Meet Olha Viun, the Kent State Graduate College Graduate Student Teaching Award recipient. Olha is a master's student in the Department of English.
Please give a short overview of your research, scholarship or creative successes.
My research focuses primarily on the experiences of Ukrainian students when completing the U.S. Department of State’s Global Undergraduate Exchange Program. The study examines language and social challenges perceived by the students, as well as the development of academic excellence over the course of one semester. Through an extensive interview process and survey data collected, my study identifies areas where prospective overseas students could struggle, as well as strategies for fostering academic and cultural adjustment.
What made you choose to pursue your graduate degree here at Kent State?
The Master’s Program in TESL at KSU is a solid methodological base that offers a vast variety of state-of-the-art scientific approaches. While applying, I envisioned conducting my research under the supervision of Professor Ryan Miller since his academic interest in second language acquisition aligns directly with my field of study. This program will allow me to join the ‘TESOL International Association’ and share my academic achievements with like-minded scholars and establish professional connections with educational institutions representatives all over the U.S.
What do you enjoy most about attending Kent State for graduate school?
In-class interaction. When it’s high time to prepare for my classes, I incorporate a habit of in-text notetaking and self-reflection: it helps sum up my academic study load and fruitfully interact in class. Over the course of these five months in graduate school, I can surely state this technique develops my creative thinking since once you start delving into the topic, you cannot help drawing unseen connections.
What are your future goals?
Only the future is aware of what it holds for me. My present is a solid path to my future: building myself up, speaking up, and showing up. Always.
What did this award mean to you and how has it aided you?
It proves all the effort you put into your life’s work is worth it. Once I make up my mind on applying for a doctorate program, it would definitely come in handy as a justification for my work at the English as a Second Language Center at Kent State University.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Editing videos – short snippets of my life – puts my mind at ease. Also, I am currently into reading historical novels and memoirs after the full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine. ‘The Warsaw Orphan’ is my top priority and recommendation.