5 questions with graduating College of Arts and Sciences student Vida Barzdukas

As commencement draws closer at Case Western Reserve University, many graduating students are reflecting on the experiences that helped shape their confidence, interests and sense of direction. For Vida Barzdukas, a double major in English and classics with a minor in marketing from Columbus, Ohio, those experiences came through exploration—both inside and outside the classroom. Encouraged by CWRU’s close-knit humanities programs and opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, Barzdukas embraced experiences that pushed them beyond their comfort zone—from studying abroad in Greece to working internationally in Lithuania.

Here, Barzdukas discusses the moments that influenced their path, the people who made an impact and what they’re looking forward to as they begin their career in marketing and communications after graduation.

Answers have been lightly edited.

What initially drew you to CWRU?

Growing up in Columbus with family in Cleveland, I already knew that CWRU was known for their academic program and was surrounded by a great arts scene. I also knew that generations of my family received their engineering and computer science degrees from CWRU. When I began to look more into colleges, I was really drawn to CWRU’s humanities department that centered on building meaningful connections between students and faculty, and offering a wide variety of opportunities. 

What course or campus experience shaped your education most?

I think the summer 2023 classics course to Corinth, Greece to work on an archeological dig had a great impact on my college experience. When I participated, I had just finished a challenging freshmen year. I was away from home, didn’t know anyone and was finding it hard to be present. But, when the opportunity to study abroad and work on a dig arose, I took it. It was definitely a learning experience! It taught me a lot about myself as I had to travel independently, meet strangers, work and live in a foreign country for a month. It was definitely scary! But, I think that course gave me the confidence and independence I needed to take advantage of opportunities and make the most out of my college experience.

Since then, I’ve studied abroad again in Greece and spent a summer working in Lithuania.

What is your favorite memory as a student at CWRU?

Without a doubt, when Keira Celebuski and I lived together sophomore and junior year. I’ve made a lot of great memories at CWRU, but I really miss sitting at our counter late at night, talking and laughing. Sometimes, we would show each other movies that the other hadn’t seen, and that’s where a lot of our inside jokes that we still use today began. Keira became someone I could always count on. Note: Keira (she/her) is a nursing student, and also a spring 2026 graduate. 

What’s next for you after graduation?

I’m very excited to begin working full-time as an associate copywriter at The Adcom Group, an independent marketing agency in downtown Cleveland! I’d like to thank a CWRU 2025 alumnus, Paris Mather, for making this opportunity possible. Additionally, I would also like to receive a masters of business administration, a masters of library sciences, or both.

Outside of work, I’m looking forward to exploring more of Cleveland and continuing to hang out with the great friends I’ve made during my four years. And, I’m a huge reader, so I’m excited to start making my way through my big stack of books. 

What advice would you give to new students in your program?

Seek every possible opportunity. It can be daunting to try new things or speak to professors that you don’t know well yet. But, college is the time to try everything. It’s the time to figure out what you can envision yourself doing. CWRU is unique in that its faculty are experts in their field. Rather than telling you it’s not possible, they’ll say “how can we make this happen?” Put yourself out there and you’ll be surprised what is possible for you to do!