We found a philologist: Anna Chumak

After a long break, the rubric "We found a philologist" ("Radom filologą") is finally back! This year it’s a little different - students and people close to the world of philology in general are joining the circle of interview participants, each of whom has an individual view on linguistic, literary and life matters. This time we are interviewing Anna Chumak, a foreign student from Ukraine. Anna studies German Philology and her favorite book is "South of the Border, West of the Sun" by Haruki Murakami. Why? Find out by reading the interview and learn even more amazing things about Anna!

- The most joyful memory from your childhood is...?

- My 7th birthday. I guess it’s the best one I've ever had. My elder brother and his best friend arranged for me a huge show with bubbles. Then I had some kind of quest to get my gift and, of course, a huge cake in the shape of doll with stunning dress on it.

- What is your favorite book and why?

- "South of the Border, West of the Sun" written by Haruki Murakami. I personally adore this writer. I never fail to be impressed by the way he describes feeling and emotions. Also, I compare myself with the main character and see so many similarities. This wise and beautiful book is full of hidden truths, but perhaps this is the most essential one, unbearable though it may be to contemplate.

- What is your motto?

- "A negative mind will never give you a positive life". To me, it means that you are what you think about. If you mostly focus on negative things, you’re more likely to have a negative life. And vice versa. Having a positive mindset will help you to be at the top of the branching pattern, looking down at the progress you made rather that at the bottom trying to climb your way up.

- Favorite thing about German culture and why did you choose to study German Philology in particular?

- German culture is unique and rich on history. It actually made an impact on Europe and played a big role in its history. Germany is also known for being the country of poets, writers and thinkers. I think everyone of us has heard about Goethe, Erich Maria Remarque and Emmanuel Kant. I wanted to know more about this fascinating country and its culture, that’s why I chose studying German philology. Also, German language is very important in business world.

- What was the biggest culture shock for you when you came to Lithuania?

- Actually, I can’t remember things I was shocked by.

- Did you found difficult to adapt to Vilnius University?

- Not at all. Vilnius University community made a lot of events, different seminars and workshops for us to feel as at home. All of the professors are happy to help and will always explain every unclear thing to you.

- What is your favorite historical figure?

- I think it’s Vasyl Stus. It’s a Ukrainian poet, human rights activist and cultural figure who made big impact on society. He was twice arrested but was still ready to fight for freedom. I think I could say that he represents all of the Ukrainians that are fighting for their freedom right now. Also I admire his poems which make you feel pain he went through, his will to fight, will to defend people rights and independence. There is also an incredible lifetime movie by Artem Denysov.

- Do you have a favorite family tradition?

- Of course I have one. Every year me and my family gather together, we write our wishes for a coming year, bind this piece of paper on a sky lantern. Then we light it and let it go up to the sky far away and hoping it brings it to the stars.

- What does art mean to you?

- Art is a spiritual harmony, admiration and even imitation. Art shows us how a person can open up. What are his thoughts, feelings and state of mind. Art is the cognition of a person in his cultural and spiritual world, it is an expression of his feelings through any direction in art. It makes you feel joy and relief.