High school experiences can depend on where you are in the world. I had a chance to sit down with my aunt, Ada Krupskiy, who went to high school in the U.S., and my mom, Rūta Karčiauskienė, who attended school in Lithuania during a significant period of change. Their stories are packed with cultural surprises, unforgettable moments, and important lessons.

         When Ada first stepped into her American high school, she was shocked by the size. I asked her what her first impressions were, and she said, “It felt like a small city!” And the fact that kids drove themselves to school blew her mind. “In Lithuanian, you can't get a driver's license until you're 18,” she laughed. I wondered how she made friends in this new environment. “Surprisingly easy! Everyone was curious about where I came from. I shared stories about my culture, and they loved it,” she said. I asked her about the biggest differences, and she mentioned the casual nature of U.S. teachers. “In Lithuania, teachers were strict and yelled a lot. Here, my teachers joked with us! I felt like I was in a sitcom.”

         One thing that truly stood out to Ada was the sense of unity among her peers. “I absolutely loved the support for our school teams, especially during American football games! The energy in the stands was incredible,” she recounted, her eyes sparkling. “Everyone would be rocking their school spirit T-shirts and hoodies, and the mascots were always hyping up the crowd. We’d all be singing the school jingles and cheering like crazy for our team! This kind of spirit was totally new to me since we didn’t have anything like this in Lithuania. It really made me feel like I was part of something special!”

         But not everything was smooth sailing. I had to ask her about any embarrassing moments. “My most embarrassing moment happened on the very first day of school in the U.S. In Lithuania, the first day of school is like a giant party—no classes, just a big celebration where everyone dresses to the nicest. So, naturally, I wanted to make a grand entrance. I pulled out my highest stilettos, slipped into my fanciest dress, and grabbed the tiniest purse I could find, thinking I was going to steal the spotlight. But when I walked into school, I was hit with a shocking realization: we were going to have classes all day! I felt like I’d just walked into the wrong movie.” 

         Ada's experience taught her that sometimes, you have to get a little uncomfortable to find where you truly belong. In fact, she shared that this applies to life beyond high school. “During my junior year, I had to juggle a full-time job alongside my school responsibilities to help support both myself and my mom. It was incredibly tough and stressful. My counselor made the biggest impact on my life during that time,” she reflected. “She taught me that everything is possible and achievable, and she encouraged me to view each obstacle as an opportunity for growth. Instead of feeling like a victim of my circumstances, I learned to embrace challenges with resilience and determination. Her guidance instilled in me a sense of empowerment that continues even now.”

         Meanwhile, Rūta’s high school experience was shaped by life under the Soviet system. I asked her what school was like then, and she said, “We stayed in one class from first to twelfth grade. We knew everyone's stories like they were our own families!” I was curious about the restrictions she faced. “Well, we had strict uniforms, and girls couldn’t wear any jewelry. It was all about following orders,” she stated. I couldn't help but ask how the atmosphere changed once Lithuania gained independence. “Oh, it was like stepping into a new world! We celebrated our freedom; it felt like we were finally allowed to breathe!”

         Rūta also told me about her love for literature and how it blossomed from a young age. I asked her which subjects she loved the most. “Literature for sure. We had this fantastic teacher who made every book come alive! He taught us not just about stories but about life,” she recalled fondly. She also got involved in pantomime, and became a professional pantomime actress. I wondered how she balanced that with schoolwork. “It was tough! But my passion for performing kept me going. I was on stage for nearly ten years—it was my escape,”

         One of her most vivid memories was from January 13, 1991. I asked her about that day, and her face lit up. “We were standing together, united against the Soviet Army. We felt fear, but also hope. It was a moment of freedom and courage!” 

As for advice from Rūta, she shared a powerful thought: “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.” This simple wisdom highlights the importance of perspective. School can be tough, but knowing that challenges are temporary can be incredibly comforting.

         So there you have it! Ada’s and Rūta’s experiences highlight how culture, and challenges can shape your high school years. Whether you’re navigating a massive school or fighting for your independence, it’s the connections you build and the moments you embrace that truly define your journey. So, be yourself, cherish your friendships, and remember that every day in school is an adventure waiting to unfold! And when things seem overwhelming, just hold onto Rūta’s words till you reach the end.