Riverside High School
Greer, SC
History, Russian and Political Science

Whenever someone asks me, "Why Russia?," I usually sheepishly reply something along the lines of "I really like hockey, OK?" But that doesn't even come close to summing it up. While hockey (and transferable political science credits) was the main reason I chose my study abroad program, the year I spent preparing through Russian study at UofSC was enough to make me fall in love with the language and the culture, all but forcing me to add it as a major without even realizing it. Without the guidance, support and friendship provided by the Russian department (especially Dr. Judith Kalb), I never would have discovered my passion for either Russia or Cold War history. 

Future plans: Sarai will attend graduate school to pursue a career in public history and is currently deciding among acceptances.