Background: Nikolai graduated this spring (2024) with a major in biology and minor in Russian studies. After a gap year to pursue a broad range of interests, he plans to enter graduate school in Slavic studies.
Read on to learn more about Nikolai’s studies and experiences at UF and the Russian Studies program!
What is the title of your Honors Thesis?
“Neopaganism in the East and West: Clashing Ideology”
How would you describe the focus and goals of the thesis?
I researched and wanted to clarify the way neopaganism as a newly developed religion was used to promote political and cultural ideologies in two different global regions. What makes neopaganism unique is the fact that the lack of source material makes it easy to manipulate based on the promoter’s own beliefs while retaining a sense of legitimacy due to the religion’s ancient roots, despite significant divergences from the original ancient religion.
What are one or two of the more surprising/interesting things you learned during your research?
I originally wanted to research Slavic paganism and compare it to other polytheistic religions in ancient times—such as those of ancient Rome and Greece. But as I dived more deeply into the topic, I learned how involved Slavic neopaganism or rodnoverie is with nationalism and Panslavism in Eastern Europe. I also found it interesting that the Russian government finds Slavic neopaganism of enough interest to include statistics on neopaganism in their census.
What are some of the ways the Russian Studies program (academic and extra-curricular) impacted your college experience?
It has greatly impacted my college experience, it led me to study abroad in Tbilisi, Georgia (which I never would have imagined I would have had the opportunity to do), connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds I would never have through the Russian Culture Club, and put me on a track to study something in graduate school (Slavic studies) that has little to do with my major (biology).
What are your plans (however vaguely clarified) once you graduate?
I plan to take a gap year so I can research graduate programs (PhD and Masters), study for the GRE, work a job with Vivid Music Hall and Productions as a bouncer and production hand, continue learning Russian through online private lessons, and hopefully gain a certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).
What words of advice do you have for students just now taking up Russian Studies?
Take full advantage of all opportunities availed to you. University of Florida is a massive institution with so many resources. The Russian department at UF is stellar, it is filled with a wonderful, caring faculty that has meant the world to me in my undergraduate career. Take classes that pique your interest, worry less about grades and more about learning: learning about things that truly interest you is reflected in your marks. If you have any thoughts of doing an honors thesis I highly recommend it, it will be of great help when applying to graduate schools, and is a great way to expand your perspective on humanities research and things that interest you personally.
Anything else you’d like to add?
In my case, I went into college not having a solid idea of what I wanted to do, and I remember a professor I met with when I first was touring colleges who told me to simply take courses that interested me. I would pass this advice on to incoming students and stress that they take courses that they are interested in, even if they have no experience in them. This will help them gain an idea of what they want to do after college more fully. When learning something that truly interests you, you will enjoy it so much more, it will not feel like a hassle (like I felt while in physics, biochemistry, and the like) and the good grades will follow. Professors in the Russian department have your best interest at heart and want you to succeed without unnecessary stress. Best of luck!
