Russian high school student shares experiences with club
A Marion High School exchange student from Russia presented a program Monday to Marion Kiwanis Club members
Sasha Mikheyeva spoke about her homeland and the differences between the U.S. and her homeland.
Mikheyeva, a 16-year-old MHS senior, lives with Mike and Cheryl Connell of Marion. Mike is the USD 408 band teacher.
MHS principal Ken Arnhold said Mikheyeva was an accomplished musician and was chosen to participate in the Kansas Music Educators Association orchestra as a trumpet player.
Mikheyeva also participated in cross country and will perform in "Seussical the Musical!"
Mikheyeva said the official name for Russia is Russian Federation. Her home is in an area similar to a state called Sverdovskaya Oblast.
"It wasn't that much of a change for me to come to Marion," Mikheyeva said. She said she had been to small villages before.
When asked how she learned to speak English, Mikheyeva said English is taught as a second language.
The Russian school year is from September through May. One major difference is students attend classes on Saturdays.
The biggest difference Mikheyeva said between Russian and American schools was "school here is supposed to be fun. There it is not supposed to be."
Her favorite class at MHS is band. In Russia, it was math. Emphasis in Russia is on science, art, and literature.
Mikheyeva explained there are not many extra-curricular activities at her school in Russia.
Students are required to attend school for 10 years, including three years of high school. She said since she has started school, the rule has changed and students are now required to study for 11 years.
When she returns to the Russian Federation, she plans to take her final exams and attend a university, preferably in the U.S.
"I can't get as much financial assistance in Russia," Mikheyeva said. "I can get more here."
When asked what she would study in college, she said her primary interest is music.
She added that attending school in Marion was easier because of the cooperation among the students, teachers, and community, giving the school musical as an example.
"There is not as much cooperation in Russia," Mikheyeva said.
