My interest in
Russian began when I learned of my hometown’s
sister city project with a town called Borovichi.
In the summer of 1994 I visited Russia with my
town’s sister city group. Through this trip
I learned many valuable lessons and gained
lifelong friends and “family” in Russia.
The Russian Studies program is one of the reasons
I decided to come to Muhlenberg, although I had
not originally planned to major in it. I decided
to major in Russian Studies after completing
several language classes. Now I am a junior, a
Russian Studies and History double major, and am
also pursuing certification in secondary
education.
The Russian
Studies major has provided me with an in-depth
look at culture, history, and literature, which
will benefit me as a high school social studies
teacher. It has taught me that even though the
world is diverse in cultures and beliefs, people
are similar and can get along and live in harmony.
I hope to pass this understanding on to my future
students. The language program here has also
provided me with opportunities to do independent
research that will combine my majors. The small
class sizes have benefited me because I have
gotten to know my professors one-on-one. Dr.
Iskold has been a tremendous force in helping me
to realize and pursue my goals for the future.
The Russian Studies program has expanded my
interests and deepened my knowledge of a society
so different, yet very similar to our own.
Stephanie Thorpe ‘01
The Russian
Club has done many exciting things this year,
going on trips and enjoying traditional Russian
dinners. Our dinner nights are fun and
informative. Not only do we get to know Russian
foods better --they can be very tasty, we have
found-- but we also watch Russians movies such as
Door to Paris, Kola, and Friend of the Deceased.
Last year the Russian Club took a trip to the
Nicholas and Alexandra exhibition. That trip was
an incredible experience for Muhlenberg students
who participated; the sad history of the last
Russian royal family touched everyone’s
heart. This spring we are planning to take two
field trips. One is to Romeo and Juliet on Ice,
based on Tchaikovsky’s ballet; the other to
the New Jersey State Museum to see the exhibition
Unseen Treasures: Imperial Russia and the New
World.
Galina Radzievsky ’00
