Paula’s parents moved to Ireland several years ago after receiving a job offer. They didn’t plan to stay for long, but life unfolded in such a way that Paula was born, and in a few years, she will graduate from school right there in Ireland. The girl has never lived in Lithuania, only spending summers there. However, she feels she is Lithuanian and has a strong connection to her parents’ homeland, a connection that makes her consider possible studies in Lithuania.
Parents’ Choice Shaped Paula’s Relationship with the Lithuanian Language
Paula’s connection to Lithuania has been strengthened from an early age through the Lithuanian language, which her parents, upon moving to Ireland, not only didn’t push aside but actively encouraged Paula to learn. As a result, Lithuanian became the language of the family home, largely due to a conscious decision by her parents: “They are against us speaking English at home,” Paula explained.
The family’s approach influenced Paula—she adopted the Lithuanian language and also developed a determination to learn it. She admits it wasn’t easy, but she never seriously considered not learning, as it seemed like a given to her.
Although Paula could speak fluently, she had to learn to read and write. With her parents’ help, lessons began at home. According to Paula, her mother taught her Lithuanian. Later, she continued learning the language at a Lithuanian school: “I started going to a Lithuanian school so I could learn more about writing, reading, speaking, and grammar,” Paula shared.
When she could no longer attend the Lithuanian school, she had to learn independently, but these efforts paid off, as today, Paula speaks, reads, and writes in Lithuanian.
Currently, Paula lives in an Irish environment and doesn’t often encounter other Lithuanians, but both the Lithuanian language and Lithuania itself remain close to her. This is best illustrated by Paula’s reaction to her parents’ encouragement to learn Lithuanian. She accepted it without internal resistance, even though it added to her workload.
Thoughts Torn Between Ireland and Lithuania
Paula has a few years left before finishing school in Ireland, and this is the time when many students begin to actively think about their future. This includes considering study prospects, a topic Paula is also pondering.
She admits that choosing a country in which to study is a tough decision. At the same time, she plans to choose between two options: Lithuania and Ireland.
Having lived in Ireland since birth, Paula knows the environment well and has a solid circle of friends. She likes the country and her life there, but there are unpleasant experiences as well: “Sometimes when people find out I’m not Irish, they start treating me differently, looking at me differently. Meanwhile, in Lithuania, you feel like you belong,” Paula opened up.
On the other hand, Paula doesn’t overly romanticize Lithuania. According to her, some characteristics of Lithuanians make her lean towards choosing Ireland. One such trait is the reserve of Lithuanians: “When you think of Lithuanians, it seems like they are unwelcoming, cold.” However, this isn’t something she experiences all the time, because some encounters in Lithuania, where Paula met friendly and helpful compatriots, push this notion aside.
Her friends in Ireland also influence her indecision. Paula shares that when she told her friends about her desire to move to Lithuania for studies, they reassured her that Ireland offers more opportunities. Understanding that there is some truth in these words, she doesn’t rule out the possibility of studying in Ireland.
Clearly, there are many uncertainties, and a tough decision lies ahead. Among the possible future scenarios, Paula envisions Lithuania as well. In this case, her journey would start with studies, which Paula will soon have to choose.