I won a competition and got a scholarship to go to the USA my junior year of high school as an exchange student. Without that unique and life-changing experience (I was placed to a host family in a college town in Indiana, by the way), I would not be in a US university right now. I'm extremely grateful for my parents' encouragement and my own choice to participate, because I was not sure at that time. It all turned out to be a great experience.

Teach Russian values/mentality Learn the American ways Share my culture and optimism!

Russian candy! And funny/interesting stories from the past, including what my parents told me about USSR (I know many Americans are interested in that topic). I can also teach them some Russian words.

Videography, drawing, photography, listening to music, attending sports events, watching movies, traveling, journalism and mass media, fashion, blogging.