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| A Long Way From Home |
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| Written by Mo Zollers | |
| Sunday, 04 May 2008 11:00 PM | |
UTA student overcomes hardships in Russia to earn two honors degrees The Shorthorn: Michael Rettig Instead, the Russian and political science graduating senior matured in a land shadowed by memories of Stalin and the Iron Curtain. Smal was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, during the communist era. His childhood was spent in Belarus, a former Soviet Republic. “The thing is, Belarus was an actual dictatorship at that point, with no human rights or freedoms,” Smal said. “My parents were not rich, and at some point I figured that if I wanted to achieve something in this life, I better do something.” He decided to come to the U.S. and take a chance on what was once his homeland’s Cold War archrival. Just 15 years old, Smal embarked on the longest plane ride of his life. “My parents hated the idea of me leaving, because I was so young,” he said. “But somehow I won this scholarship sponsored by the U.S. State Department to come to America to go to high school.” Smal headed to Michigan and by 16, finished high school. He initially stayed there for college, then moved to Texas when friends invited him to visit. “For the first two years, I lived in Fort Worth and was so poor. I had to ride the buses for hours to get to places,” he said. “But slowly things started to get better, and I moved to Arlington, and went to UTA. And now I’m graduating with Honors degrees in Political Science and Russian.” Smal credits assimilating with American culture for much of his success. In addition to his participation with the Honors College, he joined the Sigma Chi fraternity and is involved in many campus activities. Cathy Pritchett, Honors College programming director, said Smal is always friendly and respectful. “He’s such a neat guy,” Pritchett said. “He’s the kind of person that you’re always glad when they’re around.” But, not every experience in the U.S. has been positive for Smal. He said this is not the land of opportunities he expected and not everyone really gets a chance. “People who get chances in this country do not always deserve them,” he said. “During my years here I went through several stages of feelings toward the U.S. Initially I loved it, being a high school exchange student. Then when I moved to Texas, I hated every single thing about it.” The Russian student hated cowboys, country music and the weather. But then, something changed. “Ironically, now the only reason why I think the U.S. is the greatest is because of Texas,” he said. “I guess I grew to like it, and now if there was one place I’d want to live, it would be Texas. Now, all I listen to is country music, I say y’all all the time, the weather is great and cowboy boots are the best thing ever.” He also uses his knowledge of political science to support his favorite candidates. Smal supports democrats and believes Sen. Hillary Clinton is the most intelligent presidential candidate. After graduating, Smal hopes to pursue a political science graduate degree at the university. He believes anyone who wants something in life needs education. “I’ve known him for a while. He’s a great student,” Honors thesis adviser Les Ridingen said. “He’s getting two honors degrees, and most students only get one. He’s writing two theses, which is pretty amazing,” As for overcoming obstacles, Smal believes most people don’t realize what it’s like to be young and on their own in a foreign country without knowing anyone. “Every day would impose new obstacles,” he said, “but the way I see it, every obstacle in your life only makes you stronger and better.” |
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All ceremonies will take place December 10 -14 in Texas Hall at 701 W. Nedderman Drive.| Thursday, December 10 School of Nursing - 7 p.m. Friday, December 11 School of Social Work and University Studies - 11:30 a.m. School of Architechure - 3 p.m. School of Urban and Public Affairs - 7 p.m. Saturday, December 12 College of Engineering - 9 a.m. College of Liberal Arts - 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, December 13 College of Business - 12:30 and 4 p.m. Monday, December 14 College of Science - 3 p.m. College of Education and Health Professions - 7 p.m. |
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