion for understanding and listening to people’s stories. Amongst other things, she loves event planning, sociology, politics and writing. Jasna was project manager for the successful TEDxYouth conference, participated in SPEAK poetry club and was involved in multiple committees at LEAF Academy. She pursued her love for debating as a co-organizer at the MEP (Model European Parliament) and part of the world champion LEAF IPPF (International Public Policy Forum) team.

Thanks to all her experiences, Jasna can see that “Everyone lives in a context. Every story has two sides, and we shouldn't assume too much about people.”

Jasna feels one of her biggest lessons from studying at LEAF Academy is “Learning to say no, to create boundaries and to determine my priorities.” She is very thankful for “The people I have met. They have inspired me, changed me, gone through thick & thin with me.”