Michal Daszkiewicz

At LSU, Michal Daszkiewicz fulfilled his dream of competing in one of the nation's most prestigious swimming conferences while earning a top-tier education. The challenge of balancing academics and athletics helped him strengthen skills such as time management, perseverance, and adaptability, qualities that have shaped his success.

"I was told by my mom that if you want to succeed in life, you need to do what most people fail to do in their pursuit of success: outwork everyone around you and remain consistent in your efforts. Success doesn't go to the most talented—it goes to the most dedicated."

Michal's dedication is evident in every facet of his life—his study of economics, his role on the LSU Swimming and Diving team, and his commitment to community service.

To Michal, economics is more than just theories and statistics; he sees the field as a tool for understanding how policies shape societies and impact lives. He also believes that access to education comes with an obligation to society.

"I believe that individuals who have completed higher education should guide those who have no experience in understanding how economic factors work. Unfortunately, nowadays, it's not always the case. The best example is the crisis from 2008 when educated people took advantage of the most vulnerable members of our society for their own gain. The biggest issue that economics is currently facing is how to minimize the impact of politicians' decisions."

His perspective on economics has been influenced by his hometown, Oświęcim, Poland—a city whose history is deeply tied to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Growing up in a place with such a significant history provided a deep awareness of how economic policies and political decisions can shape the fate of entire societies.

"This unique upbringing instilled in me a passion for understanding how economic policies can either stabilize societies or lead to devastating outcomes, fueling my decision to pursue economics as my field of study."

Michal's passion for improving his community goes beyond academics. In Baton Rouge, he volunteered at the LSU Food Pantry and participated in the Halloween BooZar. In Poland, he has served as a volunteer coach for younger swimmers. He also helped organize hippotherapy sessions for children with mental challenges. His involvement in these initiatives reflects his belief in using his skills and knowledge to create a meaningful impact.

Michal's academic journey is far from over. He credits economics and management faculty with fueling his intellectual curiosity and preparing him for the next stage of his education.

"Thanks to their hard work and dedication, my curiosity grew, and I gained plenty of useful knowledge that prepared me to pursue a graduate degree."

With a strong foundation in economics, Michal is ready to take the next step in his career. Following graduation, he will complete a summer internship in San Diego with a company specializing in AI and its applications to healthcare economics. Afterward, he will move to Switzerland to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Lugano.

As he continues to broaden his knowledge and pursue solutions to economic challenges, Michal remains committed to using his expertise for the greater good. His curiosity, dedication, and passion for making a difference enable him to leave a lasting impact on the world through economics.