An International Conversation Via Social Media

POST BY ALEXANDRA KOULLICK, SB VOLUNTEER

In late March, I got an email in Russian from someone (I speak Russian at home) saying that she heard about me from Olga Isaakovna Fleshler and was wondering if I was interested in talking. All she said in her introduction was that she lives in Chita, so I didn’t know who she was. Being too shy and uncomfortable to inquire, I went with the flow and decided that learning her identity would be a surprise when we talked.

When we first started emailing, I was worried that she would initially show enthusiasm and that it would fade. However, she kept emailing me nice messages about how she was glad that we were friends now and initiating conversation. To take our conversation a step further, she offered that we exchange Whatsapp numbers and Instagram usernames. Fast forwarding two weeks, we are communicating now through Instagram by sending each other videos in Russian!

I learned that Polina—as l later learned was her name!—and I have a lot in common including our age, many of our interests, and our enthusiasm to get to know each other better. There are a countless number of topics that we have and can talk about including the differences of living in the United States and Russia, school, tests, and hobbies. I am moved by her genuine interest in me and how she continually asks me questions, wanting to know more about my life here in Minnesota.

I never thought I would have the opportunity to become friends with someone halfway across the world, and I am grateful to Siberian Bridges for making this is possible. We are currently organizing a date to talk in real-time – I will keep you all updated!