Rachel Neale

Why FSU?

I chose to pursue a graduate degree in the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics because it is one of the only institutions in the southeast offering advanced education in Slavic studies. The Russian and Slavic Program has a great reputation for its students receiving prestigious scholarships/fellowships and moving on to impressive government careers. I was also impressed by the attentiveness and support provided to me during the application process.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I was motivated to pursue a graduate degree to further my goal of becoming a Slavic specialist and increasing my foreign language proficiency. I found that graduate degrees are also required for many higher-level positions in the public and private sectors. Ultimately, I knew a graduate degree was the best way to expand my skill set and begin an enriching federal career.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

My research in Slavic studies is important, first and foremost, due to Russia's war against Ukraine. Slavic specialists are needed to aid Ukraine and to support positive relations between the U.S. and other Slavic countries. The traditions and figures I study and research are foundational to Slavic cultures. Lasting traces exist in modern society and are a meaningful part of contemporary culture.

Tell us about your Fulbright experience

I received a 2023 Fulbright US Student Program Study/Research Award to Bulgaria. I am studying Bulgarian at the American University in Bulgaria and conducting research on women's cultural practices in the Balkans as a fellow with the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in the Department of Anthropology of Verbal Traditions. I endeavor to join Bulgarian folk singing and dancing groups while being based in Sofia.

Career aspirations

My aspirations are to become a Foreign Service Officer and then use that experience to begin a career at the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. I'm inspired by the bureau's mission to promote mutual understanding through academic and cultural programs. I'm most interested in supporting their American Spaces initiative.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Identify the goals of your graduate education early on and compare that with the department/program offerings, graduation requirements, extracurricular offerings, and the registrar's maximums for specific courses. Communicate with the department/program leadership during the application process for support and discuss your goals and interests to make an informed decision and to the most of your experience. Research what you hope to accomplish with this degree (further higher education, career advancement, etc.) and find department and university-wide resources and opportunities to support your endeavors.

Accomplishments during graduate career

I am proud to have received the Fulbright US Student Program Study/Research Award and the Slavic Program Exceptional Student Service Award. I am also proud to be the Speaker of the Congress of Graduate Students, to have been inducted as a member of "Dobro Slovo," the National Slavic Honor Society, to have been inducted as a member of the Garnet and Gold Key Leadership Honorary, to have co-founded the Society for the Advancement of Learned Slavic Academics, to have served as a student representative on the FSU Graduate Student Life Task Force, to have been invited to join the FSU Fellows Society, and to have been inducted as a member of the inaugural class of the 1910 Women's Honorary.