You started working at the Institute just a few days ago. How did you join the IIRPS VU community? 

Yes, I started working just a few days ago, but I had already touched the IIRPS VU community in the spring when I organised the IIRPS staff experiential studies with Laura, a psychologist at the time. I believe that every day, I will be able to build more and more trusting relationships, join in, get involved in different activities, and be an added part of the IIRPS community. 

You spent twelve years in the USA. What did you do, and how does your experience help you in Lithuania?

My life in the USA has enriched me in every sense – knowledge, skills, experience, and internal preparedness. I learned a lot, and today, I apply it both in my professional and personal life. I have learned to invest in my profession and competencies and to be loyal to my profession and to my values. Also, my internal preparedness (self-motivation and self-discipline) has become a habit to always do the best I can at the time and to always pursue ambitious goals.  

What does a typical working day look like for you?

A typical day starts with planning, reviewing emails, getting up to speed on urgent and important tasks, and prioritising, organising, and implementing them. At work, I always have to be flexible and adapt to possible changes (e.g., crisis cases, consultations, meetings with the community wellnes department team). 

How do you relax after a stressful day? What does your free time look like in general?

After a hard day’s work, I always take a shower with alternating hot and cold water. In my spare time, I like cycling, jogging, and listening to audiobooks. I like to spend time with my family. And the most relaxing thing I do is read books, and I especially love detective stories.  

You are currently running a variety of workshops related to career, self-discovery and fulfilling your potential. You are also doing psychological counseling in several institutions. How often do young people seek help? Why is this important?

Today, I definitely see a growing trend to seek help. People of all ages are coming forward. Young people are more likely to seek help to better understand themselves and their feelings, to be able to regulate themselves, to motivate themselves, to make decisions, to learn new ways of behaving, to empower their potential, and to have a balance between education, work and personal life. 

What would you wish for the IIRPS VU community?

I would wish the IIRPS VU community togetherness, trust, responsibility and cohesion.