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Michael Murray. Embracing Heritage and Identity: My Journey with the Bring Together Lithuania

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I was born in Chicago, Illinois in 2005 and grew up attending Čikagos Lituanistinė Mokykla, a Lithuanian cultural school on the south side, every Saturday. As a Lithuanian-American and Lithuanian citizen, my Lithuanian culture and language are my greatest pride. My Lithuanian identity was a big part of my life growing up. Some of my most treasured memories were from attending scout camps both in the United States and Lithuania, as well as participating in Lithuanian song and dance festivals. Learning the Lithuanian language was equally as important to me, as I had the chance to spend a few months every summer with my grandparents and my family. Being able to speak with them in our native tongue is always something I am proud of.

I am excited to begin my second year at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service studying international politics and diplomacy. The Bring Together Lithuania program has provided me with unparalleled opportunities to immerse myself within Lithuania’s diplomatic and political spheres. This summer, I completed my internship with Transparency International, one of the world’s most prestigious NGOs fighting against corruption and promoting institutional integrity. Through my work, I had a chance to participate in the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Conference in Vilnius, attended by sitting presidents, diplomats, and political leaders from across the globe. Furthermore, I am thankful to BTLT for the chance to meet with some of the country’s most prominent politicians, ministers, and business leaders, each of whom shared their profound motivations to give back to Lithuania.


Bring Together Lithuania gave me a feeling of belonging. Traveling across the country with the BTLT cohort allowed me to see new parts of Lithuania and immerse myself in the incredibly rich culture and history that Lithuania has to offer. Attending the Lithuanian Song and Dance Festival in Vilnius was also an emotional experience that filled me with pride. Not only was I professionally enriched by such a unique internship experience, but the carefully curated program helped me to connect deeply with such an amazing and welcoming community of Lithuanians from across the world. It was especially rewarding for me to hear how my peers also celebrated their Lithuanian identities in different countries and how we all found commonalities in our roots. I know that I will hold on to these memories and will keep in touch with the close friends I have made for many years to come.


Besides representing my heritage at home, I look forward to traveling again to Lithuania every year to reconnect with my family and spend time in such a beautiful country. I will always remember my time with BTLT as an experience where I felt truly at home in Lithuania. This program means so much to me not only because of the memories I have made this summer; I am proud knowing that when I return to the United States, I will strongly represent Lithuania and my heritage with those around me, in ways both big and small.



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