‘Life Is for the Brave’: HSE University–St Petersburg Student from Mexico Wins StudRussia Competition
Gisel Sarahi Vergara Herrera, second-year student of the Master’s programme ‘Arts and Culture Management,’ became a winner of the StudRussia all-Russian competition for international students. Her project was awarded the first prize in the ‘Creative Spirit’ category. Read on to find out about Gisel’s work and experience of participating in such a large-scale contest for international students.
— How did you learn about StudRussia? What was the original inspiration or personal motivation behind creating your project?
— It is actually a funny story because my entry into StudRussia was a bit serendipitous. I received an email from the International Office of HSE University–St Petersburg, announcing that applications were open. To be honest, I didn’t overthink it or even dive too deep into the specifics at first. I just felt that impulse to apply, you know? It felt like an open door, so I stepped through it.
When I did read the guidelines properly, I realised the competition wasn’t about creating something entirely new for the sake of the contest. It was about showcasing your trajectory, your chosen field. For me, that field is the cultural and creative industries. So, the most authentic and significant thing I could present was the project that is already my professional heartbeat: my art management and production agency, GALA—Global Arts and Leadership Alliances. It wasn’t a ‘project for the competition;’ it is my project, my vision. The inspiration, then, wasn’t something I had to search for. It was simply about choosing to share this part of my journey—this venture I’m building that sits at the intersection of art, leadership, and cross-cultural dialogue—and seeing how it would resonate at such a prestigious forum.
— What were the most crucial resources (skills, mentorship, research) you needed to develop your project from an idea to a competition entry?
— This is an interesting angle because, in my case, the project was already a living, breathing entity before the competition. So, the crucial shift wasn’t about developing the project per se, but about adapting how I communicated it under very specific, high-pressure formats.
The most valuable resource was undoubtedly the support system, particularly from the International Office, which guided us through the process. But if I talk about a skill that became absolutely vital, it was the ability to distil the essence of GALA into sharp, compelling presentations within severe time constraints. At different stages, we had to present to juries in various formats—pitches, case studies, and public defences.
And here’s where my academic training at HSE University was indispensable. My master’s programme, ‘Arts and Culture Management,’ has rigorously trained me to move beyond just having a good idea. It’s taught me how to deconstruct it, frame it within clear objectives and tangible metrics, and present it with objectivity and concrete impact. It’s the difference between saying: ‘I run an arts agency,’ and explaining: ‘We bridge specific gaps in the performing arts ecosystem by implementing model X, which has achieved Y results and targets Z sustainable goal.’ That skill—the ability to articulate complexity with clarity and strategic depth under pressure—wasn’t just helpful; I believe it made a monumental difference in how my project was perceived.
— What were the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them? What knowledge and skills gained at HSE helped you in the process?
— Honestly, the biggest challenges were in navigating the competition’s logistics, which, for a large-scale, relatively new national event, could occasionally be ambiguous or shift unexpectedly. For instance, during the final round in Moscow, some parts of the scheduled programme had to be adapted on the fly.
But I never saw these as mere obstacles. Instead, I chose to view them as unplanned opportunities for connection. When there was a delay or a change, it became extra time to converse with other participants—students from Vladivostok, Tomsk, or Kazan—and learn about their incredible projects in medicine, engineering, or diplomacy. It was a chance to practice adaptability and maintain a constructive, optimistic attitude.
My studies at HSE have emphasised the importance of navigating ambiguity and focusing on solutions rather than problems. In group projects and real-world case studies, we analyse things that rarely go 100% according to plan. The skill is in managing the human element, maintaining professional grace, and finding value in the interstices. That mindset helped me tremendously. I also had profound respect for the organisers: pulling off an event of this scope and diversity is a herculean task. So, any minor hiccups were vastly overshadowed by the sheer impressiveness of the initiative itself.
— Can you walk us through your experience showcasing your project in different cities during the competition stages?
— Absolutely. It was a journey that unfolded in distinct chapters.
It began with the administrative stage: submitting my CV, a motivation letter, and detailing GALA’s mission online. Then came an online round where we prepared a PowerPoint and a short video about ourselves and why Russia is a land of opportunity for international students.
The first live chapter was the regional finals at St Petersburg Polytechnic University. That was electrifying. For the first time, I saw the other projects from the Northwest region materialise in front of me. The format was a one-on-one presentation in front of all the participants and the jury. Here, I faced a significant, unexpected challenge: the jury for my session didn’t speak English. Even though there were separate Russian and English tracks, and I was enrolled in the English one, the translator wasn’t capturing every nuance of my presentation within the strict time limit.
This is where my HSE training truly kicked in. I had to ensure my presentation was so visually and structurally clear—with key metrics, objectives, and outcomes highlighted—that it could transcend language barriers. I relied on the universal language of a well-constructed argument: problem, solution, impact. It was a powerful lesson in communication efficiency. And it worked—I won first place in the ‘Creative Spirit’ category in the region, which was a thrilling moment and secured my ticket to Moscow.
The final chapter was in Moscow in December. The energy was completely different, magnified. Now, I was with winners from across the entire country—from Murmansk to Krasnodar, representing 22 different nations. One of the most beautiful moments was meeting the other Northwest winners on the train to Moscow. We spent the journey talking, sharing our excitement, forming a little squad before the big finale.
In Moscow, the diversity was staggering. Projects on Arctic engineering, sports medicine, cultural diplomacy… and I connected with more Latin American participants, which filled me with a special pride. It was poetic in a way—seeing how each of us, from different corners of our shared Latinidad, were not just studying in Russia but actively crafting projects with the potential to echo back home. We attended a profound talk with Maria Zakharova, Director of the Information and Press Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, on the transformative power of education, which set a reflective tone.
