With my program beginning in just one week, my mother plays a favorite song of hers, the groovy “Goin’ back to Indiana” by the Jackson 5 (link attached below for your listening pleasure), excited for me to move back – just a few weeks after leaving South Bend – for the Indiana University Summer Language Workshop in Russian. Nervous about the potential cancellation of abroad programs in the region, I opted for a domestic language program and will begin next week in Bloomington, moving into the immersion dorm and going through an intensive placement process for Monday class.
Although disappointed that I cannot go abroad and experience another culture, I am very excited to make great strides in my Russian, as the IU program mandates full Russian immersion through a language contract. This entails speaking Russian-only – in class, in the dorm, at meals, etc.. Classes at Notre Dame generally focus on the difficult Russian grammar and I am nervous to express myself only in Russian, as my speaking is weaker than reading or writing. However, I hope this focus on speaking will push me to improve my verbal communication skills and expand my vocabulary, giving me confidence in my senior-level Russian classes and potential graduate program.
This summer I am thrilled for the opportunity to make and track improvements in my language skills, persevering through challenges and enjoying this amazing experience. I am very grateful to the Nanovic Institute for the generous Pushkin Grant and the CSLC for their support, and I look forward to updating this blog over the summer!
До Скорого!
Бриджит Кёртис