“Mom, can I go to Russia?”
“Sure, go ahead!”
Nicholas Kaiser, a rising junior at Medina High School, received an invitation from LeadAmerica last winter and the next thing his mother, Chris, knew, he was asking to go abroad.
LeadAmerica offered Nicholas 29 program options from diplomacy and international affairs to theater arts. He chose one of the five study abroad programs in going to Russia and traveled to Moscow, St. Petersburg and Pushkin.
“I chose Russia because it’s an old country with a lot of history,” Nicholas said. “It’s fun to learn about a different culture and see how it compares to ours.”
The two-week trip included a two-night stay with a host family in Novgorod, which was his favorite part. While with this family, Nicholas attended his host brother’s graduation and got a glimpse into their lives and traditions. Luckily for Nicholas, who speaks little to no Russian, his host brother was fluent in English, he said.
Nicholas also met with the Russian parliament and media, toured St. Isaac’s and St. Basel’s cathedrals, visited with Russian university students, viewed historic sites related to the Bolshevik Revolution and got briefed by the U.S. embassy.
After a jam-packed two weeks, Nicholas said it wasn’t quite enough time.
“We didn’t really get to see what Russia was like, just those four cities,” he said. “I would love to go back.”
The trip cost approximately $6,000 and students were advised to bring spending money that they could exchange into Russian rubles. Nicholas was gone from June 16 through June 30, missing a New York state Regents he is scheduled to take in August. For his mother, this excursion to the other side of the world was a big step.
“It was kind of scary,” Chris Kaiser said. “There was no way to get in contact with him once he left the country.”
Chris said she was more nervous for her son than he was at the thought of traveling alone.
No one from New York state was present for the Russian Study Abroad program, let alone anyone from Orleans County.
Medina High School principal Wesley Pickreign said the leadership conferences are a great opportunity for students.
“They’re great programs,” he said.
Pickreign said Medina students have attended People to People conferences, Youth Programs and the Hoby Leadership Workshop among others. Oftentimes the information for these programs goes through the guidance office and is then passed on to students and sometimes the students are directly nominated by teachers or administrators.
A LeadAmerica representative said Nicholas was not selected in this way. Instead, he was chosen through the Student Talent Identification Program. This method identifies students based on academics, extra curricular activities and future ambitions. The fact that Nicholas is close to receiving his Eagle Scout Award combined with his academic record and athletic involvement to hail the LeadAmerica surveyors.
After two weeks in Russia, Nicholas returned home with expanded horizons, over 500 pictures — only one including people, according to his mother — and new friends from all over the U.S.
“It seemed like a wonderful trip,” Chris said. “I wish I could have gone.”
For now, Nicholas says he is just waiting for his next chance to travel.
Local News
Related Photos
-
DENNIS STIERER/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Discussion
MEDINA TO MOSCOW: High school student travels abroad as part of Lead America adventure
- Local News
-
-
Giving new life to the Diana
An effort that started four years ago is now nearing completion to get the marquee and the lights turned back on and the curtain raised for a new multi-purpose community entertainment center usage for the historic Diana theater building.
-
Nothing to wine about
The third time was the charm for Wine About Winter, which brought hundreds of residents and visitors to downtown businesses and organizations and showcased a variety of local wines Saturday.
-
Stop and Shop opens
The East Center Street Stop ‘N Shop is one of 27 Medina businesses hosting wine tastings Saturday during Wine About Winter, and the new store will offer much more when customers come back to shop.
-
Showcase event
Wine About Winter, which is being held from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, brings hundreds of residents and visitors into downtown Medina, but local stores aren’t they only area businesses being showcased this weekend.
-
Uniform Processing uses technology to help lenders, borrowers reach alternatives.
An Albion company uses computer technology to help clear up confusing mortgage transactions.
-
Parties nominate in Albion contests
The Albion Democratic and Republican party caucuses held meetings to nominate candidates for two positions on the village board Tuesday, but the evening ended with only two candidates and some disappointment in the lack of interest in local government.
-
Local leaders have power lunch
Business owners and elected officials gathered Friday at the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s annual legislative luncheon to discuss the current business climate and look ahead to the legislation that could help or hinder the local economy.
-
Prepared patriots
At mobilization ceremonies across the state this weekend, hundreds of servicemen from the Army National Guard were cheered on their way to training for a possible overseas deployment.
-
A church’s rebirth
The members of the Medina United Methodist Church plan to celebrate the rebirth of their community at this year’s Easter Mass, which church leaders said could be held at the partially constructed facility that will soon be the church’s home.
-
Legislature OKs terms for property sale
The Orleans County Legislature approved a set of terms Wednesday on the proposed sale of a vacant Medina property that was once a Jubilee grocery store to Zor Inc., a holding company affiliated with Evans Ace Hardware.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
