Q: How did your Slavic studies prepare you for your future career? What was the most important thing you learned?
A: I had the opportunity to live and work in Russia last year. I made some very wonderful connections with friends, but also very important business connections. I now have the opportunity to pursue business opportunities working with a Russian investor with whom I am now friends. The most important thing I learned was to pursue time to practice at any given moment; there are many wonderful people in the world and we just need to be open to each other.
Q: How did your Slavic studies contribute more generally to your life?
A: Learning Russian has been an absolute pleasure, and I now find it completely reasonable to travel to Russia at least once every year. There are also many opportunities to connect with the Russian community here in Toronto, which I have introduced many of my non-Slavic friends to.
Q: What did you do immediately upon graduation?
A: After a chance meeting, I placed all of my trust in a stranger, flew to Moscow, and challenged myself to make a successful adventure. Less than two days after arriving, I had a host of job offers in my inbox, including work with a state owned natural gas corporation as an English teacher. The job paid extremely well, I made many new friends, and I had the opportunity to explore many parts of Russia on my time off of work. I also volunteered as a translator at the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, which was definitely an unforgettable (and positive) experience.
Q: What advice would you give to graduating students, or to students thinking about the Slavic program?
A: Learning a language is one of the best things you can do to open yourself up to new parts of the world and great adventures. If you are considering returning to school right away, maybe consider some time abroad to get some great life experience before heading back to school. When the time comes, the Slavic program is world class, and you will have the opportunity to explore academia further.