My Journal

One year ago, I did not know about the atrocities that occurred during World War II in the Baltic countries. The novel, Between Shades of Gray, opened my eyes as I followed Lina through her struggle and deportation. Her determination and selflessness was simply inspiring. I was extremely fortunate to speak at the Nashville Public Library’s event of Between Shades of Gray with the author herself, Ruta Sepetys. Through the video about Lithuanian basketball, I learned about their love of basketball and their identity as a nation. I enjoyed getting to know my pen-pal, Paulius, through email exchange about hobbies and daily activities. I expect the trip to be both fun and educational. I am very fortunate to travel to Lithuania with such an outstanding group of teachers and students from MBA and Harpeth Hall. I think the people will be very glad to hear that students and teachers in the United States are studying the long silenced history of Lithuania. I think the architecture and landscape will be similar to the landscape and architecture here in Nashville, Tennessee. I expect the cities to be much smaller than cities like New York and Los Angeles. I envision smaller, older buildings with hints of modern architecture. I envision the countryside to be green and luscious. I am very eager to meet my pen-pal and spend two days with the students of LSMU! The language and cuisine in Lithuania will be different than the food and language in America, and I am thrilled to get the chance to experience it. The temperature is much colder than the temperature in Nashville, and I am eager to experience a little break from the heat! The transportation in Lithuania I believe would be similar to the United States, for Lithuania and the United States both use cars, trains, boats, and planes. Overall, I think the landscape will be beautiful, the cuisine will be delicious, and the experience will be once in a lifetime.