William Walton

    It’s difficult to find the exact words to express how much I value the three years of experiences I've had in the Russian & Eastern European Studies program. I entered William & Mary with an interest in the history and politics of the region, but mostly as a supplement to my major in International Relations, however at the end of my undergraduate journey, I can say that the REES program has come to define my academic career here. In the wake of the pandemic, my Russian classes allowed me to participate in a tightknit community of fellow students and professors both inside and outside of the classroom through film screenings, conversation hours at the Russian House, and our language Olympics. Over the summer of 2022, I had the privilege to take part in the inaugural class of William & Mary’s domestic Project GO language study program, further developing my skills and understanding of Russia and Eastern Europe, while forming lasting bonds with my classmates and professors. I am so grateful to all my professors, whom I’ve gotten to know over the years, for fostering such a supportive and positive environment while tackling subjects both interesting and daunting, from Russian classic literature to the inner workings of the modern Russian state. Looking back at the end of the day, I know the most rewarding part of my time in the department has been the opportunity to meet and form lasting friendships with so many wonderful and kind people, who I look forward to watching achieve great things. For my own part, this summer I will be taking the Foreign Service exam, with the goal of eventually employing my skills toward American diplomacy and foreign policy in the State Department. Дорогие профессора и друзья, большое спасибо! Желаю вам успехов и счастья!