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In 1990 I was able to take part in one of the first student exchanges between the Soviet Union and the United States through the initial YFU summer program. Although it was only five weeks, that experience, perhaps more than any other, changed the future direction of my life in a significant way. Our trip began in Washington D.C., with tours of Capitol Hill and several other important government centers as well as seminars to teach us a little about the culture we would experience. A lenghty plane trip later, we arrived in Moscow where we met our families and truly began the exchange. At the time, few Americans were in Moscow, and as much as our own perceptions of the Russians had been clouded by propaganda, it was interesting being the first American many people met, and having the chance to show in person how distorted Soviet propaganda had been. Although the excursions through Moscow and the trip to Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) were instructive and interesting, it was the interaction with people and the simple experience of living in the Soviet Union that made the biggest impact on my life.

By August of 1990, just a few weeks after my return, I had completely changed what I wanted to do with my life. I applied and was accepted to the University of Virginia, where I received a B.A. in Russian Studies. During that time, I returned to Russia in January 1995 for a semester of study, completing the goal I set that first summer to learn the Russian language. After graduation I accepted a commission in the United States Navy, where I completed tours on ships based in first Mayport, Florida, then in Yokosuka, Japan. I am currently a student once again, working towards a Master's in National Security Affairs in Russia and Eurasia at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. I credit much of what I have acheived to the thirst for travel and knowledge imbued within me during those five weeks I spent in the Soviet Union with Youth For Understanding.

Please contact me at glmorris96@yahoo.com to share your exchange experience and about what are you doing now!

Greg Morris
Russia, Summer 1990