Commencement Spotlight: Anastasiia Sakharova

Anastasiia Sakharova 
Center for International Studies
Latin American Studies 
Kyiv, Ukraine

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
Currently, I am looking for a position in the field of international affairs. I am already writing articles on Latin American politics for the ADASTRA Think Tank in Ukraine. Additionally, I am also looking for positions in the think tanks in the U.S. or within the foreign affairs service of Ukraine. 

What memory stands out from your time at OHIO?
It's hard to name just one memory, as I have several incredibly fond memories from my time in OHIO. They all have one thing in common: they involve my friends. We hang out together, celebrate together, and support each other. I have had some very difficult moments during the past year, but I am so happy that I had my friends by my side. 

Why did you choose OHIO?
I was particularly drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of the Latin American Studies (LAS) program at Ohio University, and I believed that this program would be a perfect match for my academic interests. 

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Dr. Patricia Toledo-Torres from the Economics Department always encouraged me to do research and motivated me to learn more. I am extremely grateful for her help and patience; my thesis project became a reality thanks to her classes and her support. Dr. Layton from the Political Science Department encouraged me to think about politics in developing countries. The fascinating readings that I did for his classes helped me to understand a lot of processes on a deeper level. And also, Dr. Patrick Barr-Melej, the interim executive director of the Center for International Studies (CIS), was always supportive of our LAS group and I am particularly grateful for his colloquium on Latin American history, which helped me build a greater understanding of the historical dynamics in the region. 

What was the hardest hill you had to climb (not counting Jeff Hill) at OHIO? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
My challenge was my thesis. I had to dive into a completely new topic of the energy sector using both quantitative and qualitative methods, which was quite a challenge. I believe that if you really enjoy what you do, you can overcome any obstacle. Create a plan, set deadlines, and tackle each little "hill" one by one.

What are your favorite OHIO memories?
The events at OU are amazing, and I particularly enjoy the International Street Fair. Our student and community organization, Bobcats for Ukraine, participated twice. It was an incredible experience to see how the international and local community unite for the cause, explore other cultures, or just enjoy being together as part of the OU family. 

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO student not to miss?
Definitely do not miss CIS events! They are always so much fun and the food is amazing.