I woke up to a call from my mum’s colleague. She asked if my mum could pick up some plasticine on her way home. After the call, I washed my face and headed to the kitchen for breakfast. I had a bowl of noodles, which was quick and filling. Once I finished eating, I checked my email and discovered some exciting news—I’d been accepted into a university in Russia.

Interestingly, I’m not currently in Russia, but I registered at the university a few days ago. I’ve always been interested in pedagogy and wanted to explore whether I could enrol in the programme without having completed my formal schooling.

The truth is, I already work with people, but my current situation is, well, not exactly legal. I’m determined to legitimise my activities, at least when it comes to working with Russians. I’ve faced rejections from a couple of universities for obvious reasons: no school education, no higher education. No matter what I’ve achieved in practical life, the lack of formal qualifications has been a barrier.

But then, out of the blue, two universities accepted me at the same time. I decided to take the leap and enrol in one of them. Now, I’m officially a student in Russia.

To make sure everything was above board, I asked my dad to verify the university’s legitimacy. He confirmed it’s a real institution, and many people study there—though most are pursuing their second, third, or further degrees. The university sent me all the necessary information to complete the course successfully. So, here we go—a new chapter begins.

My parents are supportive of my decision to study, though they reminded me not to neglect my main school. My dad, in particular, expressed some concern about how I’ll manage to juggle studies in two different countries. But I’m determined to make it work, no matter where I am.

Speaking of my dad, he’s a self-made man. He grew up in a family where adults didn’t provide much support. Everything he’s achieved—everything that makes his life comfortable now—is the result of his own hard work. His parents only educated him until the end of primary school. After that, he was forced to work and study on his own to make a living.

He took on simple tasks, saved money, and eventually bought things for himself. Later, he attended middle school and completed it successfully. After that, he enrolled in a technical school, gained a professional qualification, and then moved away to attend university. In his hometown, most people only achieved a middle-level professional education and were content with that. Higher education was available but not always accessible.

I want to follow in my dad’s footsteps, but I’m doing it my way, with all the modern tools and opportunities available today. I’m fortunate—my parents are always there to support me, and their advice and encouragement have been invaluable in helping me navigate my path. I’m determined to make the most of the opportunities in front of me.

Today was a typical school day. I had five classes, with a strong focus on German and maths. The lessons were engaging, though they weren’t exactly easy. Outside, the sun was shining, but the cold was biting—the wind made it feel even chillier.

After school, I went for a walk to clear my head. It was peaceful, just me and my thoughts. Later, I took the dog out for a stroll—he’s always up for some fun and keeps me company. Back at home, I had a comforting dinner: a bowl of hot soup and some chicken.

In the evening, I started revising for my university exam in the first subject. I’m trying to stay focused and take it step by step, knowing that consistency is key to achieving my goals.

After a couple of hours, I managed to cover the first topic on pedagogy. At first glance, it doesn’t seem overly complicated—some aspects are intuitive, while others require a good memory and deeper understanding. One of the challenges I’m facing is getting used to the Russian language in this context. I do have Russian classes, but there’s a noticeable difference between learning a language in a classroom and applying it in specialised fields like pedagogy. It’s a bit of a leap, but I’m determined to bridge that gap.

Interestingly, I’ve already gone through a similar process with German. Over time, I’ve grown accustomed to it not from a linguistic perspective but through practical use—speaking, reading, and engaging with it in everyday situations. That experience has taught me that immersion and consistent practice are key to mastering a language, and I’m hoping to apply the same approach to Russian. It’s a bit daunting, but I’m confident that with time and effort, I’ll get there.

Let’s go!