Austėja from Lithuania

Austėja boarded at Truro School from 2016 – 2020 where she achieved A-Levels in Economics (A), History (A) and Mathematics (B). She is now in her final year at Erasmus University studying Economics with a major in Finance.

For Austėja, boarding at Truro School was more than just an education – it was a transformative experience that prepared her for university life and shaped her into the person she is.

“Boarding school was such an important time in my life. It’s where I really started to figure out who I am, understanding my strengths, my weaknesses, and just becoming more self-aware in general,” she reflects. Being surrounded by peers day and night taught her how to navigate complex social dynamics, build strong friendships, and develop a sense of adaptability and resilience.

But perhaps the most lasting lesson was learning how to be independent. “You learn so much about yourself and others when you’re living with the same people 24/7. I came away with a real sense of adaptability, patience, and teamwork, but most of all, I learned how to be independent. Those are the things that have really stuck with me,” she says. These essential qualities have become the foundation of her university success at Erasmus, helping her navigate both academic and social life.

One of her most significant roles at Truro School was being Head of House in her final year, a leadership position she embraced wholeheartedly. “Being Head of House for the senior girls’ boarding house was a privilege and a challenge. It taught me how to serve as a bridge between students and teachers, listening to concerns and communicating effectively with both sides. This skill has been incredibly useful in my current roles at Erasmus, particularly when I need to communicate with supervisors and committee members on the association board,” she explains.

Her leadership didn’t stop at being Head of House; she was also a member of the Senior Prefect team. These experiences, she notes, laid the groundwork for her current involvement at Erasmus University. “Knowing how to listen to everyone’s opinions and find compromises that suit all has been invaluable. It’s a skill I use regularly in committee work, whether it’s brainstorming ideas, managing a budget, or planning events for the Well-being Committee.”

Academically, her time at Truro School was equally pivotal. Studying Economics, Maths, and History at A-Level provided her with a solid foundation for the rigors of university life, particularly in economics and finance. “One of the biggest advantages I noticed after speaking with my friend from Lithuania, who completed their education there, was the language. While they speak English well, they struggled to understand specific economic terms since they’d learned them in Lithuanian, making the switch to English challenging. Because I studied Economics, Maths, and History for my A-level, I had already made that adjustment, so I didn’t need to waste time adapting,” she recalls.

This head start proved invaluable during her first year at Erasmus, where the courses are intensive and fast-paced. “The economics course at university is quite different from what we learned at A-Level Economics, but having that basic understanding helped me feel less lost during my first year,” she notes.

The structure of the university’s curriculum requires students to keep up with their studies at all times. Thanks to her education at Truro School, she was well-prepared for this demanding environment. “I didn’t find it too difficult to adapt to the university workload, thanks to my time at Truro School. We were always encouraged to take responsibility for our own learning, manage our workload effectively, and be organised. These skills have been crucial for me.”

When talking about the teachers, she commented, “All the teachers I had at Truro School were incredible, they genuinely cared about our education, always encouraged us to do our best, and were more than happy to help. I had never experienced that level of dedication at any school before attending Truro School.”

One teacher, in particular, had a profound impact on her decision to pursue economics: Mr. Whatley, her Truro School A-level economics teacher. “He had the greatest influence on my choice to study economics. His lessons were incredibly engaging and he clearly loved what he was teaching and wanted us to share in his passion. He also taught us invaluable skills, like active recall learning and staying organised with our work, methods I still use to this day,” she recalls.

Outside of her studies and leadership roles, Austėja also makes time to unwind and pursue her personal interests. “These days, I’ve been doing quite a bit of reading, a mix of fiction and self-improvement books. I’ve also taken up ballroom dancing this autumn, which has been a lot of fun. On weekends, when I have more free time, I like to go swimming, and I try to cook for myself and my friends.”

Looking ahead, Austėja is still exploring her career options. “At the moment, I’m not entirely sure what I want to do after university because I’m interested in both finance and marketing, which are quite different fields. My plan is to finish my bachelor’s, gain some work experience or do an internship in those areas, and see which one I enjoy more” she says.

As she looks back on her time at Truro School, it’s clear that the lessons learned in boarding – independence, resilience, leadership, and adaptability – have carried her far in her journey.

Whether she’s leading a committee, navigating the academic pressures of university, or simply making time for personal growth, the values she gained at Truro School continue to guide her toward success.