Justas Gusčius is a third-year student, studying Psychology at LCC International University. He is a 23-year-old Lithuanian, born and raised in Klaipėda. We have interviewed him to hear more about his journey, relationships, and decisions.

How did you hear about LCC and why did you want to study here?

I have known about LCC for a long time. My cousin Dominykas, who is a 2005 LCC alumnus, suggested I consider LCC as a place to study. Before actually enrolling at LCC, I was looking at several options for what I should choose. I decided to study here since it is located in my hometown and the format of studies is in my first foreign language – English.

What do you like about LCC and Klaipėda?

I am a relatively consistent person; I need routine in my life. LCC is a great place and it is located right in my hometown where my family is, as well as my friends and the places I have known my whole life.

I was not expecting to make friends with my professors when arriving at LCC. Yet I have befriended Joe Harder, Deborah Van Duin, and Scott Stewart, who have shown me the potential I have for knowledge and education. I admire Joe Harder for his knowledge on many matters, from philosophy to history, Deborah for her Canadian sense of humor and critical thinking, and Scott Stewart for his competence and discipline in life.

I have also found some people who share the same fundamental ideas about life with me, which gives me the motivation to move forward in what I do. The most important thing was to continue building my competence.

What was your life like before starting your studies at LCC?

When I graduated from high school, I immediately moved to Norway for work. I received a job in Jamie Oliver’s Italian restaurant and worked in the kitchen for more than two years. That was one of the most encouraging things in my life. I saw the value of education and what hard labor looks like, which seriously motivated me to think about what I want and need.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I am quite creative, which makes it difficult to settle and work towards one particular field of interest consistently. I like to understand the world around me and I try to acquire knowledge through literature or videos about history, philosophy, and psychology. I am also really interested in martial arts. I would like to try Brazilian jiu-jitsu or Muay Thai in the future. Also, I play guitar and drums from time to time. I started playing guitar back in 2016, following later with drums that came along in 2019.

You were a student leader before. Tell us about your experience in that.

I really enjoyed the first days of Orientation week. It was exciting to help people adapt at LCC. It gave me some consideration on whether I want to work with people in the future. It was not the practical experience that motivated me but rather the different ideas I acquired through my FYS experience. I really admire Hailey Altena, who was leading the Student Success Center. She did an exceptional job in helping me and other student leaders with her mentorship. The best thing I learned was to take responsibility for myself and for my life, which I  believe all people must do.  

Finally, when asked about his ambitions and aspirations, Justas shares that he likes to take one step at a time. He is not sure what he wants to do in the future, but his current focus is to graduate from LCC.

As for the LCC’s 30th anniversary, Justas wishes for LCC “to continue on, developing the vision within the values that LCC upholds!”