🇪🇺 TEEN European Digital Community: Oak Tree from Nitra, Slovakia

Oak Tree

I was born in Cherkasy, a city in central Ukraine that shaped my early understanding of community, history, and cultural identity. Growing up there, I was surrounded by a mixture of tradition and modern life, which sparked my curiosity about how culture influences the way people think, create, and connect with one another. From a young age, I was drawn to books, stories, and artistic expression. I was fascinated not only by what art looks like, but by what it means and how it speaks to people across time and space.
Today, I am 19 years old and studying Cultural Studies at Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra. Moving to Slovakia to pursue my education was an important and transformative step in my life. It allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone, experience a new academic system, and immerse myself in a different cultural environment. Living and studying abroad has strengthened my independence, broadened my worldview, and deepened my understanding of European cultural dialogue. It has also taught me how culture connects people beyond borders, languages, and histories.
My academic interests focus on art, cultural theory, and the ways in which societies construct meaning. I particularly enjoy reading books about art history, philosophy, and cultural interpretation. I am interested in understanding how artistic movements reflect social change, how theatre and literature shape collective memory, and how museums function as spaces of communication between the past and the present. For me, studying culture is not just about memorizing facts or theories — it is about learning how to see more deeply and think more critically.
Outside of my studies, I love traveling and discovering new cities. When I visit a new place, I am especially drawn to theatres, museums, galleries, and concert halls. I find inspiration in observing how different cultures present their artistic heritage and how contemporary artists respond to modern challenges. Music also plays an important role in my life, as it allows me to experience emotion in a direct and universal way. Whether it is a live performance or a quiet moment with headphones, music helps me reflect and connect with myself.
Theatre holds a special place in my interests because it combines literature, performance, emotion, and collective experience. I am fascinated by how a stage can transform into an entire world and how actors can bring complex human stories to life. Theatre, for me, represents dialogue — between the performers and the audience, between the past and the present, and between different perspectives.
In the future, I dream of becoming a cultural scholar and creating my own school dedicated to lectures about art and cultural understanding. I would like to build a space where people of different ages can learn how to interpret art, ask meaningful questions, and develop their own critical thinking. My goal is not only to teach art history, but to help others understand how to feel, analyze, and engage with art in a conscious way. I believe that culture has the power to shape identity, encourage empathy, and inspire change — and I hope to dedicate my life to sharing that belief with others.

The soil / the need

Curiosity.

The first seed

Social media / online content

Tell us about that first spark

My first real spark with theatre happened during a performance of Three Comrades based on the novel by Erich Maria Remarque.
I clearly remember the moment when the lights dimmed and the stage fell into a fragile silence. As the actors began to speak, I no longer felt like a spectator. I felt as if I had stepped into their world. The story of friendship, love, and loss did not seem distant or literary — it felt painfully real and human. What touched me most was the quiet loyalty between the characters. In the middle of the performance, I noticed my throat tightening — not because of dramatic effects, but because of the tenderness and sincerity on stage. It was then that I realized theatre has the power to make you feel deeply, to slow down time, and to connect you to emotions you didn’t even know were there.
That was the moment theatre became important to me — not just as entertainment, but as a living, breathing experience.

Roots (people & experiences that shaped your path)

Moments.

The trunk (what keeps you in theatre)

People.

Branches (future / desire)

I imagine theatre being an important part of my future as a space for growth and self-expression. I hope it will give me confidence, creativity, and the courage to share my ideas honestly.In the coming years, I want theatre to teach me empathy, teamwork, and discipline. Most of all, I hope it will bring meaningful connections and moments that feel real and unforgettable.

Are you currently involved in cultural activities?

Yes, sometimes

If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? Why?

If I were a tree, I would be an oak. An oak grows slowly but becomes strong and deeply rooted. I see myself the same way — I value patience, depth, and steady growth rather than quick success. Oaks survive storms because their roots go deep, and I hope to be someone who stays grounded even in difficult moments.
At the same time, an oak offers shelter and space for others. I would like to be that kind of presence — strong, reliable, and open, creating a place where ideas and people can gather and grow.

Contact

Instagram: @anaseshion