The opportunity to study anthropology, gender studies, and, of course, Russian at LC has opened doors that I never could have imagined. Studying abroad in St. Petersburg in the spring of 2020 gave me a taste for life in Russia that I first experienced growing up in a Russian-American household. In my last year at LC, I continued my involvement with the Russian club as its president, finding new and creative ways to virtually foster community among students studying Russian. I’m super passionate about all things Russia: its language, politics, and especially the food! The support of the Russian department at LC has allowed me to channel my long-felt interest in Russian culture into my current academic pursuit of contemporary queer identity and nationalism in Russia. Looking forward, I hope to return to Russia to continue my research, but regardless of what my future holds, I know that it will always include Russia in some form.