Announcements
Domas Kalesnykas wins the Dr HH Stewart Literary Prize in German
Congratulations to our student Domas Kalesnykas for winning the Dr HH Stewart Literary Prize in German. We spoke to Domas, who studies German as part of his World Languages degree, about his achievement, his motivation to study German, and his experience at UCC.
What does receiving the Dr H H Stewart Literary Prize mean to you?
Personally, I feel like it pointed out that the effort I was putting into my studies was paying off. I hadn’t expected anything like it, but it was nice to be recognised – I can say that it motivated me to continue moving forward the way I already was. It’s also a good reminder for those that do put in the effort – that they can see it progress them one way or another. Prizes like this show that doing your best is never a bad thing.
What motivated you to pursue a degree in German and languages more generally?
German was one of my favourite classes in secondary school, and throughout the senior cycle I gradually got more attached to the language and all the diverse cultures associated with it. When I decided on my degree, I had it in mind that languages are a way of communicating ideas and ways to get to know people – that’s the baseline for my studies. I want(ed) to explore different perspectives and ways of thinking and languages help me do that.
It challenged me, enough that it kept it interesting and fulfilling. I had also volunteered for European Languages College the summer prior to university, and there I got to collaborate with German peers, and I really enjoyed it. My experiences with languages have been important, and that translates (ha-ha!) to what I study now.
What was your experience with the Department of German and UCC so far?
I’m biased but I think the Department is home to some of the friendliest and kindest staff on campus. Each and every member that I’ve spoken to has always been interested, helpful and positive to be around. Classes overall are well-taught, and there is a good balance of passion in most of them. The literature modules I’ve taken so far have been demanding, but nonetheless insightful and thought-provoking (as well as topical, which is great, because you can apply what you learn).
All things considered; I am grateful for the privilege I have to study at UCC. I’ve met some wonderful people, across peers and staff, and have learned a lot not just in academia but in other things I’ll likely carry with me for the rest of my life. Now I just need to see where the rest of my degree takes me!