Degree(s): BA, Psychology & Russian, 2013; APRC, Advanced Proficiency in Russian Certificate, 2013
Honors and Awards: The Critical Language Scholarship (2007 & 2009), Russian Overseas Flagship (2011-2012)
International Internship:
Humanitarian Action
What do you plan to do with your fluency in Russian?
I plan to go to law school after graduation from PSU and pursue a career using both my Russian fluency and my knowledge of politics and law. At the moment, I have my sights set on a career with the United States government, possibly in the State Department or the Federal Bureau of Investigation. My language skills will make me a valuable resource, especially around my hometown of Portland, where there are a large Russophone population and a shortage of bilingually fluent interpreters.
What attracted you to Flagship?
The Flagship attracted me because it offered me a chance to further my Russian at a much deeper level than regular classes could. I knew I was going to level out and complete all of the regular Russian classes that were available to me very soon; Flagship gave me the opportunity to deepen my cultural and linguistic understanding, and the structure of the classes offered a wider, more useful sort of language use.
What’s the best aspect of being in Flagship?
The best aspect has to be the teachers. The staff that PSU has found for the RPP are without compare, both for their knowledge of the language and their wonderful relationship with the program. The classes are flexible but deep, and both teacher and student participation are extremely high.
Why is fluency in Russian important to you?
Fluency in Russian is important to me on several levels. First, I think that learning a foreign language is a duty to my country and to the world and that promoting bilingualism is a vital step in our education policy. Second, I am moving towards a field in which fluent Russian will be an inestimable asset. Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, I am in love with the language and the culture, and I stay with it because I want it, on a personal level.