Learning Confidence and Cultural Sensitivity
Studying abroad is not only about new cities and new languages. It is also about the people who shape your journey along the way. For me, one of the most influential people at the Higher School of Economics has been Professor Moshnyaga Elena Viktorovna. She played a key role in shaping the way I think, speak, and interact in an international academic environment.
We come from very different cultures and hold different beliefs about many things, yet she always made me feel respected and heard. And that, I believe, is the true mark of a great teacher.
A Professor Who Encouraged My Voice
During my first semester, I often hesitated to speak up in class. I worried about language, culture, and whether my thoughts would sound correct in a foreign academic setting. Professor Elena Viktorovna noticed this, and she encouraged me gently but consistently.
She would say, “Your opinion matters. Speak, share, contribute.”
Your opinion matters. Speak, share, contribute.
Because of her, I began raising my hand more often. I started expressing ideas confidently, even when I wasn’t sure they were perfect. She taught me that participation is not about always being right, it is about growing, thinking, and learning from discussion.
Respecting Differences with Understanding
One thing I admire about her is how she handled our cultural differences. We discussed sensitive topics, social values, and worldviews that do not always align between other countries and Pakistan. Yet she always listened with patience and kindness.
She helped me understand that intercultural communication is not about agreeing on everything, but about respecting each other’s perspectives. She showed me how to respond with sensitivity, how to avoid assumptions, and how to engage in dialogue, not debate.
Her lessons extended beyond the classroom, they shaped the way I see people and conversations now.
Creating a Welcoming Environment
From the beginning, she created an atmosphere where every student felt valued. She never dismissed opinions, no matter how different. Instead, she guided us to think deeper, question respectfully, and appreciate diversity.
She showed me that a classroom can be more than desks and lectures. It can be a space for confidence, curiosity, and cultural exchange.
Conclusion
Today, when I speak comfortably in seminars and express my thoughts without hesitation, I know her encouragement played a huge part. Professors do not only teach subjects, sometimes, they teach courage, respect, and open-mindedness.
I am grateful to Professor Elena Viktorovna Moshnyaga for making me feel welcomed, respected, and capable in a new academic world. She proved that a good educator does not just teach, they inspire.
Shared by
Farheen Siddique
