As a bachelors student of International Business Administration, Skute hopes to receive his degree in 2014. He also currently works for a local IT company as their Web Content Manager.
What do you do exactly for the ESN?
I manage the ESN website along with its Facebook and Twitter accounts. I also create and distribute the newsletter every two weeks which goes out to 600 students. In addition, I make promotional material for our activities, and in September I helped welcome new international students during Introduction Week.
There are seven ESN board members and I like the teamwork. This year, we have decided to focus on trying to include and integrate Dutch students into our network.
What made you decide to become an ESN board member?
Now that I’ve been in the Netherlands for a year, I understand the problems and issues international students face when they arrive. I’m glad to be able to help. I like to communicate with people and I enjoy the international atmosphere.
How do you like studying in the Netherlands?
I like the Dutch people very much. They are more secure about their future and expectations, so they are happy. If you feel safe in your future, then I think you can be happy.
Anything you miss about Latvia?
I miss the historical architecture that you can find in almost any city. I also miss the nature. In Latvia, there is a lot more space to be alone with your thoughts.
You are also a professional swimmer. What do you like about the sport?
You can be working at school all day and then go to three hours of swim practice, but you aren’t tired afterwards, because it is relaxing and helps you develop discipline, time management, and responsibility. Besides, you become physically stronger.
You also write poetry?
Yes, I started when I was 14 and was encouraged by my teacher to contribute to the class magazine. It is a way for me to share my feelings and express those emotions.
Do you have a favourite poet?
I love the Russian poet Iosif Brodskly. He’s a Russian Jewish poet who emigrated to the U.S.A. and won the Nobel Prize in Literature. He has a specific view of life which you can read in his poems. His poetry can also be political. One of my favourite poems that he wrote is Rotterdam Diary.
You are part Russian and Latvian, are you more one or the other?
I feel more Russian. That is one thing about the recent history of our country; we still have our memories from World War II. Some people were for the German side and some for the Russians. You can still find World War II bombs and bullets in the rural areas. Many of our grandparents still have their stories to tell. This is what I like about history and trying to find the truth.
Catherine Ann Lombard
Photo caption:Skute encourages everyone to join the ESN country presentations
on 22 November at 20:30. ‘Come to the Vestingbar and learn more about China and the Czech Republic.’
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