As I sit here in Pulkovo airport, waiting for my flight to Moscow, I can't help but think and reflect on the experience I have had. Six weeks ago, if you asked me how excited I was for my trip to Russia I would have honestly said not very much at all. Initially I was dreading these six weeks in St. Petersburg. I was anxious and nervous and downright not looking forward to it. I knew it would be so challenging to not know the language here. I was traveling for the first time to a truly foreign place. I knew my way of life would have to shift immensely and I wasn't excited for that. I wished I could just stay home in New York for the summer, living in the relaxing comforts of home -- a truly carefree summer.
Now, that my time here has come to a close, I couldn't think of any other way to spend my summer. Yes it was difficult, and challenging, and I faced unexpected obstacles often. But overcoming these challenges here in Russia, and in all of my other travels for that matter, have shaped me into the person I am today. I have been determined to make the most out of my short time in college, and though it may be tough at times it has proven to be so rewarding. I have watched myself grow immensly academically, professionally, and personally. I grew to love St. Petersburg. It's beauty, it's culture, it's people; it is truly the diamond of Russia.
Peter's window to the west brought me beautiful memories, along with life lessons I will always keep with me. I feel that I truly made the most of my time here in St. Petersburg; and I thank my professors, peers, and staff for being a part of this journey. Most of all, I thank the people of St. Petersburg for giving me a glimpse of their wonderful city. Their strength and perseverance as a people is truly remarkable. The art of survival by Petersburgers is one that should be revered by all.
Ultimately, I am so pleased with how my study abroad experience in Russia has turned out. I am so thankful that it was contrary to my initial beliefs. Peter, I hope to return to you one day.
"By the new capital, the younger,
Old Moscow's eclipsed at once --
Such is eclipsed a queen-dowager
By a new queen when her time comes.
I love you, Peter's great creation,
I love your view of stern and grace,
The Neva wave's regal procession,
The grayish granite -- her bank's dress,
The gentle transparent twilight,
The moonless gleam of your nights restless,
When I so easy read and write
Without a lamp in my room lone,
And seen is each huge buildings' stone
Of the left streets, and is so bright
The Admiralty spire's flight,
And when, not letting the night's darkness
To reach the golden heaven's height
The dawn after the sunset hastens --
And a half-hours for the night."
- A.K. Pushkin's The Bronze Horseman
Until next time Peter, До свидания.
Now, that my time here has come to a close, I couldn't think of any other way to spend my summer. Yes it was difficult, and challenging, and I faced unexpected obstacles often. But overcoming these challenges here in Russia, and in all of my other travels for that matter, have shaped me into the person I am today. I have been determined to make the most out of my short time in college, and though it may be tough at times it has proven to be so rewarding. I have watched myself grow immensly academically, professionally, and personally. I grew to love St. Petersburg. It's beauty, it's culture, it's people; it is truly the diamond of Russia.
Peter's window to the west brought me beautiful memories, along with life lessons I will always keep with me. I feel that I truly made the most of my time here in St. Petersburg; and I thank my professors, peers, and staff for being a part of this journey. Most of all, I thank the people of St. Petersburg for giving me a glimpse of their wonderful city. Their strength and perseverance as a people is truly remarkable. The art of survival by Petersburgers is one that should be revered by all.
Ultimately, I am so pleased with how my study abroad experience in Russia has turned out. I am so thankful that it was contrary to my initial beliefs. Peter, I hope to return to you one day.
"By the new capital, the younger,
Old Moscow's eclipsed at once --
Such is eclipsed a queen-dowager
By a new queen when her time comes.
I love you, Peter's great creation,
I love your view of stern and grace,
The Neva wave's regal procession,
The grayish granite -- her bank's dress,
The gentle transparent twilight,
The moonless gleam of your nights restless,
When I so easy read and write
Without a lamp in my room lone,
And seen is each huge buildings' stone
Of the left streets, and is so bright
The Admiralty spire's flight,
And when, not letting the night's darkness
To reach the golden heaven's height
The dawn after the sunset hastens --
And a half-hours for the night."
- A.K. Pushkin's The Bronze Horseman
Until next time Peter, До свидания.
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