PATRON OF THE MONTH. UL Centenary Scholarship’s Supporters Champion “Wisdom” – Student Sofija

The scholarship was created in 2019 to celebrate the brightest minds of the University of Latvia, in honour of the Latvian national university’s 100^th anniversary. Greek speakers will know that Sofija (from Greek: σοφία (sofia)) means “wisdom”. The University of Latvia Foundation, however, takes care of the philanthropic succession known to ancient Greeks as love toward a human being (from Greek – philein ton anthropon). This synergy harvests the rich fruit of several dozen UL alumni, patrons and collaborators – 36 individual contributors, including Lukas Alijošius, Elīna Auzāne, Juris Baldunčiks, Tomas Dacys, Karīna Grudula, Inga Jonāne, Mārtiņš Kālis, Lolita Kostjuka, Laila Kundziņa, Līga Kuzmane, Santa Murāne, Toms Pāvils, Jānis Švirksts and 23 anonymous supporters, with the largest donations amounting to € 50 from seven donors facilitating progress of UL talented students. Furthermore, 9 individual donations have been made through the Mobilly payment app.

From scholarship’s recipient to patron

One of the most generous contributors who often provides support to his alma mater is a 2019 graduate of the UL Faculty of Humanities, a recipient of Kristaps Morbergs Scholarship in the academic year of 2018/2019, Toms Pāvils. He holds a bachelor’s degree in cultural and social anthropology and justifies his desire to support other young people’s efforts to achieve higher education of excellence: “My motivation to donate arises from the wish to reciprocate the UL Foundation for all the good that I have received and experienced – consuming events, new acquittances and experience, and, of course, the financial support. Students are given the opportunity to focus on what is really important at this stage of their lives – to enrich their existing knowledge and skills, to participate in projects and to fulfil their dreams. And it is true that we must help one another so together we can achieve our goals.”

Higher education of excellence makes an invaluable contribution to Latvia’s future. Not only the advancement of the Latvian state, but also the evolution of each student at an individual level stands as the goal of higher education. And that is why higher education needs to be supported.

As I was honoured to receive a scholarship from the UL Foundation, I believe it is my duty to support other students, so they can fulfil their dreams just as I could fulfil mine.”

Time to create!

As my teacher once said: “Lack of ambition is one of the plaques of the new generation.” Purposefulness and persistence in one’s desires are among the qualities I would like to bring out and retain. (Sofija A. Kozlova)

Sofija Anna Kozlova, the recipient of the UL Centenary Scholarship is in the second year of the bachelor’s programme “Philosophy” at the Faculty of History and Philosophy. Starting her studies in the academic year of 2018/2019, she received M. M. V. Petkevičs memorial scholarship. Sofija A. Kozlova comments that receiving the UL’s Centenary scholarship means “freedom and peace, not being half-hearted, but instead dedicating herself as a whole, gaining capacity to achieve something by consolidating oneself”. Moreover, Sofija’s current activities show that her mission is to test, challenge how far can she go and why not try further.

When asked whether, in profound philosophical consideration, a century is a lot or a little for the University, Sofija responds: “In my opinion, the answer to this question is more historical than philosophical. A century is a small grain against the backdrop of thousands of years, yet it is a sign of permanence. A century is exactly what it takes to prove the endurance of one’s existence. A century is enough for self-assertion and consolidation. When doubts about existence have been eliminated, it is time to create! My wish for the University is to slightly  relinquish the intransigence that may have established itself during the century, embracing the adventurous initiatives instead, and to remember that the University stands in perpetuity.”

Meet Sofija – the recipient of UL’s Centenary Scholarship!

The wise recipient of UL’s Centenary Scholarship shares her academic and personal perspectives, expresses the importance of the scholarship and reaffirms her profound thoughts. “In the future, I would like to immerse myself into analytical philosophy, definitely improve my foreign language skills and pursue my interest in the beautiful, then put it all together and see the reality of myself and everyone around me. I believe that studying is truly a full-time job. Not only do you have to attend lectures, but you also have to be actively involved in the academic development of the University and yourself, as well as advance your talents and skills non-academically and provide assistance with University’s public life. I think it is more important [during my studies] to spend time on self-evolution and volunteering than earning subsistence by working. However, I do recognize the need for a job as well, understanding that is also provides experience for later life, but it is crucial to be aware that paid employment must not undermine or limit the study process. This is also the main reason why I wanted to apply for a scholarship – to be able to fully commit myself to all my study responsibilities, as well as to pursue my self-development and expand knowledge in other scientific and artistic disciplines beyond philosophy, that are introduced to us in the learning process. Nor do I want to give up any of my non-University interests, as I believe they also bring great value to myself, to the society and those around me.”