ANETTE-MAI PIRK-BIRK // STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE OF ENLIGHT // UNIVERSITY OF TARTU
»Working with other students and participating in governance structures from different countries and disciplines has taught me how powerful shared ideas can be.«
Anette-Mai Pirk-Birk has served as the Student Representative and Vice President at the University of Tartu for two years, including a year and a half as Co-President. Her involvement with the student union has provided her with a unique perspective on the academic and student experience, especially through her active participation in international networks like ENLIGHT. In this interview, Anette-Mai shares her experiences, motivations, and insights into her journey at the University of Tartu, as well as her thoughts on international collaboration, education, and the future of higher learning.
Image: Anette-Mai Pirk-Birk at the Roman Forum in Italy (private collection).
Have you ever lived and/or studied abroad?
ANETTE-MAI: I lived and studied abroad when I took part in an Erasmus programme in Rome, Italy, for one semester. It was truly one of the best experiences I have ever had. To get to know a city with such a rich history and a very different culture was a privilege. I am also planning on moving abroad for my master’s studies this summer. I want to take on challenges and see everything I can.
Why did you choose your field of study?
ANETTE-MAI: I got my bachelor’s degree in history, specialising in General History. I wrote my thesis on Greek mythological characters and rituals related to them. I’m particularly fascinated by social history—it is captivating to explore how people lived, thought, and felt over 2,000 years ago, even though we can only make educated guesses. My love for history inspired me to turn a lifelong hobby into a formal education.
For my master’s, I want to take a slightly different path. I am eager to learn about education or management. Over time, I’ve become more involved and interested in these fields, and I’m excited to deepen my knowledge in these areas as I move forward.
What do you like to do in your free time?
ANETTE-MAI: Like everybody else in the world, I do not have a lot of free time, but I always try to find some. I like to explore new board or video games. They are fun and keep you sharp. I also like to read and make scrapbooks. They are very relaxing and, I think, the best thing to do in your free time.
What motivated you to participate in ENLIGHT?
ANETTE-MAI: I first learned about ENLIGHT when I became the Vice President of the Student Union at the University of Tartu. In 2023, I attended the mid-year meeting in Groningen as someone completely new to the network. That experience left a lasting impression on me and sparked a strong desire to get more involved. Over the past two years, I have dedicated significant time and effort to supporting student activities and managing both the internal and external affairs of the student network.
One of the reasons why I am so motivated to participate in the ENLIGHT events is the connection between different similar universities and students. The ability to connect with people who live in so many different parts of Europe on the same questions is amazing. Also, I can’t forget ENLIGHT’s bigger purpose in making the European degree a reality. I am very interested in international education, and having an actual alliance which works for that is very cool.
Image: Anette-Mai Pirk-Birk (bottom right) with co-students from the ENLIGHT universities by Julen Etxegia.
How do you feel participation in ENLIGHT has changed your perception of collaboration, research and education?
ANETTE-MAI: Participation in ENLIGHT has helped me realise the power of international and interdisciplinary collaboration. Working with students and universities from various cultural and academic backgrounds has helped me become more flexible and open to new ideas, making me more confident in navigating diverse viewpoints and approaches. It truly is an amazing opportunity to see how there are no geographical boundaries on matters of higher education.
ENLIGHT is a fantastic opportunity to experience European connections.
What would your advice be to others interested in ENLIGHT opportunities?
ANETTE-MAI: My top three points that I would say to others are:
- Be open to new experiences: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. ENLIGHT offers a unique chance to work or study with people from different backgrounds and disciplines, which can lead to personal and academic growth.
- Take initiative: ENLIGHT is what you make of it. Be proactive in seeking out opportunities, whether through courses, events, or collaborative projects.
- Embrace collaboration: Working with others is at the heart of ENLIGHT. Listen, share your ideas, and be ready to learn from different perspectives—it will help you grow in ways you might not expect.
Image: ENLIGHT students at the ENLIGHT Student Network Conference at Göttingen, first row: Anette-Mai Pirk-Birk (left), Kirke Piiskoppel (right) by Emilia Hesse
What is your biggest takeaway from your experience with ENLIGHT?
ANETTE-MAI: My biggest takeaway from ENLIGHT is the value of collaboration across diverse backgrounds. Working with other students and participating in governance structures from different countries and disciplines has taught me how powerful shared ideas can be. It also showed me the importance of adaptability and openness to new perspectives, which I’ll carry forward in both my studies and future career.
If you were to recommend ENLIGHT to a friend or colleague, what would you say?
ANETTE-MAI: ENLIGHT is a fantastic opportunity to experience European connections. You will find friends, colleagues, or academic partners at every opportunity you take. All the people I have met in the alliance and especially in the student network have been amazing.