Mostapha Alahiane

Mostapha Alahiane from Morocco graduated in 2025 with a Master’s degree in Educational Management. Starting in September 2025, he will begin a new chapter as an English teacher at Kaunas Jonas Jablonskis Gymnasium. As he mentioned, teaching has always been his passion, and now he will be able to focus on helping students improve their language skills and enjoy learning.

Which course or professor had the greatest impact on you, and why?

The professor who had the biggest impact on me was Professor Lina Kaminskienė. She supported me throughout my entire journey at VMU, not only academically but also personally. Her guidance helped me better understand my research, improve my skills, and stay motivated whenever things got challenging. I’m truly grateful for her patience and constant encouragement because she played an important role in shaping my academic path and gave me the confidence to believe in my abilities.

Where was your favourite place to study or relax on campus?

I always enjoyed spending time in the library in both university buildings. It was the perfect place to prepare for exams and focus on my studies. At the same time, I loved spending time in the Great Hall, where I joined many activities and events organized by the university. These moments were not just about studying but also about connecting with people, experiencing different cultures, and feeling part of a vibrant community.

Were you involved in any clubs, organizations, or sports? How did those experiences shape you?

Yes, I was actively involved in ESN (Erasmus Student Network), worked as a VMU Ambassador, and became a mentor for international students. These experiences shaped me in many ways. As a mentor, I helped new students settle in, guided them during registration days, and supported them during orientation and opening ceremonies. As an ambassador, I represented VMU, helped organize events, and promoted the university’s inclusive and welcoming culture. Through these roles, I gained valuable skills like leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication. More importantly, I met people from all over the world and built strong friendships that I will always cherish.

What was your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you overcome it?

One of my biggest challenges was balancing my studies, work, and active participation in university life. I had to manage my time carefully because I wanted to perform well academically while also working and staying involved in student organizations. At first, it was difficult, but I learned how to set priorities, organize my schedule, and stay focused on my goals. This experience taught me responsibility, time management, and resilience skills that still help me today.

How did your VMU education prepare you for your career?

VMU prepared me in many ways. It gave me the confidence to pursue my goals, improved my communication skills, and allowed me to work with people from diverse backgrounds. My studies also helped me gain a deeper understanding of educational management and technology integration in teaching, which connects directly to my career as an English teacher. The volunteering and ambassador activities also gave me practical experience in teamwork, event organization, and networking, all of which have been very helpful for my professional journey.

What skills or knowledge gained at VMU do you use most often?

I often use the skills I gained through volunteering, mentoring, and active participation at VMU. These experiences improved my leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. I also use the knowledge I gained from my courses, especially related to educational management and teaching with technology, which are very useful in my current role and future.

What is your current role, and what does it involve?

During my first year in Lithuania, I worked as a Customer Service Representative, where I communicated with clients, handled inquiries, and helped solve problems. This experience helped me develop interpersonal skills and learn how to work under pressure. Starting from September, I will begin a new chapter as an English teacher at Kauno Jono Jablonskio gimnazija. This role is very exciting for me because teaching has always been my passion, and now I’ll be able to focus on helping students improve their language skills and enjoy learning.

How did you get started in your field?

I started by searching for jobs on CVbankas and attending several interviews. Through this process, I gained experience in presenting myself, communicating my skills, and understanding what employers are looking for. My first job gave me the confidence I needed, and now I’ve moved forward into teaching, which feels like the right path for me.

How has your career evolved since graduation?

Since graduating, I’ve become more focused on developing my teaching skills and preparing myself for a long-term career in education. My experience at VMU and my first job gave me a solid foundation, but now I’m excited to start teaching full-time and apply everything I’ve learned during my studies.

How has your life changed since graduating from VMU?

VMU gave me so many opportunities to grow. Through volunteering, mentoring, and participating in events, I became more confident and open-minded. I also built strong friendships and professional connections, which continue to support me today. My time at VMU helped me discover my passion for teaching and gave me the tools to follow this path.

What are you most passionate about outside of work?

I love meeting new people and joining events. Since moving to Vilnius, I’ve become even more social and enjoy connecting with people from different backgrounds. It’s one of the things I value the most because it allows me to learn from others, share experiences, and build a supportive network.

How do you maintain work–life balance?

I try to plan my time carefully and make sure I give enough attention to work, studies, and personal life. Joining events, spending time with friends, and meeting new people also help me relax and recharge.

What does success mean to you?

For me, success means doing what you love and helping others along the way. It’s not just about career achievements, it’s about enjoying your work, making a difference in people’s lives, and growing both personally and professionally.

How has being a VMU alumnus impacted your life or career?

Being a VMU alumnus keeps me connected to the university and its community. It gives me opportunities to stay involved, meet other graduates, and continue learning even after finishing my studies.

What message would you like to share with current students and future alumni?

My advice is simple: be active and get involved. Volunteer, join events, and become part of the VMU community. The people here are wonderful, supportive, and friendly, and being involved will make your time at VMU more fun, meaningful, and memorable.