Science Fiction Literature in the VILNIUS TECH Library

Love from university days does not rust - this is something the heroes of this article unanimously agree on. For them, VILNIUS TECH (then Vilnius Gediminas Technical University) provided not only education, a circle of long-lasting friends, and countless beautiful memories, but also love.  Emilija Gaveniene and Marius Gavenas not only met here, but also got engaged during the diploma awarding ceremony - an event later even broadcasted on national television.  First of all, tell us how you met each other and your love story began. Emilija: Our story began completely by chance. In the summer of 2013, after finishing school, I received a call from the Student Representation of the Faculty of Transport Engineering. They invited me, a first-year student, to a freshmen camp. Without much hesitation, I agreed, although I had been admitted to the Entertainment Industries study program at the Faculty of Creative Industries. I clearly remember seeing Marius on the main university stairs when I arrived - his appearance and self-confidence caught my attention. At the first-year student camp, there was a presentation of the student representation. After the event, we sat together on a bench and talked for about half an hour about the representation and life choices. After the camp, we each returned to our student routine, until we met again on May 8, 2015, at the student representation anniversary. That evening we danced, and since then we’ve been inseparable. Marius: Emilija still does not believe it, but I noticed her during the very first introduction game at the freshmen camp in Aukstadvarys. The shy Samogitian girl somehow caught my attention, and in the evening sitting on the bench was not quite as accidental as it seems. Marius, you proposed during the graduation ceremony. Why did you decide to propose in this way? Were you nervous in front of such a large audience? Marius: It turned out that this proposal perfectly summarized the study cycle. We met on Emilija’s first day at the university and committed to each other on the last. I was not only studying but also actively involved in the student representation, so I felt a special connection to the Alma Mater. [caption id="attachment_122391" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Emilija ir Marius[/caption] As for the idea itself, I was never afraid of attention, and I was not scared by it until the very last moment. Only when I was already kneeling and people started cheering did I become very emotional, and I am not even sure if I managed to say the standard “Will you marry me?” Also, I must thank the university staff who encouraged me when I doubted whether it was a good idea. Emilija, was this move unexpected? Or did you suspect something? Emilija: At that time we were living separately, so it was a complete surprise. We had been together for about three years, so I secretly sometimes dreamed about engagement. The only small hint was that the evening before the proposal Marius asked what my favorite song was. But I really could not have guessed it would happen during the graduation ceremony. Your proposal video became very popular on social media and was even featured in various media outlets. Did this bring additional emotions? Emilija: The emotions were overflowing! We also received a lot of media attention - we were shown on LRT news, on the show “Good Morning, Lithuania,” and radio stations called us. We were happy to share our joy. Marius: The attention was unexpected. When planning it, I definitely did not think it would become so public. Friends joked that I should have put an advertisement on my back and monetized it. How did your story continue? Emilija: Soon after the engagement we moved in together into our first shared apartment. A year later, in 2018, we had a big wedding, where Marius prepared a slideshow presentation telling our story. It was the highlight of the celebration. Later we bought our first home, and five years later we had our daughter Beata. She fills our lives daily with laughter, joy, and maturity. [caption id="attachment_122387" align="alignnone" width="1361"] Emilija ir Marius[/caption] How do you live now? How has your love grown? What is your professional field? Emilija: We are currently in a mature stage of love - family health and peace have become the most important things. We enjoy parenthood but still make time for each other. Our daughter Beata is 2.5 years old, so we are growing together with her. I recently returned from maternity leave and work as a senior customer service manager at Lindstrom. Like many mothers, I combine work and family. Marius: A friend wished us at our wedding: “May you always have something to look forward to.” That really helps. We have future plans and are moving toward them. Thanks to Emilija’s enthusiasm, we travel a lot, and traveling strengthens our relationship and deepens love. Professionally, I develop technical sales projects, where my engineering education and confidence gained in student representation help a lot. Do you think university love really does not rust? Do you know other couples who met at university and are still together? Emilija: I think we are living proof that it truly does not rust - on the contrary, it only gets stronger. We have many friends who also met at university and are still together. [caption id="attachment_122393" align="alignnone" width="1707"] Emilija ir Marius Gavėnai su dukrele[/caption] Marius: Where else do people meet anyway? What would you wish to the VILNIUS TECH community as former students? Emilija: We wish current and future students to be curious, active, and boldly engage in university life. Do not overthink every life choice, but rather enjoy everyday life - you never know where or when you might meet your life partner. Marius: I highly recommend using student status. While being a student, a lot is allowed and much is forgiven, so it is the best time to try yourself in different fields, go on Erasmus+ exchange, work different jobs, and try hobbies. Prepared by: Egle Kirliauskaite-Blazeviciene Photos: from personal archive

Following the end of the spring semester, VILNIUS TECH bid farewell to Erasmus+ and other exchange program students who studied at the university, explored Lithuanian culture, and became a part of the VILNIUS TECH community. This semester, the VILNIUS TECH community was joined by 402 students from various countries around the world – 265 arrived for one semester, and 137 participated in blended intensive programs. While studying at the university, they deepened their professional knowledge, took part in practical classes, project activities, university events, and social initiatives. During their studies, they also had the opportunity to explore Vilnius and Lithuania, travel, discover new cultures, and forge friendships that, as they themselves note, will continue even after the mobility period ends. The university community also played a significant role in the students' experience. Those arriving for the semester were guided by the VILNIUS TECH International Relations Office team, the Vice-Deans for Internationalization, and the ESN VILNIUS TECH organization, all of whom helped them seamlessly integrate into university life and get to know Vilnius. At the end of the semester, students shared their impressions about studying at VILNIUS TECH. Many emphasized that their mobility experience was not just an academic opportunity, but also a vital stage of personal growth. "My Erasmus experience in Vilnius completely exceeded all my expectations, both personally and academically. I am leaving with a backpack full of memories, laughter, travels, and enormous personal growth," says Valentina Iriarte Perez from University of Granada, Spain. "What really stood out was the teaching staff. Every professor I spoke to had fantastic English, and the whole university community was incredibly friendly and always willing to help. Choosing VILNIUS TECH was one of the best decisions I've made and I'd highly recommend it to any future exchange student," shares Adam Biciste from Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic. "Being surrounded by international students every day taught me so much about other cultures and about myself. This experience gave me a much broader perspective on both life and my future career," tells Oleksandra Halahan from Lviv Polytechnic National University, Ukraine. "My Erasmus experience broadened my horizons and helped me grow significantly as a person. I would highly recommend it to any student seeking a unique and rewarding journey," says Acai Arman, Naval Academy „Mircea cel Bătrân“, Romania. "My time at VILNIUS TECH was much more than studying abroad. It was a journey of personal growth, cultural exploration, friendship, and creative development. Lithuania truly became my second home," shares YuChieh Hsu from National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (Taiwan). We thank all incoming international exchange students for their active participation in university life. We wish them the best of luck in their future studies and professional careers, and we hope that VILNIUS TECH and Lithuania will always remain a place you will want to return to.