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Double major: Russian Literature & Culture and Politics

Summer Language Study: Language Learning Program, School of Russian and Asian Studies, Latvia; State University of Economics, University of St. Petersburg

Summer Internship: Translator, Yusupov Palace, Saint-Petersburg

While I was looking up schools in my final year of high school I stumbled upon ³ÉÈËÊÓƵCollege. A family friend had recommended it but I did not give it much thought. That same year I read Crime and Punishment and I loved it. I began searching schools with strong Russian departments. That's when I came across Mount Holyoke. The department had great reviews so I turned to my college counselor and said: "that's it! ³ÉÈËÊÓƵis my school I am going there and this is why!" After that, she and I worked diligently to get me to be a desirable candidate for the school. Long-story-short, I made it to ³ÉÈËÊÓƵas a blue Lyon class of 2016.

Beating the Odds

Despite my enthusiasm for Russian studies, I faced many challenges. The Russian language did not come easily to me. However, there was no way I was going to quit. My love for Russian literature, history, politics, and knowledge of culture was far too great. I continued working on my Russian language fluency.

I went to the south of Latvia the summer of my sophomore year to practice my Russian studies.

The summer of my junior year I made it to Russia and landed an internship at the Yusupovsky Museum in Saint-Petersburg, Russia and also studied the Russian language at the State University of Economics at the University of Saint Petersburg. I managed to also pay a visit to Moscow, Russia.

I had a hard time adjusting to both programs in Latvia and Russia at the beginning. By the end of the program, I felt right at home and found myself assimilating as much as I could. However, my cultural experience was very different than what I had expected.

Language is one very important part of communication, but there is more to it.

I assumed that because I had been studying Russian for three years (by that point) I would immediately have everything fall into place. However, my study abroad experience taught me about cross-cultural  communication. Language is one very important part of communication, but there is more to it. I learned how to immerse myself in a new culture and accept a culture for what it is, and not appropriate what I liked and understood from my classes.

Overall, my four years studying Russian literature and culture at ³ÉÈËÊÓƵwere remarkable.

I had many downs, but just as many ups. I frequently met new and interesting people. I had the honor and privilege of working with wonderful professors. Not only did I receive a great academic and intellectual experience while I was a part of the Russian department at Mount Holyoke, but I also grew as an individual. I learned so much about myself and my capabilities, both as a student and a person.

My time at ³ÉÈËÊÓƵand within the Russian department was a roller coaster, but it was worth the ride. I hit numerous speed bumps but I still arrived at my destination with grace, despite my obstacles.

Continuing my Russian studies in Cuba.

As it turns out they have a strong Russian program over at the University of Havana. I want to challenge my linguistic skills and try a new way of living. I think it will help me with my new found curiosity about cross-cultural communication. I hope to one day go back to Russia as well as other places, and to learn more languages along the way.

The Russian department at ³ÉÈËÊÓƵhas given me the tools and support follow my ambition.