As a colleague and former student of Galina myself (during a study tour in Moscow just before the collapse of the USSR), it was with great pleasure I sat down to talk with her about her teaching experience and plans for the next stage in her adventurous life. Here are some highlights from that conversation, with links to the original Russian audio included:
“You know, I think I’m one of those teachers who are optimists… I consider myself a lucky person, because I’ve always loved my work insanely… insanely. And it was always a mission of mine to do all I could to transfer my love for my language to my students. […] That might be one of the reasons that I decided to retire: I understood that sometimes I didn’t have the strength for the sort of motivation I was able to give a few years ago. I now feel like I don’t quite have the courage I used to. It’s time for me to retire. I need to make way for young teachers with enthusiasm and imagination.”
On her biggest reward as a teacher of Russian…
“The biggest reward for me was when a student would tell me, ‘You know, I signed up for Russian mainly for the language requirement, but I fell so in love with the language that I decided to continue it.’ In my opinion, this is what makes all the effort worth it.”
On why UF students of Russian are “exceptional people”…
“Our students are the very best. When I would enter the first-year classroom for the first time, I would always say, ‘Greetings, exceptional people!’ Why is that? Sure, they may have a high GPA and some other achievements. And the reasons for studying Russian don’t matter–even if it’s for the language requirement. What makes them exceptional is they don’t seek out the easy paths in life. […] Our students really do stand apart from the rest. This could be my rose-colored glasses again, but ours always seem to be better than the rest. There’s no question they’re better educated. And they have, you know, a broader view of things.”
On the memories she takes away, and why students appreciate Russian Studies…
“When you ask me what sort of memories stand out, it’s when I see that a certain sense has been established, results have been achieved. They’re very grateful, our students, they appreciate the attention, and always say that our Russian program has the best teachers. In other units you can wait a month to see an advisor. But in Russian, any teacher is ready to answer your question and give you the time. And that’s a distinction of the whole program. That’s what they really value.”
On her love and plans for traveling in Russia…
“Of course Paris, Rome are wonderful by nature–so powerful. It’s just that, Baikal! I think, “no, I must keep traveling” [in Russia]. Altai, Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands… Europe can wait. It’s not going anywhere with its civilizations, its architecture. But here [with Russia] you’re dealing with a whole other level of emotion that simple sweeps over you. The feeling of excitement is so overflowing you just want to scream.”
To say that Galina will be missed is an understatement. In many ways, she has been the heart and soul of Russian Studies, a model colleague, and an inspiration to hundreds of our students. But she promises us she will not disappear entirely, and her spirit and passion are engrained into the program. We thank her for her amazing years of passion and service, and wish her years of travel and adventure to come!
