ASHLAND — If you happen to see a friendly young man with a European accent walking through your neighborhood this week, don’t be surprised. His name is Simon Bookman Ociepa, a university student from Poland, and he’s spending his final week in Ashland as part of a summer cultural exchange program.
“I’m from Poland, and this is my first time in the United States,” Ociepa said with a smile. “I arrived at the beginning of summer in May for a cultural exchange program, and I’m so excited to be here! This is actually my first week working in Ashland — and I only have one week left before I leave. That’s why I’m trying to meet and help as many families as I can before I go.”
Ociepa is part of an educational initiative that provides families with resources ranging from early-learning books for toddlers to college-prep materials for teenagers. The program allows international students to gain valuable real-world experience while sharing tools that support learning at home.
“I truly believe that learning is one of the most important investments we can make in our future,” Ociepa said. “I’d love the chance to share more and see how the educational system we are showing and selling can support families’ educational goals.”
Community Awareness
The Mansfield Police Department recently posted a community notice to help residents better understand the program. The message reassured the public that Simon — and another exchange student, Artur, who was working in Mansfield earlier this summer — are legitimate participants in a licensed exchange program. Both obtained the proper vendor’s permits through the City of Mansfield and the City of Ashland.
The department encouraged residents not to be alarmed if they see the students knocking on doors during the day. Instead, they invited people to take a moment to say hello and learn about the cultural exchange.
For Ociepa, who admits he sometimes worries his “funny accent” might confuse people, the experience has been overwhelmingly positive.
“I’m meeting with a lot of families in Ashland every day, and it’s a truly wonderful community,” he said. “I’m super excited to be here.”
So if Simon shows up in your neighborhood this week, you may want to open the door, greet him, and share a bit of Ashland hospitality. After all, his journey here is short — and the memories he carries back to Poland will be long-lasting.
