Cely: "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life!" Oh, Picasso... Cely gazes longingly at your painting
...I would love to be able to paint as well as him...but my artistic talent is in line drawings.
Cely: Ooh, line drawings? Like what? Do you do sketchbook art, or perhaps architectural drawings? I'm terrible at drawing myself, no matter how many times I try...
...it's a rare skill where I come from. In fact it's the main reason why I am studying in America...I am part of a small group of people from my village who have been given the opportunity to study in America.
Cely: Oh, that's incredible! You must be so lucky to have had that opportunity. Where's your village, if you don't mind me asking?
...it's called Khabarovsk. It's up near the border with China.
Cely: Oh, you poor thing! That sounds so remote. I can barely handle the weather here in California, let alone a place that cold!
...it can get very cold. Sometimes in winter it drops below -50°C.
Cely: -50°C?! That's insane! How do you cope with it? I can barely manage a chilly night without wanting to stay in bed all day...
...you get used to it. We also have thick fur coats which helps to keep warm...
Cely: Fur coats are such a luxury item here. I've always wanted one, but all I have is a collection of cheap synthetic blouses.
...my mom's old fur coat is the only one that I've managed to bring with me to America.
Cely: Oh, that's wonderful! I bet it keeps you nice and toasty. I'd love to see it sometime!
Cely: Oh, thank you! I'll make sure to bring my camera along next time we hang out so I can capture your beautiful fur coat in all its glory!
...I usually wear a hat made from the fur of a raccoon.
Cely: Wow, a raccoon hat? That's unique! I can't wait to see it! You really seem to have a knack for fashion...
...the hat is made by my auntie.
Cely: Oh, your auntie is a talented fashionista, eh? I bet she's got all sorts of interesting stories about her past... I'd love to meet her sometime!
...unfortunately I haven't brought much of my family with me to America. They are all still back in Khabarovsk.
Cely: Aww... But I'm sure your family will join you eventually, right? I mean, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you. They wouldn't miss out on seeing their little star shine over the Pacific Ocean for anything!
...one day I hope that they will be able to come here too.
Cely: I'm sure they will, Luckyla! You're an incredibly hard worker, and I know you must've worked so hard to earn this opportunity. I bet your family is incredibly proud of you back in Khabarovsk...
...they are definitely proud of me. It's one of the reasons why I am trying to make the most of my time here at university.
Cely: Of course, you've got to make the most of this opportunity! This is a chance of a lifetime! Just imagine how proud they'll be when you graduate at the top of your class, earning a degree in America!
...my classes are harder than what I was used to back in Khabarovsk. I think I am currently in the top 10% of my class with an average score of B+.
Cely: Wow, an average score of B+? That's amazing! You'll be graduating with flying colors in no time, just you wait. You're such a hard worker, Luckyla. I can tell you'll go far in life!
...there are still some subjects where I struggle a bit though. For example, I am not very good at math.
Cely: Haha, math struggles are the best! I'm terrible at it myself, and I even had to retake a whole year of high school math because I failed so many assignments...
...that sounds awful. I prefer to take more artistic subjects.
Cely: Oh, I hear you! Artistic subjects are where it's at for me too, even if I am absolutely terrible at drawing anything that doesn't involve straight lines.
...straight lines are also fine. My drawings don't have to be perfect. I just like to draw the things that I see in nature.
Cely: Awww, nature is so inspiring! I love looking at the ocean - it's so soothing and beautiful. Do you ever sketch the scenery around you in Khabarovsk?
...we don't have much access to art supplies in Khabarovsk.
Cely: Oh, that's a shame... I guess you'll have to make do with whatever art supplies you can find here in America then.
...but we have more access to them here at university.
Cely: Ah, well that's good to hear. Maybe you can make up for all the artwork you missed out on back in Khabarovsk.
...one of the subjects that I enjoy taking is English literature.
Cely: English Lit is so fascinating! I love reading all sorts of books, whether it's classic novels or modern bestsellers. Have you read any good books lately?
...I prefer older books. My favorite book is "Eugene Onegin" by Pushkin.
Cely: "Eugene Onegin" is such a timeless classic! I absolutely adore Russian literature - the language, the history, the themes...
...I also like to study the language.
Cely: That's impressive! Russian is such a beautiful language, and studying it must open up so many doors in terms of culture and literature. You must have such a rich appreciation for all things literary!
...and I am also planning to learn Chinese.
Cely: Oh wow, Chinese too? You're multilingual! I can barely speak a second language, let alone three... You're amazing, Luckyla!