Emma Vandehey holding a baby cow ("Who doesn't love baby animals?" - Vandehey)
| Name: |
Emma Vandehey |
| Major: |
Russian language and literature with a minor in applied linguistics |
| Year in School: |
Senior |
| Other ways you are involved at PSU: |
I am in the Russian Flagship program, which hosts different events throughout the year like essay contests and end-of-term gatherings. |
| Why did you decide to become a student at PSU? |
My dad attended PSU in his late 40's, and I realized how loving and open the community at PSU was. Seeing how accepted he was at PSU was a huge factor in my decision to attend. |
| How did you decide on your major? |
I was originally a transfer student from Portland Community College and was accepted into the University Honors College at PSU because of my GPA. The director of the Russian Flagship Program emailed me from a list of incoming honors students and gave me some information on the program. After realizing the opportunities there are for Russian speakers in the Portland area, and discovering my love for the language, I decided to major in it. |
| What has been your favorite class at PSU so far? Why this class? |
Russian Literature 341 & 342 have been my favorite courses so far. I love classic literature and being able to read Pushkin, Dostoevsky, and Lermontov in the original language has been an amazing experience. |
| What has been your most rewarding experience at PSU so far? Why was this experience rewarding? |
Working in the Dean of Student Life's office has, by far, been the most rewarding experience for me at PSU. Getting to help fellow students and working with an amazing team is an opportunity I will never forget! My goal in life has always been to work in some sort of outreach position, so it feels like I'm in an environment that will benefit me in my future endeavors. I've also formed irreplaceable friendships with the people I work with. |
| What do you plan to do after you graduate from PSU? |
I plan on pursuing a graduate degree in communication and finding a career path where I can continue helping people in need. |
| Anything else you want to say? |
I'd like to say thank you to all faculty and staff here at PSU for their encouraging words and extra effort to keep students engaged and learning during these weird times. It means so much to us all that you all are fighting for our education and doing the best you can with the resources you have. |