I came into college determined to be an English major, but I never expected to like Russian and Post-Soviet Studies enough to add it as a minor. I started taking Russian language classes only to fulfill William & Mary’s language requirement. I remember sitting in my freshman dorm doing laundry for the first time and trying to learn the Russian alphabet while I waited on the washing machine. First in print, then in cursive. It was frustrating, but soon enough I began to fall in love with the language. I started taking Russian history and literature classes my sophomore year, and the more I learned about the intricacies of the culture and its history, the more I wanted to continue learning. My minor challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone, but I also had the support of the RPSS faculty to keep me going. I don’t know how Russian studies will fit into my future goals, but I do know that it taught me persistence and a love for other cultures, and I hope to keep carrying those lessons with me.
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