At 26 years old, Gretė Lukošaitytė is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Aviation Management at Kazimieras Simonavičius University (KSU) while also serving in the Lithuanian Air Force. From the very first moments of our conversation, it is clear that she is determined, disciplined, and unwavering in her pursuit of success. Her responses are precise, she radiates optimism, and she instantly generates ideas—particularly on how to introduce young members of the Lithuanian Armed Forces to the opportunities of remote learning, which she finds highly attractive. There is no doubt—Gretė is a leader.

The Source of Willpower and Determination 

When asked where her strong will and perseverance come from, Gretė credits her education at the Lithuanian Military Academy for instilling discipline and resilience, while the unwavering support of her family gave her confidence.
“The environment we grow up in plays a crucial role in shaping the individuals we become,” she reflects. 

A Career in Aviation and the Pursuit of Passion 

During her school years, Gretė attended Lizdeika Gymnasium in Radviliškis, where she actively participated in athletics, specialising in high jump. She was even selected for the Lithuanian national team. From an early age, she was fascinated by Lithuanian history, took part in patriotic events, and, at just 13 years old, joined the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union. Later, she enrolled at the General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania, where she studied International Relations. 

After completing her military academy studies, Gretė decided to immerse herself in aviation. She is now pursuing a Master’s degree in Aviation Management at KSU, one of the few universities in Lithuania offering this specialisation. The option to study remotely was a key factor in her decision. 

“Aviation is a dynamic, technology-driven field where economics, flight safety, operational planning, business models, international connectivity, and geopolitics all intersect. I love the fact that learning here never stops. Aviation is constantly evolving, and that is precisely what makes it so exciting and motivating,” she explains. 

She is particularly interested in the strategic role of aviation in international relations and the global economy.
“After studying international relations, I realised that aviation is inextricably linked to geopolitics and the interactions between nations,” she affirms. 

Remote Studies – A Solution for Busy Professionals 

Gretė highlights that remote studies are invaluable for postgraduate students who must juggle their studies with work or other responsibilities. 

“For me, it was essential to combine my studies with military service. KSU offers this flexibility—lectures are held in the evenings and delivered remotely. Despite the online format, the quality of education at KSU is exceptionally high—courses are taught in English by experienced aviation professionals from abroad, many of whom have years of industry expertise. This not only provides theoretical knowledge but also exposes students to real-world challenges and trends in the aviation sector,” says Gretė. 

“KSU has developed an outstanding remote learning system—all course materials are available on the Moodle platform, lectures take place via MS Teams, and recordings can be accessed at any time. This level of flexibility is invaluable,” she adds. 

Despite studying remotely, Gretė actively engages with her classmates and meets them in person for exams and assessments. 

Her favourite study module is “Business Models and Trends in Aviation”, which has provided her with a deep understanding of the aviation industry’s core principles, continuous transformations, and the innovations shaping its future. 

Leisure and Interests 

In her free time, Gretė is dedicated to personal development—she is passionate about history, aviation, and geopolitics, as these subjects enable her to gain a deeper understanding of global events and their interconnections. 

She also has a fascination for vintage cars, which she regards as living relics of the past, encapsulating the spirit of their time. 

Additionally, she loves to travel, particularly by motorcycle, as it allows her to experience the world from a different perspective. Hiking in nature helps her unwind, while participating in social events fosters a sense of community. She also prioritises self-improvement—reading books and staying active through sports. 

Reflections on Her Generation and Its Potential 

According to Gretė, those born in 1998 are an ambitious and goal-driven generation. Many of her peers have already established their career paths, invest in education and personal growth, and are actively engaged with the world around them. She finds it inspiring to see young people pursuing their chosen paths with confidence. 

“I encourage my peers to be persistent and to trust in their abilities when striving for their goals. Do not be afraid of making mistakes—failures are valuable lessons that shape and strengthen us. There are countless opportunities available to us; we just need to seize them wisely,” she advises. 

In life, she follows the words of Jimmy Dean:
“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”