How's that for a hook introduction?
As of last week I've been accepted into a master's program in Chelyabinsk. School starts September 1st. So, now you know why I've been selling off my stuff. ;)
If you've noticed I've been stressed out of my mind and exhausted the last month or so, now you know why. This process has not been easy. For most of this year I have been trying to get in contact with different people at Chelyabinsk State Pedagogical University. Not one, but FOUR separate people completely ignored my e-mails. Then I had friends call, and they wouldn't pick up the phone. Then I had friends GO to the office, and they were out of the office. This was about 5 weeks ago.
So, as you might imagine, with September 1st getting closer and closer, I started looking at different options. I e-mailed South Ural State University and they responded within 24 hours. That was promising! Then they never responded again .... so, once again, I had friends calling to get information.
Long story slightly shorter, they've confirmed receipt of all of my documents (including my transcript which I had to translate into Russian until 4am to make sure it was received), we've clarified which program I'm doing (Russian as a Foreign Language), I have an apartment lined up with a friend and some other roommates, flights are booked, and now I'm waiting to receive my invitation so I can apply for the visa.
Fun stuff. It will be so worth it, though. Much like the first time I went to Russia, I'll be training while studying. I knew that I wanted to live in Russia and do a master's, so when I was looking at which city to live in, I mainly looked at cost of living and ability to train. Chelyabinsk was the best choice I found, as the cost of living is VERY low... as in, rent+food+cell phone is probably half of what most people pay for rent in the US... and some great lifters train just 5 minutes from the university. No brainer, really.
That's the first nugget of joy. The second nugget of joy is that the IUKL has accepted my proposition to work with them as Manager of International Relations. Given that I'll be studying and training, it will be a fairly small-scale job for now. However, I think it will have a very positive impact on the kettlebell world. My goal is to help alleviate some of the confusion and help push everyone forward together.
It's been a good week.
It's not going to be easy, but it will be a great story to tell and it will be an amazing experience. The first opportunity I hope to be able to take advantage of is attending the IUKL international seminar in Omsk, in October. Given that a train ticket to Omsk costs around $30, and I'll be able to stay with a friend, it would be silly of me not to go.
Thank you to everyone who has been there for me and will continue to be there for me. I'm very lucky to have not only a supportive family by blood, but also an extended network of friends by iron. In just this last few months, various kettle brothers and sisters have offered advice and proofreading of different letters, rides from the airport, a couch to crash on, lots of time trying to get in touch with the university, and more.
Thank you all!
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As of last week I've been accepted into a master's program in Chelyabinsk. School starts September 1st. So, now you know why I've been selling off my stuff. ;)
If you've noticed I've been stressed out of my mind and exhausted the last month or so, now you know why. This process has not been easy. For most of this year I have been trying to get in contact with different people at Chelyabinsk State Pedagogical University. Not one, but FOUR separate people completely ignored my e-mails. Then I had friends call, and they wouldn't pick up the phone. Then I had friends GO to the office, and they were out of the office. This was about 5 weeks ago.
So, as you might imagine, with September 1st getting closer and closer, I started looking at different options. I e-mailed South Ural State University and they responded within 24 hours. That was promising! Then they never responded again .... so, once again, I had friends calling to get information.
Long story slightly shorter, they've confirmed receipt of all of my documents (including my transcript which I had to translate into Russian until 4am to make sure it was received), we've clarified which program I'm doing (Russian as a Foreign Language), I have an apartment lined up with a friend and some other roommates, flights are booked, and now I'm waiting to receive my invitation so I can apply for the visa.
Fun stuff. It will be so worth it, though. Much like the first time I went to Russia, I'll be training while studying. I knew that I wanted to live in Russia and do a master's, so when I was looking at which city to live in, I mainly looked at cost of living and ability to train. Chelyabinsk was the best choice I found, as the cost of living is VERY low... as in, rent+food+cell phone is probably half of what most people pay for rent in the US... and some great lifters train just 5 minutes from the university. No brainer, really.
That's the first nugget of joy. The second nugget of joy is that the IUKL has accepted my proposition to work with them as Manager of International Relations. Given that I'll be studying and training, it will be a fairly small-scale job for now. However, I think it will have a very positive impact on the kettlebell world. My goal is to help alleviate some of the confusion and help push everyone forward together.
It's been a good week.
It's not going to be easy, but it will be a great story to tell and it will be an amazing experience. The first opportunity I hope to be able to take advantage of is attending the IUKL international seminar in Omsk, in October. Given that a train ticket to Omsk costs around $30, and I'll be able to stay with a friend, it would be silly of me not to go.
Here's the timeline:
August 21st I go to New York, August 23rd I compete in the USA Nationals, August 24th I leave for Russia.
Thank you to everyone who has been there for me and will continue to be there for me. I'm very lucky to have not only a supportive family by blood, but also an extended network of friends by iron. In just this last few months, various kettle brothers and sisters have offered advice and proofreading of different letters, rides from the airport, a couch to crash on, lots of time trying to get in touch with the university, and more.
Thank you all!
(Chelyabinsk Coat of Arms)
Amanda you are adventurous, brave, strong and brilliant! The IUKL is making a terreific addition to the lineup! CONGRATULATIONS
ReplyDeleteThank, Valerie!! Not sure when I begin officially, but I'm excited :)
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