Derek Groom

Studying Russian language and literature in the Slavic Department at UCLA, and in particular within the Russian Flagship Program, was an extremely fulfilling and unique experience. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have worked with the department’s inspiring and exemplary faculty, who truly motivate their students to reach new heights. The camaraderie among my peers in the department also made my experience at UCLA much more memorable; I no longer felt lost among the crowds of UCLA’s booming campus. In terms of preparation for life after graduation, my time with the Slavic Department provided me with the tools and experience to thrive in my current work, and I still use my Russian language in a professional capacity on a daily basis.