You graduated from IIRPS VU with a Bachelor’s degree and are currently a Master’s student; how did you choose to study at the Institute? 

When I graduated from IIRPS VU with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, I immediately knew that I would continue my Master’s studies only at the Institute. I was impressed by both the quality of the studies and the sense of community in the corridors of the Institute. However, I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to continue my studies now or take a gap year. However, encouraged by my family and friends, I applied for the Master’s degree, and when I got a positive answer, there was no turning back.  

How did you decide to continue your studies at the Institute, and why did you choose the MA in Politics and Media?

I won’t lie, I was considering several Master’s programmes offered by IIRPS VU, but the Politics and Media programme seemed to be the closest to my heart. This programme combines everything from the philosophical background to the construction of political campaigns. However, I suspect that the choice was also influenced by the fact that I myself have worked in the cultural field for a long time, and, as we know, politics and culture are inseparable from media.  

You are currently the Youth Affairs Coordinator of Trakai District Municipality; what are your goals in this position?

Although I have only been working as the Youth Coordinator of Trakai District Municipality for a few months, youth policy issues, especially at the municipal level, have been important for a long time. As I mentioned before, I have been working for a long time and still work, although not as intensively, in the field of culture: I am the organiser of cultural events at the Lentvaris Culture House. As soon as I started working at the Culture House, I noticed that our young people were very reluctant to get involved in both cultural and social activities in the district. Therefore, one of our main objectives was to empower young people to act.  

This is what I was striving for as a member of the Youth Council of Trakai District Municipality and what I am striving for now in my new position. Youth policy has always been close to my heart, and I am pleased to be able to contribute to its implementation in my district.  

You are active in the Lentvaris Culture House and other activities; what is your current activity that makes you the happiest?

Yes, although my main priority now is to encourage the youth of our region, I am not neglecting the cultural sphere either. Working in the field of culture, I often face various challenges, but the experience I have gained over the years as a cultural events organiser makes it easy to overcome them. However, I cannot name one activity that I enjoy the most. I can only confirm that achieving goals, implementing projects or organising successful events is always a pleasure.  

What does your leisure time look like?

How can I put it… My leisure time doesn’t seem to be much fun at the moment because, with two jobs and a Master’s degree, I don’t have much time for myself. However, as soon as I have a free evening or weekend, I try to spend it with my family and friends. At the moment, a friend and I have discovered a fun activity – breaking out of escape rooms. I suggest anyone who hasn’t been to one to try it: you will have a fun and intellectual time.  

In fact, I have promised myself that I will return to regular sports, so I hope that our conversation will encourage me to keep my promises.  

What would you like to wish the IIRPS VU community?

Being at the Institute makes me feel at home, so I wish that every member of the IIRPS VU community feels welcome here. I believe that our community will continue to grow and get stronger!