From Curiosity to Publication:
A Reflection from Ovidijus Videika
When Ovidijus Videika returned to study at the University of Vilnius after a two-year break, having previously graduated in English Philology (Cum Laude), he hoped to challenge himself academically. Two years later, he graduated from the MA in English Studies (Magna Cum Laude) successfully published his first research article, and discovered a lasting passion for research.
We spoke with him about finding confidence in academia, navigating the publication process, and why he believes every student's perspective deserves to be heard.
Returning With a Fresh Perspective
Before applying for his MA in English Studies at Vilnius University, Ovidijus chose to spend some time away from academia, this lasted two years. This included moving to Barcelona and teaching English for a while, as well as gaining private-sector experience when he returned to Lithuania. This was atypical of the trajectory for many students who wish to continue in academia, going directly from a bachelor’s degree into a master’s programme.
This, however, Ovidijus believes to be “a personal choice”. Looking back only a few days after he successfully defended his MA thesis, he reflects that the break gave him far more than time away from studying.
“I feel proud that I managed to do this, and I managed to do it at the level that I set myself.”
The time away helped him grow personally and professionally, allowing him to return with greater confidence and a renewed appreciation for academic life.
“The fresh knowledge from academia was like a fresh gust of wind. […] After a break, you appreciate it more, I think.”
During the master’s studies programme, Ovidijus began to realise that research was more than simply part of the course. It was turning into a source of enthusiasm, passion, and motivation.
“The master's taught me that I definitely love academia, doing research, and engaging in discussions; […] it cemented the whole desire to be close to academia in general, and to research and science.”
Although he is considering pursuing a PhD in the future, Ovidijus plans to take another short break before making that decision, but what he knows for certain is that he “definitely won’t let go of research and publishing”. They will continue to be part of his future, starting with intentions to publish his MA thesis.
Turning A Bachelor’s Thesis into a Published Article
Ovidijus’ first publication began as his English Philology bachelor's thesis on digital code-switching among Lithuanian Instagram influencers. Encouraged by his then supervisor Assoc. Prof. Dr Birutė Ryvitytė, he decided to adapt the research for publication after returning to university. The article, Digital code-switching in Lithuania: a mixed-methods study of influencers' Instagram captions, was later published in Taikomoji kalbotyra (Applied Linguistics), where it is available to read online.
The journey, however, was far from straightforward.
His first journal submission was rejected. But instead of giving up, he revised the article, adapted it to another journal's requirements, submitted it again. This time, he saw the submission process go all the way through to publication.
“It was a long process, but it was so worth it. It felt like I checked something off my life’s to-do list. I wanted to do it, it was my dream."
Reflecting on the experience, Ovidijus believes the encouragement he received from lecturers, and fellow students, gave him the confidence to keep going.
“The support that you receive within these studies, from professors and fellow students, that motivates you.”
Publishing also gave Ovidijus a new appreciation for the academic writing process itself.
Every journal has different formatting requirements, referencing styles, submission systems, and anonymous peer-review procedures. For Ovidijus, this included at least two stages of reviews and edits, and the ability to see a preview of what the paper would look like before publication.
However, adapting a bachelor’s thesis into a journal article also meant making tough decisions about what information was absolutely essential.
“A research article is a much shorter prose, so you need to make the decisions, like, what can I remove, or what’s not so much necessary [to include in the paper].”
Looking back, he believes the experience has made him a stronger academic writer and given him valuable knowledge for future publications.
A Supportive Academic Community
Throughout the conversation, one theme appeared repeatedly: the people who shaped his experience.
“Some professors definitely became role models, […] and their own interest in the subjects they teach inspire you to discover your own.”
From lecturers who inspired new academic interests to classmates who brought diverse perspectives into classroom discussions, Ovidijus describes The English Philology Department as an environment that encourages curiosity and collaboration.
“Both with the professors and students, I love to get to know people from such different backgrounds and to hear all their perspectives, and I love the discussions that we had during classes all the time.”
Courses such as Critical Discourse Analysis, Media Linguistics, and Political Discourse played a particularly significant role in shaping his master's thesis on hate speech, providing the analytical tools that helped him explore the topic in greater depth.
Balancing Work, Study, and Life
Like many postgraduate students, Ovidijus balanced full-time work alongside full-time studies.
For him, the greatest challenge was finding time for everything beyond university.
Sometimes this meant postponing meetings with friends or visits home with family. Despite these sacrifices, however, he believes the experience was deeply rewarding and remains proud of everything he accomplished during his master’s degree.
Words for Future Researchers
Reflecting on his journey, Ovidijus encourages students to embrace every opportunity the university experience has to offer.
“Take as much as you can from the experience [...] engage with people, try new subjects, go out of your comfort zone, participate in discussions. Those are the most rewarding parts that can be applied in [other areas of] your life.”
For students interested in publishing their own research, his advice is equally straightforward.
“Work on a subject that truly interests you and that something you're passionate about […] and don’t be afraid of rejection. If one journal says no, it doesn’t matter. Send to another, just try and you will definitely succeed.”
Finally, he shares an encouraging message for anyone struggling with imposter syndrome, which is a prominent issue in academia.
“Just do it, just ask the question. There's no bad question, no bad opinion, no bad perspective. […] Everybody brings their unique experiences, and that's the point of the studies and of the discussions.”
Looking back, Ovidijus admits that he also questioned himself during his bachelor's studies. Over time, however, he realised that every student brings something valuable to academic discussions.
“I have my own perspective, and I bring something to the discussion, and I think that is what [fellow classmates and professors] appreciate very much.”
The Truth of Success in Academia: A Conclusion
Every researcher’s story is formed through their own experiences and perspectives. Ovidijus’ story is a prime example that success is built through curiosity, resilience, and the confidence to keep learning; even when the path forward is uncertain.
Prepared by Alexia De Bono, English Studies, Year 1.