Please introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Ogom Faith Blessing and I am from Nigeria. I love technology and am passionate about cybersecurity. Since high school, I have wanted to study deeper and get good expertise in this field. And now I am living my dream here at ITMO.
What are you currently studying at ITMO?
I am enrolled in the Foundation Program, where I am learning the Russian language. This September onwards, I will start my Bachelor’s program in information security.
How has your Russian learning journey been so far?
Learning a foreign language is something that I always wanted to do. It allows me to explore a place and its culture better. When I got accepted to ITMO, I knew that I would have to learn the language. It is difficult, but with the help of my teachers, I am able to make good progress. I hope to be able to communicate confidently before the end of this year.
What motivated you to look for opportunities in Russia?
Back in Nigeria, women are not encouraged to talk about technology. But I was a non-conventional girl who was highly passionate about it and wanted to make a career out of it. Unfortunately, it meant that I would not be able to make much progress in my country. Hence, I started searching for countries where women are given an equal opportunity to study and learn about technology. Russia stood out as one of the best countries where I could get a world-class education – and here I am!
How did you become interested in cybersecurity?
Digitalization has its pros and cons. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, the amount of cybercrime is very high. Every day, people fall victim to online frauds and data theft. I want to make a difference and develop a robust information security paradigm in my country. That is the reason why I wanted to get educated in this field and I am glad to have that opportunity here at ITMO.
“St. Petersburg is a great city and I would love to explore it more,” says Ogom. Photo courtesy of the subject
That’s awesome! How does it feel to live in St. Petersburg?
It is great. The city is phenomenal! The only problem is the cold weather. I am not used to such temperatures at all. But I am working on it and I am sure I will adapt to it quickly. Spring is almost here and things will only get better from now on.
What is it like to be an international student at ITMO?
It has been a good experience so far. Everybody is very helpful here! Whenever I find it difficult to locate my classroom, the native students help me navigate on campus. The language barrier is a problem, but I think with time, I will be able to overcome it as well.
Have you made new friends from other countries?
Yes, I have made some amazing new friends from different countries! I have friends from Afghanistan, Syria, and Ecuador. Unfortunately, I don’t have any Russian friends yet, but that might change once I start attending classes in my Bachelor’s program.
How does it feel to live in a dormitory?
I live in the dormitory located on Vyazemsky Lane and I must admit it is a great place. Some people call me lucky because I have a very nice roommate from Serbia who is extremely kind and well-behaved. The room is also very spacious and well-maintained. ITMO dorms definitely surpassed my expectations.
Do you like Russian food?
I have not tried a lot of Russian food yet. This is still a problem because I am so used to my country’s cuisine. But I really like plov. It is not an authentic Russian dish, but you can find it everywhere in Russia.
So, do you cook your own meals?
Mostly, I prepare my own meals in the dormitory. There is a nice kitchen in my dorm. But when I am exhausted or when I don’t feel like making anything, I head out to the university cafeteria. They have a variety of dishes on offer every day.
Ogom’s fondest memory of Russia thus far is ice skating. Photo courtesy of the subject
What has been your most memorable moment in Russia yet?
I would say my first experience of ice skating. It was such a special moment for me. In Nigeria, it is always hot, so you never get to experience sports like these. When I got the opportunity to skate on ice, I could not believe that I could glide so effortlessly. It was one of my best days in St. Petersburg.
Do you feel homesick?
Not really. I have an uncle who lives here, whom I do pay a visit to every once in a while. I do miss my mom and dad, but with the help of technology, I am able to stay in touch with them.
What are your plans for the summer?
I want to continue learning Russian and get better at it. Also, I have an entrance exam coming up soon. So, I will be working hard to prepare myself for it.
What would your message be to the students in Nigeria who would like to study in Russia?
I would surely recommend ITMO to them. It is one of the best places to study technology in Russia. Also, I would encourage the young ladies in Nigeria to follow their hearts and pursue their dreams. If you are interested in technology, you deserve to get educated in it. Nothing should stop you from chasing your dreams.
