How did you choose to study at IIRPS VU? What are your most memorable study moments? 

The choice of studies was a difficult decision for me, as it is for many graduates. For me, coming from a different linguistic background and speaking Lithuanian only since 2017, it was even more difficult. I have always been actively involved in different activities at my gymnasium, but choosing to study political science seemed like the best compromise that would combine my interests, knowledge and creativity. Now, after 2 years of studying, I have realised that the people around me have a big influence on my studying experience. The IIRPS community, which brings together different individuals in one institute, has become a real home for me, where I feel free to do what interests me and what I care about as a person.  

You are the Integration Process coordinator of the VU SR IIRPS, you organised the freshmen camp and take care of other integration activities, how is it going? What else can the first-year students expect? 

My path in integration started with mentoring first-year students. The experience with the first foreign undergraduate students at the Institute made me realise how important the adaptation process of new students is for the whole community. When I took on the position of Coordinator of the Integration Process, I decided that the community needed to continue to widen its circle and to integrate foreign students on the same level as local ones. Our camp “MTV SUMMIT”, which we organised and ran in English this year, was a wonderful event that made all the first-year students feel welcome in our institute. I hope that the upcoming integration week with the orienteering race will be a great opportunity for new students to feel like real members of the community. 

You are a Board Member of the World Lithuanian Youth Association, could you tell us about the activities of this organisation? How did you join it? 

I came back to Lithuania 6 years ago from Kaliningrad, so I am a foreign Lithuanian. Even though I live here, I understand myself as a World Lithuanian, because there are many Lithuanians from abroad in my environment since my school years. And the number is only growing, because in the last two years I started to participate in the World Lithuanian Youth Association events. This year I participated in the World Lithuanian Youth Congress in the USA and Canada. Before it even started, I realised that I wanted to be more active in this area and become a voice for Eastern Regions’ Lithuanians in this organisation. Therefore, I decided to run for the position of Board Member, was elected, and am currently working on resolutions and motions that touch on the areas of interest to me – Ukraine’s resistance to Russian aggression, information on the situation of Lithuanians in the Eastern Regions, and the referendum on dual citizenship, which will take place on 12 May 2024.  

Tell us about your hobbies, how do you spend your free time? 

My free time is fully devoted to organisations, but apart from being active in them I am interested in human rights issues and LGBTQ+ culture. I am a vocalist, a dancer, and therefore I actively participate in events that take place inside or outside the Institute. I like to spend informal time with people who are studying at the IIRPS or who work in the same VU SR team with me.  

What advice do you have for first year students? 

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! Study time is about getting to know your strengths and weaknesses. Don’t be intimidated by the start of your studies and the load of information – in the future you will be able to take from it what is most important to you. Talking on the most significant capacities in terms of studies – time management is the most important skill for studying at the IIRPS. The studies themselves allow you to work and study freely at the same time, but you need to keep in mind the upcoming exams and think about future prospects.  

What would you like to wish the IIRPS VU community? 

I would like to wish the IIRPS VU community to continue to thrive, grow and reach new heights. The last two years have shown that we can be “international” in the true sense of the word. Let’s cherish the beauty that comes from all our differences and let’s keep working together for the sake of our institute!