Love for sport, active lifestyle and interest in children’s education made Andrius Gervė choose Physical Education study programme at Lithuanian Sports University (LSU). After successful completion of studies, he has been enjoying the possibility to combine theory and practice for eight years now. According to Andrius, he is constantly forming himself as an ideal teacher. He knows the process is never-ending.
Try everything
Andrius has been interested in handball since he was at school. Having received a proposal from Kaunas city handball team, he decided to move from Panevėžys to Kaunas and enter LSU. “During the studies, I met lecturers who were perfectly able to put theoretical knowledge in practice and explain the reasons why the corresponding decisions were made. They inspired me and I tried to learn as much as possible. In addition to the things I was taught, I tried to understand the peculiarities of their body language and the ability to manage different situations. In this way I tried to become an ideal teacher. I am still trying, as the process is never-ending,” said A. Gervė.
After Andrius started work in a German special school for pupils with emotional and social developmental issues, he realized that he lacked some specific knowledge. The specifics of the work were quite different from that of general education; therefore, Andrius applied for Adapted Physical Activity master’s degree studies at LSU. The director of the special school approved the idea and helped Andrius to combine work in Germany and studies in Lithuania. “As a master’s degree student, I made every effort to do all the tasks best. Sometimes I might have tried too hard, but I knew that I would use the knowledge sooner or later,” said LSU graduate.
Studies changed A. Gervė’s attitude towards sport, expanded the professional horizons and gave him the opportunity to understand what he was really interested in. He has recently become a certified mental coach. Now he would like to join a doctoral study programme at LSU.
Responsibility for a young person
According to A. Gervė, not everyone has what it takes to become a good musician, a doctor or an elite athlete, as well as a good adapted physical activity specialist or a physical education teacher. These professionals deal with people, their lives, or even problems.
“When working with people with disabilities, children or adolescents, we must understand that we are influencing their further lives, attitudes, and perception of values. This is the responsibility not only for yourself, but also for the person who looks at you with eyes open wide and believes in what you are doing. Children are open to everything. No matter their experience of life or disabilities, they do not surrender if they see at least the slightest hope,” said A. Gervė.
Physical education and adapted physical activity specialist welcomes the progress of his pupils he has been working with for eight years. As this is a school for pupils with emotional and social developmental disabilities, many of them simply do not fit into general education schools. According to Andrius, exercise is very effective in this area. Pupils are much better at understanding, feeling and remembering everything if the information is related to movement. “I do not know if I manage to show these children the brighter side of the world or convince them that they can change their lives, but I will not stop trying,” said LSU graduate A. Gervė.
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