Mara Sandru, a European Studies student at Maastricht University, Netherlands, likes to combine her academic ambitions and civic engagement, as, alongside her studies, she is involved in numerous extra-curricular activities. Mara’s passions include public policy and external relations, in the security and defence realm, and EU law. Her journey intertwines these interests as she will delve into the complexities of European Public Affairs through her upcoming MA programme. She enriches her learning by actively participating in conferences and debates, honing her public speaking skills while listening and learning from significant personalities in the field. Mara's comprehension of the European and global landscape and their challenges is matched by her skills in critical thinking and attention to details.