My STEP project was a two-month long study abroad in Moscow, Russia. I studied at a Russian university and improved my Russian language skills while immersing myself in the culture. 

The experience I had abroad was incredible and completely changed my view of Russia and its’ people. Before my study abroad, I had no actual idea what Russia would be like. A lot of the assumptions I held about Russia were that it would be cold, dark, lacking history, and overall not a fun place. I could not have been more wrong. The country is so vibrant and the culture so rich. The cities are filled with incredible churches and exquisite palaces. The architecture, art, and literature are so full of life and artistry it is incredible. As well as my changed mentality on the country itself, the people also change my view. Prior to my time there, I thought the people would be cold and uninviting. I made so many new friends and they were the opposite of that. Everyone was so welcoming, and they wanted to make deep connections with me. The experience truly was transforming as my perception of the world and other cultures has changed. 

One moment that really stuck out in my mind as the time of transformation was when my friends and I celebrated Russia’s soccer victory against Spain in the World Cup. Russia had never made it that far in a World Cup tournament and the city was alive. People were filled with pride and excitement over their national team. As the hosts of the World Cup, Russians were beaming and spreading joy everywhere. In that moment, I realized just how human we all were and how much emotion we share. I discovered that Russians are just like me and we all love sports, our country, and each other. It did not matter to them that we were not Russians ourselves, they let us celebrate hand in hand with one another. 

Another significant experience I had in Russia was one of the simplest everyday experiences. My host mom and I would sit together for every meal and talk about our lives. Although it was not much, this time together made a profound impact on me. She was so kind, patient and understanding with my language skills. She helped me to understand what she was saying and she assisted me when I could not explain myself. She took the time to care about me and this showed me her heart and genuine intentions. I never would have expected to sit in a small kitchen with an older Russian woman and be able to have a conversation, let alone a meaningful one. She taught me so much about patience and being kind to others. She gave me a whole new vantage point on Russia and its kind hearted people. 

In Russia, I got to change my view of not only the people but also the culture. I expected to see a harsh cold country with all Soviet style bland architecture, but again I could not have been more wrong. My program took a trip to a city not far from Moscow called Sergiyev Posad. One of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Russia, Sergiyev Posad was filled with the most beautiful churches. The Russian Orthodox religion is quite vast across Russia and this city was a hotbed of the religion. The churches and their architecture was incredible, having been preserved for many years. So much gold and extravagant paintings covered the walls, I was truly in awe to find such a wonder in Russia. I never would have thought this could have been found in a place so often stereotyped as dark and gray. The trip really opened up my eyes to the hidden beauty within Russia.

Overall, my experience in Russia was one that was not only transformative but unforgettable. I learned to have an open mind and open heart when approaching new and different environments.  From now on, I see the world as a smaller place, one in which we all have things in common with one another. We are all just humans sharing a planet with one another, we have the same emotions, thoughts, loves and feelings. For my future career, this mentality is essential. As I hope to go into diplomacy, this perspective of the world will help me to understand others and do my job to the best of my ability. I will be able to relate to people and be able to hold important conversations and meetings with those from around the world despite our differences.