"I'd FEEL pressured by the environment I was in as some would doubt my competence due to my nationality. However, it didn't break me but quite the contrary – it gave me a reason to work even harder and prove that I can do just as well in the academic world."

Julians shares how hardships had built his character and got him to where he is today.

https://www.instagram.com/juliantrofimov/

Now I can proudly say that I know who I am and what I desire. My name is Julian Trofimov. I am an average (or maybe not) guy from Latvia who is still on the verge of achieving one of his primary goals in life – to be happy. I am a translator and an amateur photographer currently living and studying in Kaunas, Lithuania.

I still sometimes feel like a child with a million questions in my head. Even back in the day, I considered myself different from others – a somehow extraordinary human being. Those around me seemed too ordinary; I would often not match their interests or conversation topics. I remember making a wish on my birthday – to grow up as soon as possible – I thought being an adult will help me understand the world better and answer all the questions in my head.

A clear understanding of where one's headed – that's what, in my opinion, brings a person inner integrity and peace. I went to an ordinary school in Riga, and most of my classmates did not have high ambitions or goals – the environment didn't motivate me. At that time, it wasn't easy to understand what I wanted from life and what path I should choose. Nevertheless, I've always been interested in learning languages, philology, and literature. The secrets of Latvian, Lithuanian, Russian, and other languages from the same family, yet undiscovered, were always a particular interest of mine. Therefore, I decided to study Baltic Philology at the University of Latvia.

The beginning of my new life at the University of Latvia was much more challenging than my time at school. I found myself surrounded by strong personalities who knew what they wanted, yet I was still confused. Moreover, being the only Russian guy in the Baltic Philology (Latvian and Lithuanian) course, I felt like an underdog. It's pretty unusual to see a Russian studying a nonnative language in Latvia; hence during the first year, I'd feel pressured by the environment I was in as some would doubt my competence due to my nationality. However, it didn't break me but quite the contrary – it gave me a reason to work even harder and prove that I can do just as well in the academic world.

https://www.instagram.com/j.trofimov_photography/

A turning point in my life was the opportunity to study in Klaipėda, Lithuania. So, in 2018, thanks to my Lithuanian language teacher, I packed my bags fearing the unknown, yet thirsty for experiences, and moved to a whole new country all by myself. The beginning wasn't easy – I was practically alone and didn't know anything or anyone. However, I had to admit that only stable running in one direction can bring tangible results; therefore, I focused on my goals and entered the experimentation phase of my life.

Time in Klaipėda was challenging. Learning Lithuanian wasn't easy; I had to put a lot of effort into practicing and using the language, but now I understand that it was worth it (especially for my future). Unfortunately, although my Lithuanian skills improved and I learned new things every day, I couldn't overcome my loneliness. Later on, it resulted in health issues and made me return to my hometown, Riga. It turned out to be a fantastic summer, though, as I needed to recharge and get my lost strength back. I realise now that this was a crucial moment in my life: we all sometimes need to stop, calm down, pull ourselves together, and move on.

After the necessary break, I was ready to get back on track towards following my dreams; thus, I took another chance and left for the Erasmus program once more. This time it was another city – Kaunas, and I had a fairly good knowledge of the Lithuanian language. It was much easier to blend in and feel a part of the course than in Klaipėda. I studied Lithuanian Philology among both – really interesting and creative classmates and lecturers at Vytautas Magnus University. It was here that I found my strength: thanks to the most supportive lecturers, I came to realise that my vocation is related to languages and that I can become a skilled professional.

Having cleared up my passion and having imagined my dream life, I started to take action. I completed my bachelor's degree in Latvia and plucked up the courage to permanently move to Kaunas to study Literary Arts, Criticism, and Communication. Now I finally feel comfortable: I found an excellent job as a translator, and Kaunas inspired me to create – now I take photos, model, and plan photoshoots that carry important messages. My life has changed for the better, and I don't regret going all this way for my dream.

In many situations, I had to step out of my comfort zone, and choose not the safest way, perhaps, but the one that will benefit my future. This journey has taught me to control my fears, and I can now say that they no longer rule me. There is strength in every person, and we are often more capable than we think, whereas hardships don't necessarily indicate that life is terrible as often here, in these times, the most profound things are born.