It is hard to leave ESN after everything you went through together. Even you are already graduated, having a full-time job and organizing your free time more carefully than ever before. Probably there is no other ESN Lithuania’s member who could prove it more than Julius Zaburas – the one who did not only create a shelter for graduated ESNers in Lithuania, but also less than a week before was elected as the Head Coordinator of ESN LT Alumni Network for the second time in a row. Let’s talk, why ESN and why for so long.

Hello, Julius! How the summer is going? Does even this period have something in common with ESN?

Hello, Sandra. Firstly I would like to thank you for being interested in our activity, it means a lot for us. And now about ESN - this summer is very important for the club, because we still have to do many "black work" like creating strategies, visions, mission, some promo... Plus everything must be coordinated along with international Alumni. But now when we have new board we are able to work 100% and I believe that during the next national platform you will see many good changes in ESN LT Alumni.

Which experience or memory from ESN experience you cherish the most? For how long you are in the organization already?

I am in the organisation for almost 2 years and from the very beginning I was working with the social projects. This is why as the best memory is having two Spanish students gathering charity for children with cancer while it was snowing outside and the temperature was below zero. :-) Showing to the people that ERASMUS is not only partying is the biggest reward for me.

What makes you stay? Were these years while being a member of ESN VGTU not enough?

ESN changed my life because I fulfilled many dreams there, using ESN I improved as a person. Now it is time to give something back - my main goal is using my personal experience (together with other Alumni) show how cool ESN is. It is not the secret that we have some problems with the motivation of some sections and hope that our help, support can fix this. Plus in Lithuania volunteering among the young people is not so popular but doing it is awesome, right? Why not to come together and prove it!

How did you get attracted to join the organization?

Hmm, the first idea was to party with ERASMUS students :-) But after few weeks I felt that I can successfully represent my country, that I can CREATE projects which can make other people happy. So this is why I still try to do all of this, even the stupidest ideas in ESN can become true. 

How do you try to attract former members of ESN LT to join Alumni network now?

If to say the true I do not try to attract former members of ESN LT at the moment. Now I just want to find out how many former ESN members are really motivated to work because they naturally need for it. Nobody are forced or pushed to be the member of the Alumni. They must have it in their heart. But as I said before during the summer we are working hard and planning to make it much more attractive by presenting ourselves during the next national platform..

Does the tactic work? How big you are today?

I think yes. Today we have 4 - 5 desired ESN LT Alumni members, totally we have 9 official members. 

What future would you like to see for Alumnies in ESN Lithuania?

Now one of the main goals is to get involved in international arena. This year we must present the national coordinator for ESN Alumni International. Talking about the Lithuania, the club is planning to start working on job vacations for former ESN members which will cover many EU countries. We have many ideas which will be revealed during next NP. :-)

What is the message for all ESNers, who just graduated or planning to do in coming years?

Do not hurry up to become an adult. Think of your dream and follow it. And remember - if you were volunteering in ESN, you are special already - use it! If you still want to feel ESN spirit, we are waiting for you. If not - just remember your friends and colleagues and help them when they need it.

Thank you very much!