Anticipated Degree(s): BA, Russian Language and Literature,2014.
Honors and Awards:Oregon Laurels Scholarship (2010-2011); Peer Mentor Leadership Award (2011-2012); ACTR Post-Secondary Russian Scholar Laureate Award (2008)
What do you plan to do with your fluency in Russian?
While I don’t have any concrete career plans as of yet, I am hopeful that Russian will continue to be an integral aspect of my life and work. And as my broader interests are geared in the direction of teaching and literature, I’m sure it won’t be too difficult to find an avenue that somehow incorporates my knowledge of and passion for the Russian language, literature, and culture.
What attracted you to Flagship?
The program’s goal of creating advanced-proficiency speakers of Russian was, of course, its main attraction, but I was also intrigued by the opportunity to study abroad in St. Petersburg for a year – having just returned from there, I truly can’t wait to go back. Also, as a post-fourth-year student, I simply wanted to find a way to continue studying a language I love and hope to one day achieve a near-native level of fluency in.
What’s the best aspect of being in Flagship?
There are many aspects of being a Flagship student that is truly fantastic, but I was mainly drawn to the program because of the opportunities it provides us with in terms of furthering our linguistic and cultural educations not only inside, but outside of a classroom environment
Why is fluency in Russian important to you?
I began learning Russian at age fifteen and, to be unfortunately cliche, absolutely fell in love with not only the language itself, but with Russian culture, history, and pretty much everything else Slavicly-inclined. However, beyond this mere passion, I also recognize the benefits of being a fluent speaker of a critical language like Russian given the current political and economic climate and in light of our two countries’ relatively complex histories.