Linda Skulme: “The Student Union is a field of possibilities”

On 1 January the chair of Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Student Union was taken over by 3rd year physiotherapy student Linda Skulme. As indicated by the former chairperson of the Student Union Natālija Šilova, “a physiotherapist has never taken the position of chairperson of the RSU Student Union and therefore I am convinced that Linda will bring a breath of fresh air into the work of the Student Union.”

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Everything started in the freshmens’ workshop that is traditionally held at the end of August during which prospective students were informed about the RSU Student Union and its duties, when Linda realised that she would be willing to be part of the Student Union. Soon after she became involved in the activities of the Student Union and during the 2^nd study year was already the acting head of the Department of Sports and Cultural Affairs, “ I soon came to realise that the Student Union is a platform where you can learn and gain a lot. It is a huge field of possibilities”.   

What is the most important thing you have gained over these three years, being a part of the Student Union?

I have learned a lot. I have become much braver and have learned to take initiative. I have become a better communicator and know how to cooperate with different people. I know how to coordinate student activities and facilitate cooperation with businesses that occasionally support events organised by the Student Union. I have gained huge experience in event management.

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RSU freshmens’ workshop “ZGI” 2015. "The first event of the Student Union, which I was involved in as a participant!" Photo from Student Union archive

As chairperson of the Student Union, what would you like to change at RSU?

The stakes are high and my objectives should be accordingly ambitious. Out of everything we have planned, I will mention two things.

First of all we want to raise students’ awareness of the Student Union’s functions, duties and tasks, for them to understand that the Student Union is working for them – it's a place where they can come, share their initiatives for the improvement of the academic environment, request assistance or seek advice when necessary, find an opportunity to be part of the Student Union to facilitate personal growth and simultaneously also contribute to the university’s overall development.

The second issue is our willingness to take a more active approach towards popularising the possibilities of RSU students to get involved in scientific activity, emphasising the importance of research in one’s professional growth.

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The new Board of the Student Union (from left): Marija Luīze Kalniņa, Ulrika Ulla Andersone, Elizabete Ribalkina, Sandis Kovaļovs, Linda Skulme, Māris Lapšovs, Amanda Anna Bērziņa, Nikola Serģe, Ieva Cīrule, Serafima Grigorjeva. Photo from Student Union archive

What were the reasons for you choosing Riga Stradiņš University?

I have dedicated over 10 years of my school life to playing basketball at Children and Youth Sport School No. 3 and before graduation I had to decide whether to continue playing basketball, thus moving abroad, or to study physiotherapy. I opted to not become a basketball player and chose physiotherapy instead. Having made the first decision, I had to make a second one – the Latvian Academy of Sport Education or Rīga Stradiņš University. I chose RSU as I had heard good feedback and RSU was deemed to be a prestigious university, which has proven to be true.

Why did you choose to become a physiotherapist?

I started to take interest in this profession in Grade 11 when I injured my ankle while playing basketball and had to visit a physiotherapist. At that point, I came to realise that this is a kind of job I could combine with an active lifestyle and ability to help others.

I have always loved to give advice to my teammates when they have sustained an injury. Because of my personal trauma-related experience, I knew what would be advisable and what would not. I could share the experience I had had or what I had tried out after consulting my therapist. I love the feeling of helping others.  This feeling of making someone feel better because of your advice is excellent!

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Linda Skulme is second from the left in the first row. As part of Orientation Week 2017 the Student Union and the International Student Association took part in a street basketball tournament with a joint team and won 1st place!  Photo from Student Union archive

What are the things that young people should consider who are willing to pursue the career of a physiotherapist?

They require good communication skills and must be ready to change.  Their work will be associated with helping others and working with people and in order to motivate and encourage patients one has to be a good psychologist. There is much theoretical knowledge to be acquired in the first study years that will be instrumental for their future studies. In separate study courses students are given the option to work with patients under the supervision of a physiotherapist who is already in the second study year.

Following graduation from the study programme “Physiotherapy” the graduates have extensive possibilities of choosing their future professional direction. It might be a hospital, private practice, gym, etc. Moreover, during your studies you will understand the age group of the patients you are willing to work with!

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Volunteering at the RSU International Student Conference 2017. From left: 5th year Medical faculty student Sanda Šulca, Linda Skulme and 3rd year Rehabilitation faculty student, head of the Department of Internal Collaboration and Human Resources, Kristiāna Širova. Photo from Student Union archive

Desmit ātrie jautājumi Lindai Skulmei

1. Are you superstitious?

Slightly.

2. Do you know how to lie?

Depends on the situation, but you can always tell when I am lying. I am not very good at it (smiles).  

3. If you were offered the possibility to jump out of a plane with a parachute, would you use it?

Certainly!

4. Would you be willing to live forever?

No!

5. What are you afraid of?

From being drawn into a routine and from remaining on the spot.

6. What are you really good at?

Finding the right approach with an individual.

7. What are the things you do not like to do?

I would not like it if I had to spend three hours a day in the kitchen cooking. I like to cook, however I do not want to devote much time to it, as I know that I can devote my time to something more productive. Another thing I do not like is a mess and messy people.

8. What is something worth worrying about?

You should start worrying if you have become a person no one is willing to talk to.

9. What would be the biggest betrayal?

If a close person who knows me for a long time were to slander me behind my back.

10. What should be done to have a good life?

Enjoy every moment of your life, constantly taking a step back to see the whole picture of your life – whether you have arrived at the place you wanted to be or you are at least close to the place you desire.

The new Student Union Board took office on 1 January 2018 and comprises the following board members:

• Vice-Chairperson of the Board – Serafima Grigorjeva, 3rd year student, Faculty of Medicine
• Head of the Department of Science – Sandis Kovaļovs, 4th year student, Faculty of Medicine
• Deputy Head of the Department of Science – Ulrika Ulla Andersone, 3rd year student, Faculty of Medicine
• Head of the Department of Internal Collaboration and Human Resources – Ieva Cīrule, 1st year student, Faculty of European Studies
• Head of the Department of Communication – Amanda Anna Bērziņa, 3rd year student, Faculty of Medicine
• Deputy Head of the Department of Communication – Nikola Serģe, 1st year student, Faculty of Medicine
• Head of the Department of Academic Affairs – Māris Lapšovs, 2nd year student, Faculty of Medicine
• Deputy Head of the Department of Academic Affairs – Marija Luīze Kalniņa, 3rd year student, Faculty of Medicine
• Head of the Department of Social Affairs – Elizabete Ribalkina, 2nd year student, Faculty of Dentistry