What did you do before coming to Russia?
I graduated with a Specialist’s degree in Mathematical Methods in Economics from the St. Petersburg State University of Economics. After working so hard to obtain my degree, I had to say goodbye to Russia and go back to Zambia, where I took up an internship with the Central Statistical Office of Zambia. Upon completion of the internship I decided to partner up with my brother and we created a startup business trading in homeware and electronics online. After working on that for a while, I was presented with a scholarship opportunity by the Zambian government to study for my Master’s, so I decided to take it up in the field of Innovation Economics and Industry Regulation at ITMO University.
What made you choose that as your field of studies?
I chose this field because it emphasizes on the topic of innovation alongside the study of technology, knowledge, and entrepreneurship. As you may know, many nations are now moving away from an industrial model of production and towards a knowledge-based economy, therefore the economics of innovation is becoming more and more relevant.
What is most interesting about your field?
I think it is the entrepreneurial aspect. ITMO University has a center primary focused on entrepreneurship. Every week we hold seminars with business leaders from different fields. I find these seminars very interesting because I get to interact with real business leaders and other entrepreneurs as well.
Where do you see the most growth in this field?
Of course, in innovation. This is an essential driver of economic progress that benefits consumers, businesses and the economy as a whole. Innovation can lead to higher productivity, meaning that the same input produces greater output. As productivity rises, more goods and services are produced – in other words, the economy grows. Let’s take Zambia as an example. The country has a large production potential of goods and services but because it lacks innovation, it cannot realize its full potential in terms of economic growth.
What surprised you about ITMO?
Before I answer that question, allow me to say thank you to a few people. My program manager, my research professor, the admissions team, the Student Services Office and the International Office. These people have been very helpful in ensuring that I get the most out of my education. I am very grateful. My classmates are also a ridiculously talented bunch with the most diverse interests. What surprised me the most about ITMO University is the diversity of the learning process: there is always so much to do in terms of activities and student clubs to join, the “work hard and play hard” mentality. The professors are really dedicated and they hold weekly office hours where you can just walk into their office and barrage them with questions. They are a tremendous resource. It is truly a great university.
What was the latest experience that made you stronger?
At this moment, the coronavirus outbreak has spread fear and anxiety around the world. You see during times like these that we have no choice but to be strong. So this experience has really made me stronger.
Do you have any side projects you are working on?
Yes, I am writing a book. It is in its initial stage so I would rather not say much about it. Aside from that, I am also a fitness and health enthusiast. I enjoy swimming and cycling but, of course, that has been interrupted by the coronavirus outbreak.
How are you spending your time in quarantine?
Despite the quarantine, studies at ITMO have continued as usual. We are having our classes online and the professors have bombarded us with a lot of work. I am so busy – I don’t even feel I am in quarantine. But I hope that everything gets back to normal and everyone can have their peace of mind.
What do people often tell you when they learn/find out where you are from?
I get different responses, but most people are amazed and say that they would like to visit Zambia just to see the Victoria Falls. Others are so intrigued that they want to find out if I keep a lion as a pet back home or whether wild animals just walk around the streets. I find it funny because I, too, had similar expectations of seeing a bear in Russia, but I’ve yet to see any.
Photo courtesy of the subject
What do you miss about your country?
I miss my family and friends. Well, and the drama too. What I mean is that most people in Zambia are politically active citizens, so there is always something amusing in the news to talk and laugh about.
Have you fulfilled or want to fulfill any dreams while in Russia?
I am a big dreamer. Coming to study at ITMO University is one dream that I have already fulfilled. I believe ITMO University has opened me up to a whole new world of great opportunities and not even the sky's the limit for me. Apart from that, the most beautiful thing about Russia is the women, the whole world knows that. One dream I’ve yet to fulfill while I am in Russia is to marry a Russian woman.
What did you think was cool when you were young, but isn’t cool now?
Like many of my friends, I grew up watching western movies and seeing the snow, especially in the Christmas movies, was very cool. The other thing was fast trains. They were extraordinary. But now that I have lived in Russia, I got used to it.
Written by Ethan Avila
