After my escape to Vyborg from all the academic pressure, I thought I’d take it slow for a while. But life, as always, had its own plans. What followed was a string of unforgettable experiences — each one putting me out of my comfort zone and closer to who I am becoming.

BRICS MediaLab. Photo courtesy of the author

My first-ever solo trip — Murmansk

Yes, you read right — my first ever solo trip. No group chats to rely on, no travel buddy to accompany me on the journey — just me, my backpack, and the endless north. I packed my bag, nervously double-checked my itinerary, and set off to Murmansk, a city that sits quietly above the Arctic Circle. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I knew I needed to do this — for me.

From chasing the elusive aurora borealis to taking a day trip to the stunning, cinematic village of Teriberka, I still can’t believe I managed all of this completely alone. I navigated unknown streets, made local friends, and even asked strangers for directions. This trip helped me learn to trust my instincts and realize that solitude can be deeply empowering.

I came back not just with pictures, but with quite a pride — I did it. And I’d do it again.

Kazan and the MediaLab BRICS: stories beyond borders

Soon after, I was selected as one of the participants for the MediaLab BRICS in Kazan, organized by the Gorchakov Fund. What an incredible honor it was to be part of this global dialogue — a whirlwind of discussions, international collaborations, and storytelling. I shared the stage with media personalities, young journalists, and creatives from Brazil, India, Iran, Russia, Vietnam, and the UK.

We didn’t just talk about the media — we lived it. From collaborative reporting workshops to media tours, every moment was inspiring. Between workshops and interviews, we explored the beautiful city of Kazan. I wandered through Kazan’s charming streets, visited the white Kremlin, tried local chak-chak sweets, and soaked in the cultural fusion that makes this city so unique.

But the best part? The people. I met strangers who became collaborators, groupmates who became friends, and mentors who encouraged my voice.

The Grand Finale: thesis defense and goodbye to graduate life

And then came the moment that quietly tied everything together — my Master’s thesis defense. After months of research, sleepless nights, and document formatting (that was a beast of its own!) I finally stood before the committee, presented my work, and walked out with excellent grades.

All the hard work, self-doubt, and perseverance paid off. That small smile I had while I successfully defended my thesis. This chapter is over, but what lies ahead is even more thrilling. The girl who once got lost in the metro during her first week in Russia has now navigated not just the city, but academic challenges, cultural journeys, and personal transformations.

What’s next?

For now, I am giving myself a moment to breathe, celebrate small victories, and maybe even plan the next adventure. As always, I will keep sharing because whether it’s about travel, student life, or growth, the stories live best when told.

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