"Every moment of linguistic confusion, of thinking carefully before you start talking, of embarrassing yourself only to come out humbler and wiser, of acknowledging the nuances that color human experience in different hues, of venturing curiously into something unknown, and of going along for the metaphoric ride and making the most out of it is a spectacularly useful exercise in navigating all sorts of professional and life situations."
Major(s) and Certificate(s): Economics, International Studies, Russian
Language(s): Russian (4 years) and Serbo-Croatian (1 year)
Graduation Year: 2015
What motivated you to study this/these languages?
I had originally wanted to study Slovak due to my family roots as well as Serbo-Croatian due to my interest in the Balkans. However, upon coming to University of Wisconsin as an undergrad, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the stellar(!), nationally-recognized Russian department at UW-Madison and chose to join the Russian Flagship Program.
What do you remember about your UW language classes? How were they different from other classes you took?
UW language classes are one-of-a-kind! Not only are UW language professors and TAs top notch, but there are numerous clubs and campus events that allow students to engage the language outside of the classroom. For Russian, I remember taking special trips to buy groceries in Russian at Intermarket on Old Middleton Road, performing at inter-Slavic-department functions dressed as Russian babushki, speaking with Kyrgyz throat singers who had come to town for a concert at the Overture Center, and interacting with dozens of Kazakh exchange students. The dynamic Madison community will surprise you with how many opportunities it provides to put your classroom skills to use “in the real world”. Also, as I look back on my most cherished friends from college, I’m not surprised to conclude that most of them come from language study. Not only are bonds forged tighter when you’re all going through the frustration (and awe) of learning to express yourself in a different language, but the frequency, small size and inherent social aspect of language classes will ensure that you have ample time to interact with classmates at a deeper level than any other type of course on campus.
How valuable were your out-of-classroom experiences? How did they add to your undergraduate experience/coursework?
I lived in the International Learning Community’s Russian House and also participated in the Russian Flagship Program. I would highly recommend both to anyone at Madison hoping to develop their Russian to professional-level proficiency. In the Russian House, we would make meals together, take special outings to Slavic restaurants in Milwaukee and take in a broad swathe of Russian cinema. This immersive living experience was complemented by the rigorous coursework and individualized tutoring offered by the Russian Flagship Program. Both experiences were highly formative in my language journey.
What have you done in a professional capacity since graduating from UW-Madison?
After graduating from UW-Madison, I went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Foreign Service at Georgetown University during which time I worked for the World Bank, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, and the U.S. – Russia Business Council. Following grad school, I was appointed as a Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) and entered the federal government as an International Economist at the Development Finance Corporation. After a six-month rotation to the U.S. Agency for International Development, I was reappointed to USAID and currently work there as a Senior Central Asia Desk Officer. In this role, I serve as the liaison between DC stakeholders, USAID’s Missions in Central Asia, and USAID HQ and participate in the development, messaging, and execution of U.S. foreign policy priorities in the region, including implementation of the U.S. Central Asia Strategy. For work, I have been able to live and work abroad in Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Colombia, the Kyrgyz Republic, Bangladesh, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
What are ways, either expected or unexpected, that your language study has benefited you in your career?
At USAID, I’ve been able to use Russian on a weekly basis, mostly for conducting research using Russian-language media. However, my knowledge of Russian has been supremely helpful during my temporary assignments abroad to Bishkek, Tashkent, Dushanbe and Ashgabat. Owing to my ability to converse fluently in Russian, I am able to connect quickly with Russian-speaking colleagues and stakeholders. Even more than the ability to communicate seamlessly, there is a deeper sense of trust forged by speaking the same language, and I believe this linguistic aptitude allows me to accomplish my duties more efficiently and impactfully while in the field.
How have you maintained or improved your language(s) since graduation?
Unfortunately, I have not had the ability to purposefully improve my language skills since graduation. However, true to the promise of the Russian Language Flagship program, I have found that after achieving a high level of Russian fluency, my language skills get rusty, but they always come back in full force after a few weeks back in a Russian-speaking atmosphere!
What advice do you have for students who are studying language(s) about how to incorporate their interests and skills into their future goals?
My advice is to not underestimate the amazing skillset you cultivate while studying abroad if you are able to take advantage of that opportunity. For instance, no single event in my life has yet to be as professionally consequential as my decision to study abroad in Kazakhstan. My career path has been tiled with the knowledge, insight and downright fascination with Central Asia that I accrued while abroad. But even more than that, the persistence that one develops to not just ‘survive’ but thrive for a year abroad in another country in another language (we took that language pledge seriously!) transfers over into every other occupation one undertakes. Every moment of linguistic confusion, of thinking carefully before you start talking, of embarrassing yourself only to come out humbler and wiser, of acknowledging the nuances that color human experience in different hues, of venturing curiously into something unknown, and of going along for the metaphoric ride and making the most out of it is a spectacularly useful exercise in navigating all sorts of professional and life situations. Living abroad is a rare form of comfortable discomfort that nurtures growth and empathy, and I would highly encourage everyone who is able to do so to live abroad at least once.