How did you find out about IIRPS VU? And why did you choose to study Politics of global challenges? 

When I was graduating from a Lithuanian high school and had to make a decision that would be very important for my future, I started thinking a lot and looking for opportunities. All my life, I dreamed of becoming a teacher, but in the last year, my vision changed dramatically, and I realized that I wanted something more, that I could do something more, that I had potential, and so I decided to connect myself with something related to politics or international relations or management. I read about many universities in Lithuania and applied to many places, but everything was related to politics, public policy, diplomacy, and so on. But IIRPS was in the first place because I saw a new program that interested me a lot because I hadn’t seen anything similar anywhere else.

What were the biggest challenges in starting your studies here in Lithuania? At the same time, what has helped you the most in Lithuania? 

The biggest challenge was not to get lost because when I came to a new country when I felt like a stranger, it was very difficult for me to decide what to do next. What is going to happen next? But little by little, I started to get used to it, and new opportunities began to open up for me. But who really helped me to feel extremely comfortable and enjoy my stay in Lithuania was the people. Kind people accepted my family at the very beginning, helped me study at a Lithuanian gymnasium, teachers helped me pass Lithuanian school exams at the university, last year’s VU SR team helped me to unleash my potential, lecturers helped me to understand that my thoughts are valuable, my coursemates and friends helped me to go to university every day with joy, active life, projects, events helped me to feel needed and worthy.

You are studying in person at IIRPS VU and remotely at Mariupol University at the same time; how do you manage to combine both studies? 

I was just lucky in two things: 1) That I study at very similar programs at both these universities and 2) That the workload is not so heavy. Of course, I chose for myself that the main focus in my studies is IIRPS, where I invest in full, do everything and read everything. The fact that MSU has online learning allows me to focus only on exam sessions and do the necessary things only at the end of the semester, so that’s how it works for me.

You are involved in VU SR IIRPS activities, and you are the Social Affairs Coordinator, what are your responsibilities? What are your upcoming goals for this area? 

As a social coordinator, I don’t have a lot of responsibilities, but I have a lot of freedom to do projects to improve student’s life at our institute. This year, we decided that my main focus will be on mental health and psychological self-help. Together with my new team, we already have an idea for a social campaign that we will try to implement. We also have a project in mind to recreate our basement and create a chill zone for students. So that students can spend their free time there, heat up food and so on. And so, my main personal goal is to contribute to the institute community, which has accepted me so warmly.

You are actively involved in activities and discussions aimed at helping Ukrainians; what would you say are the most memorable activities? What could others do today in order to help?  

Yes, I am actively involved in various community events and discussions, and when I had time, I volunteered at the Ukrainian center. The most memorable events I attended were a discussion about the importance of the diaspora, which was attended by representatives of Ukraine, such as the Ambassador, then the First Lady of Lithuania, professors from Lithuanian universities and young people. I also remember the congress of historians from Poland, Lithuania, and Ukraine hosted by the VU, where I learned many common historical moments. I also remember a performance by a Lithuanian director in the old theatre about the tragedy of the Mariupol Drama Theater. In fact, when I communicate with my friends from other countries, I realize that Lithuania is doing the most; the support of Lithuania, especially moral support, is extraordinary. I even brag to my friends about what Lithuania is doing))) What should others do in order to help? Do not forget about the war, stay in the information space, even though it is difficult, and critically analyze events and spread information about them. And also to donate. We are fighting for our and your freedom, and together, we will win.

What does your leisure time look like?

I love Vilnius very much, and I love walking around Vilnius and taking pictures of the streets or some beautiful landscapes. I don’t know, I fell in love with this city. Also, sometimes, I can visit my mom in Kaunas or spend an evening with my friends. Of course, I can spend this time very lazily just sitting on my phone, or vice versa, very actively – going on a trip. Balance is the main thing)))

What would you like to wish the IIRPS VU community?

I wish to develop even further, not to be afraid of changes, to be open to new opportunities, to spend as much time as possible with each other, to share experiences, to feel interconnected, to feel respect and to understand that being part of such a community is an honour and incredible luck, so appreciate it and make your own contributions for improvement. And also just enjoy being a part of it all!