The competition itself involved a case study we had to solve and present to the jury. This format played to one of my strongest skills: public speaking and improvised analysis. Being able to think on my feet, structure a coherent response collaboratively with a team, and deliver it with confidence was, I believe, a significant advantage. The next day, they announced the national winners. Hearing my name called for first place in ‘Creative Spirit’ on a national stage… that was a feeling of culmination I’ll never forget.
— What was the atmosphere like at the final round in Moscow at MISIS University, and how did you feel representing HSE University–St Petersburg?
— The atmosphere at MISIS was dynamic and intensely international. You could feel the collective ambition and curiosity in the air—a buzz of dozens of languages, traditional clothes mixing with business attire, and the palpable nervous excitement before presentations.
Representing HSE University–St Petersburg was a profound point of pride for me. It was a layered feeling. First, there was personal pride in being able to showcase the kind of work nurtured by my university’s environment. But second, and quite impactfully, was witnessing the reputation HSE commands across Russia. Students from other prestigious universities—from the Urals to the Far East—would say things like, ‘Oh, you’re from HSE? That’s a top place,’ or ‘I follow your university’s research.’ It was one thing to know HSE’s ranking abstractly, and another to hear its name spoken with such genuine respect in academic circles across the country. It was humbling and made me feel I was part of something larger than just my own programme.
I felt I wasn’t just representing my project or myself. I was a small ambassador for the innovative, globally-minded spirit that HSE University cultivates. It added a wonderful sense of responsibility and community to the whole experience.
— How did you feel when you learned you had won the ‘Creative Spirit’ category, and what does this recognition mean to you?
— Sincerely? I was stunned. In a room full of such brilliant, inspiring people, you never allow yourself to fully expect it. There was this suspended moment of silence when they called the category, and then my name… and then it was just pure, unfiltered joy.
This recognition means several things to me. On one level, it’s a beautiful, tangible memory to anchor my entire student journey in Russia—a story I’ll carry forever. But on a deeper level, it’s less of a finale and more of a responsibility. Winning a national first place among such strong peers is a powerful confirmation. It’s a sign that says, ‘You are on the right track. This work matters.’ That confirmation is invaluable because the path of entrepreneurship in the cultural sector is often non-linear and filled with doubt.
So, this award is a form of permission and a charge: permission to believe even more fiercely in this vision, and a charge to continue investing my time, energy, and passion into developing it further. It’s not an endpoint; it’s a significant milestone that validates the past and energises the future.
— What do you believe made your project stand out to the judges in such a competitive field?
— I believe it was the convergence of three elements that created a compelling whole.
First, the substance of the project itself. GALA isn’t a theoretical concept; it’s a practical venture I’ve been building, questioning, and refining for years. It’s rooted in real challenges within the performing arts world. This depth meant I could speak about it with authentic passion and granular detail, answering any question from operational logistics to philosophical vision.
Second, the strategic communication skills honed at HSE University–St Petersburg. I could put this passionate project within a frame of clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and sustainable impact. Judges weren’t just hearing about a ‘passion for art;’ they were hearing a viable, structured professional proposition.
Third, the delivery. The competition’s crucial stages were oral presentations. My strong public speaking ability, comfort under pressure, and capacity to connect with an audience allowed the substance and strategy to land with confidence and clarity.
In essence, it was the synergy: a well-founded project, articulated with strategic clarity, and delivered with compelling conviction. You need all three to truly stand out in a field where everyone is exceptional in at least one of those areas.
— How has participating in StudRussia 2025 impacted your academic and personal growth?
— The impact has been quietly profound. Academically, it served as the ultimate practical application of the theories and methodologies I study at HSE University–St Petersburg. It tested my ability to apply cross-disciplinary analysis (like in the case study round) and defend my professional ideas under scrutiny, which is invaluable for my thesis and future research.
Personally, the growth is multifaceted. It expanded my professional network across Russia in an incredible way, connecting me with future leaders in various fields. It also boosted my confidence—not in a boastful way, but in a quiet, internal assurance that my voice and my perspective have value in a competitive, international arena.
Perhaps most importantly, I see this not just as a personal achievement, but as a win for my academic community at HSE University–St Petersburg. It highlighted what our students are capable of and, I hope, will inspire more international students from our university to step forward and showcase their work. It reinforced the idea that our university provides a platform not just for learning, but for visible, impactful projection. This experience has woven a new thread of confidence and connection into the fabric of my time here in Russia.
— Based on your experience, what advice would you give to other international students thinking about participating in StudRussia in the future?
— My core advice is this: present a project that truly stirs you, something you genuinely believe in. Don’t create something just for the competition. Dig into what you are already building, researching, or dreaming about. Authentic passion is palpable and cannot be fabricated.
And connected to that, you must believe in yourself enough to embrace the discomfort of trying. We often hold back because we see the possibility of failure so clearly. But within that same possibility lies the possibility of success. A phrase that is my absolute daily mantra: ‘Life is for the brave.’ The biggest loss isn’t trying and failing; it’s never trying at all because you were waiting for perfect conditions, a perfect project, perfect timing.
Nothing is ever perfect. No project is flawless at the start. If we don’t learn to work with imperfection, with the slight chaos of real ideas and real ambition, we’ll never start anything meaningful. StudRussia isn’t looking for finished, polished monuments. It’s looking for the raw, compelling, energetic blueprints of the future that you carry within you. So, my recommendation is simple: Don’t hold back. Don’t overthink. Apply. Share your story. You have absolutely nothing to lose and a world of connection, growth, and recognition to gain. Just take that first step.
