Katherine Zakharova

Being a first generation American in my family, I have had quite a few new experiences compared to the rest of my family, who originated from Russia. Going through college applications, standardized tests, figuring out American traditions (thanksgiving, halloween, etc.), how to throw entertaining birthday parties, and getting help for homework in subjects Russia doesn't pay attention to are just some of the things I have had to figure out through the years. It doesn’t get easier on the social front either from having to pronounce my last name one hundred times, or having people criticize me for the decisions of Russia’s government. Of course being Russian has had its perks, like easy conversation starters, being able to fascinate people just by speaking a language that is natural for me, and the general coolness that comes with being foreign (I say in the most humble way possible). My nationality surrounds every aspect of my life including food, social skills, family traditions, and the friends I choose. My best friend happens to be Georgian, the nationality of the small country underneath Russia that has had some political issues with my country, which makes for some interesting times with her to say the least. Together we have helped each other figure out the ways of America, or at least those ways that differ from our eastern European ways. My name is Katherine Zakharova, and I am proud to be an American, but also a Russian ( pardon the cheesiness).