Humans of IIRPS VU. Oona Shaw
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Oona Shaw, a second-year student from the USA at IIRPS VU, shares her impressions of studying and living in Lithuania.
You came here to study from the United States of America. Tell us, how did you find out about the IIRPS VU, and what led you here?
When applying to universities I knew that I wanted to go outside of the United States and study international politics in an international environment. However, I owe all my thanks to my mother, without her help, I would never have found out about Vilnius University and IIRPS. She was researching universities throughout Europe and realized that an actor from one of her favorite shows attended VU. With a bit of research on programs and majors, we found IIRPS VU and “Politics of Global Challenges”. It checked all my boxes, it was a strong and unique program, and the location of the university created an international environment that would deepen my studies. On top of everything, both the university and city presented me with the opportunity to learn languages I was interested in. I applied, was accepted, and flew out to visit Lithuania in the dead of February (spoiler- it was freezing).
After visiting the university and the city I was sold. I knew I would be pushed out of my comfort zone and would have to overcome many challenges, but it only motivated me further. What started as a mere coincidence turned into the experience of a lifetime.
You are a second-year student in the Politics of Global Challenges program. What aspects do you like the most, and what lessons have you already learned?
I like how the program challenges me, I’m able to develop new skills and learn about topics I am interested in. Each semester I can select workshops and individual courses, which lets me specialize and pursue my interests. I really enjoy the hands-on aspects of the course, where I can apply aspects of my studies to real-life situations. As tedious as they can be I really enjoy conducting interviews for research projects. A large portion of my work is based on concepts and texts, so seeing real life applications of politics is refreshing and helps me to better incorporate new perspectives into my studies.
I have learned that when studying politics, you need to be as open as possible, even to things you would never expect. When I heard that I would be taking a coding and statistics-based class my second semester, I freaked out. Math was never really my strong suit, and I did not know how I would handle a topic I had been so adamant on avoiding. However, with plenty of trial and error and countless emails, I made it through the class. As cliche as it sounds, I learned that being afraid of messing up gets you nowhere. When you are challenged by the ideas and world around you, you must face those challenges headfirst.
It seems that you are also an active student, involved in mentorship and other student activities. Why do you think this is important?
Building up a strong community has made the last two years of my life so much brighter. Finding purpose within organizations such as VU SR motivated me both in my personal and academic life, and I was able to build up a community that gave me a sense of fulfilment. I have met amazing people and formed some of my closest friendships. I’m able to work on projects that I’m passionate about, and by becoming a mentor, I helped students take their first steps into university life.
For many students, going into university can be very overwhelming. You are in a new place, surrounded by new people and it is very easy to do nothing but school. Though this may work for some, it can also be very isolating. Finding and creating a community is one of the most important things a student can do. This is especially true for international students, whose community can easily become a lifeline. Student activities create a community separate from school and work, they become the place you go when your day-to-day routine gets hard.
Though many may find passion in their studies, I believe that finding purpose outside of work and school is key to a fulfilling university experience. I understand that people may overlook student organizations and clubs, but you should never underestimate the importance of community.
How do you find Lithuania? Do you see yourself living here after you graduate?
I really enjoy living in Lithuania, I have made amazing friends, and I love living in Vilnius. Coming from the US, I’m used to a city being built around cars, even when I visited other European cities before moving to Lithuania nothing compares to living fulltime in such a walkable and people centric city. I Love seeing the city throughout all the seasons, and I’ve truly made myself a second home in Vilnius, (I even adopted a cat!). Though I cannot predict the future, I see myself moving back to the states after I graduate. The United States Is going headfirst into a both a national and international political crisis, and diverse perspectives are needed now more than ever. I want to use the knowledge and skills I have learned from my studies at IIRPS VU and Living in Lithuania make my country a better place and help those who need it most.
How do you spend your leisure time? Do you have any specific hobbies or interests?
Recently I have been spending most of my free time with my cat, Bow. I adopted him in November and having him to cozy up with during the colder months has been amazing. When it comes to hobbies, I enjoy drawing and painting, and I’ve recently been trying to get back into acrylic paintings and portraits. I went to a creative and performing arts high school, so I’ve had a love for visual arts for years. Coming into university I haven’t been able to spend as much time on art as I would like, but recently I am trying to make more time for myself to be creative. Whether it’s a doodle on my notes or a collage of stickers on my computer, a creative outlet helps me release my university stress. I’m hoping that this year I can improve my art, and that with my painting supplies back in Vilnius I can create work that I am proud of.
What would you wish for the IIRPS VU community?
The world of politics can be both beautiful and brutal, and IIRPS VU is a community that embraces all sides and meanings of this world. The IIRPS VU community is filled with a diverse mix of individuals, values, and beliefs. With a constant influx of people and ideas it is especially important to be understanding and open when faced with new perspectives. This community is as strong as it is today because of its environment of mutual respect and understanding, and that environment must be fostered. My wish for the VU community is to continue to learn from each other and constantly seek out new experiences. To continue to respect one another, not be afraid to speak up for what we believe in, and most importantly intolerance must never be tolerated.
