Part four:
A child of two cultures

Yaroslava Gavrilyuk

Yaroslava Gavrilyuk's name means "bright glory" and this six-year-old Russian girl is definitely a shining star in her own right. Yaroslava was born in the former Soviet Union to Andrey and Sasha Gavrilyuk. When she was only 10 months old, her family moved to Columbia, SC to join a local non-profit organization.

Yaroslava's formative years were spent in the Russian Cultural House, where she grew up among American students of all ages who were studying Russian language and culture from her parents.

In this dorm-like atmosphere, Yaroslava was practicing her Russian language with her parents alongside the students. She shared many life experiences with her American friends, shaping her Russian-American world view.

Sasha and Andrey's students found Yaroslava to be an excellent "language partner." They are grateful for opportunities to talk and play with her and to learn Russian in a natural manner.

Yaroslava's parents instilled in her a strong Russian heritage through their contact with Russian friends and family and by speaking to her in her native language. She learned her English ABC's as well, especially from her father, and at the age of 4 she was prepared to enter an American preschool.

Today, at six years old, she is fluent in both languages and has a special appreciation for education. She loves to dance and perform for an audience, and she works hard in school.