My name is Eglė Markus and I am from Chicago, Illinois. I am currently studying for a bachelor's in Healthcare Management at St. Louis University and I am in my final year. I came to Lithuania to do my internship at the Ministry of Health in Vilnius, with a focus on teenage mental health.
I came to Lithuania this summer in search of new opportunities and to experience Lithuania from a new perspective. It had been a few years since I last visited Lithuania, and I was excited to return to my homeland. Every year I had previously visited Lithuania, I went to visit family and spend time with them. This year I was excited to explore the country as an individual and gain knowledge on what the business and cultural world is like outside of the family structure. Lithuania holds my cultural background and much of my history that I have not been able to experience for most of my life, so, to me, Lithuania is where my roots are. For much of my life, Lithuania felt very far removed from me, but I am very thankful that through this program I was able to fully reconnect and be completely immersed in Lithuania as an individual for the summer.
I chose this internship at the Ministry of Health because I wanted to explore the different perspectives on healthcare and public health compared to that of America. Working on a project for mental health among Lithuanian youths allowed me to see the changing perspectives on mental health in general among Lithuanians, who are realizing the importance of psychological wellbeing. This internship allowed me the freedom to approach these topics and learn more about them, utilizing my knowledge and expertise to complete projects I was proud of. It also allowed me to form an independence that drove me to complete my work to the best of my ability.
Bring Together Lithuania is a perfect balance of the business, cultural, and leisure life in Lithuania. This program was dedicated to progressing our own professional and personal lives through opportunities and experiences that left a large impact on all of us. I do not think you could find a program capable of integrating you into Lithuanian culture and the job market as well as this program was able to. It was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and I would recommend it to any young Lithuanian who wants to return to Lithuania, even if it is just for the summer.
Bring Together Lithuania was an experience full of opportunity, innovative/creative minds, thrilling adventures, and long lasting friendships.
I was hoping to have real world experience working in the public health realm as well as see how different countries approach these epidemics. Throughout this experience, I was able to put my individual capabilities into projects relating to teenage mental health. It was a great experience to help me form my independent skills and form an understanding of the different skills and interventions that go into public health management.
It is difficult to choose just one moment throughout this experience that was the most memorable for me because it all came together to form an unforgettable experience. If I had to choose, however, I would say that flying with hot air balloons was a beautiful and memorable experience that I am so grateful for. Seeing the beauty of Vilnius from so high up was a once in a lifetime experience and left a wonderful impression on me. Thank you to Bring Together Lithuania for all of the amazing adventures and opportunities!
