Time management is essential - an interview with dr Bartłomiej Opaliński

Hello! My name is Alicja Pirogowicz. Today I will introduce to you a person who is a ‘lifebuoy’ for all law students, a great interlocutor and, above all, a great lecturer. This is dr Bartłomiej Opaliński, who has been associated with the Lazarski University for longer than you may think.
Meet my lecturer Alicja

Do you know that: 
- dr Opaliński almost became a veterinarian? 
- he is Lazarski University graduate? 
- he conducted classes at the university while being a student still? 
- he played table tennis professionally? 
- one of his favorite series is ‘Vikings’? 
I invite you to read my interview, where you will find many other interesting facts about dr Bartłomiej Opaliński.  
<strong>Let's start from the beginning, from the student days. Certainly, many people will be surprised with the fact that you are not only a lecturer in administrative law and jurisprudence, but also a graduate of Lazarski University. Where did this choice come from??</strong>&nbsp;
In fact, I grew up in a family of lawyers, but I had no specific plans for my future. I've always been interested in law, but veterinary medicine was at the back of my head. Due to the fact that I was taking my chemistry and biology secondary school certificate exams, I decided to apply for this course. I was accepted, but did not start my studies. When I found out what veterinary medicine looks like in practice, it turned out not entirely in line with my vision of learning and helping little dogs and cats only. Due to the fact that the law seemed interesting to me and was still my passion, I decided to focus on this field of study. The scales were tilted when I found out that the first year at the Lazarski University would be free due to my good high school graduation results. I figured that it must be a sign :)&nbsp;
&nbsp;<strong>Looking back in time, what kind of student you were ?</strong>&nbsp;
What kind of a student was I? As for the grades, I finished my studies with honors and with the Rector's diploma of recognition. I have always tried to understand the true meaning of studying. In my opinion, this time should not be limited only to exams and diligent study, although, it is of fundamental importance. Studying also means developing your passions, active participation in research clubs and student organizations. It is a period of meeting fantastic people and building long-term relationships. I've always tried to find the ‘golden mean’.&nbsp;
<strong>Why did you decide to stay at the University and be a lecturer?</strong>&nbsp;
It all began in 2009. Then, my runs as a lecturer began. During the last year of my studies, after talking to the Head of the Department of Administrative Law and my thesis supervisor at the same time, I got a proposal to conduct classes in administrative law with 2 or 3 groups. I really liked this job. It was a kind of dream that came true. Later I defended my master's thesis, got on the application, and shortly after defended my doctorate. I discovered a great passion for education, but it was also directly related to conducting classes for students. It gives me great satisfaction and a lot of joy, especially when I see that what I am saying goes to the right ground. Practical experience gained from the beginning of my studies helps me in this. Activities in the Student Legal Clinic, in research clubs, work in law firms, in the Supreme Administrative Court, later working as a legal advisor in my own law office or currently performed functions in the government administration greatly broadened my horizons, which allows me to share knowledge with greater understanding and in a more practical way.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<strong>What feelings did you experience during conducting the first classes?</strong>&nbsp;
In fact, when I was teaching my classes as a student, I did not feel any extreme stress. It was a great adventure for me, giving me the opportunity to test myself in a completely different field than before. I just prepared my best for the class. I tried to follow the same pattern that the lecturers who taught me followed and which was the most effective for me. Paradoxically, the classes I started teaching in 2011 as a full-time lecturer were incomparably more stressful for me than those I conducted as a student. Perhaps it was due to greater awareness, because I had already defended my doctorate.&nbsp;
<strong>Moving on to the present, certainly many people with whom you conduct classes are bothered with the question of whether dr Opaliński has any free time. And if so, what he likes to do when he is not working?</strong>&nbsp;
Contrary to appearances, I have a lot of free time. I just try to manage it well so that I have a good balance between working time and free time. I love being out in nature. I like mountains. When it is warm, I lose myself in many hours of mountain hiking, while in winter I pursue my passion for skiing. Two years ago I even met the President of the Republic of Poland on the slope. We took a photo together. What can I say? I think he does it better than me ☺ In addition, I started working out a lot in the gym. I do kitesurfing whenever I have the opportunity. I play table tennis, although, now only amateur. For several years I have practiced this sport more professionally. I meet with friends. I try to find time for literature and watching movies. I even got an account on Netflix recently.&nbsp;
<strong>If we are already on Netflix , what movies / series do you like?&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;
Above all, I am interested in movies that convey a deeper message, such as the transformation of the main character and the evolution of power. ‘Vikings’ is a series in which I fell in love. I watched all the seasons in a very short time. Although, this may seem funny and in theory more ‘feminine’, I really like ‘Legends of the Fall’. I also watched ‘Game of Thrones’ and even ‘The Crown of the Kings’ with passion - these are historical series that are related to my political interests and genuinely fascinate me.&nbsp;&nbsp;