Saying Yes to New Opportunities

This summer in Moscow is my second trip to Russia. Being my second time to Russia, I stepped off the plan with a very different mindset than I during my first stay in Russia. I am striving to be a “yes” man. That is, any opportunity or invitation that comes my way, I accept. It can be anything, tea at my speaking partner’s parents’ house or an invitation to a meditate with Russians, I say yes. Of course, I am using my initiation and not doing anything dangerous or life threatening. I have gone into this trip with such an approach because I noticed during my first stint in Russia, I was not doing things due to my lack of confidence with my language ability.

With this in mind, an offer to participate on a Russian Game show “мы знаем русский” passed my way. Channeling my inner Jim Carey, I immediately said “yes”. When the invitation to be a participant on the show was first proposed to me, I was under the impression that the other contestants would also be international students. I carried this idea with me all the way to the broadcasting building. The day of the program shooting, I was running late. I was rushed to makeup and did not get a chance to meet the fellow contestants. We were finally acquainted just 20 minutes before they would start shooting the show! And boy was I in for a surprise. Every contestant besides me, was from a former soviet public, from countries where Russian is still widely spoken today. After realizing this, any makeup that was applied, I definitely sweat off. Luckily I was on a team with a Ukrainian and Kazakh, who definitely knew Russian. I was shaking at first, but eventually I calmed down and actually answered a few questions correctly. I probably look clueless for most of the show but it was something that I will never forget, nor will anyone else because it is now on the internet.

Being in an unknown country is intimidating, you doubt yourself and your language constantly. The simplest tasks are daunting. The only way to combat the doubt is to go out and do what you don’t want to do or what you would not think you would do. Take the chance, say “да” and see where it leads you. For all you know it could lead to a friendship, or your first TV appearance. If it doesn’t turn out how you expected, it’s a good thing, you shouldn’t know what to expect in a foreign country.  Your time abroad is one big experience made up of small memories and moments, you can’t let fear or doubt prevent from making those memories. Say “yes”.

By: Finn Casey

Program: Business Russian Language & Internship Program

Term: Summer 2019