ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú

• Hometown: Reno, Nevada
• Class: 2028
• Major(s):  International Studies; Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies
• Other Activities, Honors, and Awards:
  • Model Arab League
  • Sigma Iota Rho
  • ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Club Tennis
  • Russian, Eastern European, & Eurasian Club

Why ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú?

I ultimately chose ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú because of the great staff I met for my major and how active the campus and town are. I met with Dr. Dilchoda Berdieva while I was in the decision-making process. She immediately made me feel very welcomed, and it was nice to create close relationships with her and some of the other professors in the department so quickly. I was also drawn to how much there is to do on the campus. There are many clubs that you can join, programs you can attend, and events around the town you can take part in.

How did you choose your major?

I had decided my International Studies major before I came to ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú. I had known that this is what I was looking for in a school, so once I found that I loved the major at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, it made my choice to come here easy. For International Studies, you are required to take a language, and I chose Russian. I added my second major of Russian, Eastern European, Eurasian Studies once I was at the school. My Russian Studies professor had shown me how strong the program is at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú and urged me to add it. With great places on campus like the Havighurst Center, I knew that they had an wonderful support system to go with the major. The professors I met associated with the Center and the major are all very kind and supportive, and it has made being part of the community a great experience.

Key Moment at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú

A key academic moment that I've had has definitely been my International Studies ITS 202 course. I love this class because it has been such a hands-on experience in terms of learning. I love the process of how we learn for this class, in that we take current events and analyze them and consider the effects that they have. It has been a really great class to be in because it continues to get me more excited about my future career in the field.

Other Notable Experience

The clubs I've had the opportunity to be a part of at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú have all been really amazing. Model Arab League is an amazing club that is set up like a Model UN, but for the Arab nations. You learn a lot while being in this club, from information about the Arab nations to communication and speaking skills that you can use for the rest of your life. I am also a part of Sigma Iota Rho, which is an International Studies honors society. It is nice to have a place to meet with others in the same major as myself and be able to talk about topics that relate and interest all of us. I have loved being a part of these clubs because they have given me a great sense of belonging at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú and allowed me to find friends outside of classes.

Advice to Prospective Students

Students should look into one of the 700+ clubs that are offered at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú and pick out a couple that really strike their interest. It can help to calm nerves you may be feeling about being isolated or scared, because you can see that there are groups out there where you can find your people. The community at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú is amazing, and you will always be able to find someone or a group that will support you!

What are your career goals?  

After I graduate from ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, my preferred career choice would be going into the field of humanitarian aid. I am not totally certain of what organization I want to join, but I want to work to help and advocate for people who need a voice in the system.