A conversation with Maria Michalska indicates she is probably as busy, or even busier in retirement than when she worked full-time.

Michalska has lived in Vankleek Hill for two years and volunteers with four local organizations.

She moved to Canada in 1990 from Poland and lived in Montréal for a short period of time. She then lived in Saint-Lazare, Central America, Vaudreuil-Dorion, and Hawkesbury before moving to Vankleek Hill. Michalska has one daughter and two granddaughters.

“In my country, I worked as a teacher and a pedagogue according to my master’s degree in education. For different reasons, I changed professions and became a draftsman, bookkeeper, project manager and technical assistant.”

As life became less busy, Michalska had more time for herself and began to take photographs. She is a frequent contributor to The Review’s Photo of the Week. She also writes short stories in Polish. Michalska has also become a volunteer with four local organizations. They are Eco East, Arks Harvest, the Champlain Library and the Refuge-Les Chevaux D’Espoir shelter for horses.

Michalska said helping at the horse shelter is not only a volunteering opportunity, but a place to relax. She also believes volunteering and connecting with others is part of the sharing economy.

“Once per week, I have a conversation with a person who does not speak English or French very well, and a chat in Polish is very important. Sharing time is a part of the sharing economy.”

Michalska considers volunteering and community involvement crucial to creativity and life.

“Becoming a volunteer, I realize that I am not alone or different. There is an army of others who think and act the same way. As part of a group, I find myself more creative and stronger.

I believe in the importance of family and small community, the two most crucial entities in our private and professional lives.”

Michalska’s intent is to make change in a small way that has big results.

“I do not want to change the world with big actions; each small step can make a difference, and many small steps may have a big impact.”

Is volunteering easy? Not always, Michalska said.

“Each team member is different on the surface, but deep down, we follow the same principles and goals,” she remarked.

Michalska said she has made mistakes as a volunteer, but that does not change her opinion that any challenge or obstacle is an opportunity to learn and have a new experience.