Coming to a new country is definitely exciting. Most students that I met on my way to Uppsala were quite enthusiastic and eager to enjoy the student life experience outside their home country, to meet new friends for life and to feel the spirit of one of the most student cities worldwide. For some, perhaps more introvert people, it might turn out to be challenging to integrate. Speaking personally, coming from Russia, I was lucky to already have lived and studied in France and Italy, and to have made friends from different countries all around the globe. However, only here in Sweden and Uppsala in particular, could I finally balance my inner ambivert personality. V-Dala nation became a place for me that I could call my «second home».
I guess a lot of international students wonder if there is one good reason to become a member of any nation at all. That question bothered me as well a lot, so in the beginning my reasons to become a member were quite pragmatic. I wanted to work in the nation to earn some extra money. It is funny how priorities changed with time as the work in V-Dala consumed me completely. Even though it is true that you are wasting a lot of energy, the reward you get socializing with people all over the world, sharing life experiences, enhancing your own cooking skills and at thesame time doing one good thing together with your mates is worth it.
Johanna Ejerhed was the first person I got in touch with and she was in fact the reason why I decided to stick to V-Dala without knowing much of it. She showed me a lot of support and her dedication to the work motivated me as well. What I actually saw and what really impressed me was how much people in V-Dala cared about their nation. The International Committee and Landskapsposten happened to be the activities I engaged in particularly because I simply met the people who were passionate about what they do. It is all about people in the end. Their enthusiasm made me engaged in the whole process. It made me feel a part of something big, and for that I am grateful. I thank all of you for the inspiration you gave me!
Every year of our life, every month, week, day and every hour contributes one way or another into the whole «time of our lives», into the evolution of our personality. I am grateful to this nation for the experience I am getting right now and I am really happy to be a part of this great community.
I wish V-Dala all the best and with this article I am hoping to leave a little part of me in its future !
Text by Dasha Kolesnikova