Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
A beauty, an excellent student, an athlete… She is the author of three scientific articles published in journals indexed by the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI) and the winner of the 2022 All-Russian Olympiad in Theoretical Mechanics. The main character of "Kidnapping, Caucasian Style" seems to have been modeled on Sofia Paplauskas, a master's student at the Engineering Academy, who has been earning straight A's for 10 semesters and won a new car at the RUDN University Honors Students' Meeting.
We spoke with Sofia and learned the secret to successful study, which subject was the hardest for her to get an A, and how she takes a break from textbooks and classes.
You initially enrolled in the architecture program at the Engineering Academy. What attracted you to it? And why did you choose Construction for your master's program?
From childhood, I knew I would study architecture. It all started with art school, then various courses at the art college. It was my love of drawing and creativity that led me to architecture. I decided to pursue a master's degree in construction because I wanted to gain more knowledge in construction technology to better understand the entire process of designing and constructing buildings.
In 2024, you won the RUDN INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP scholarship competition and completed an internship at the National Engineering University of Peru's student mobility program. Tell us about that experience.
The internship provided me with valuable professional experience, allowing me to become familiar with the specifics of Latin American architectural theory and practice. And the complete immersion in the language (all classes were taught in Spanish) helped me significantly improve my language proficiency. It was also fascinating to experience Latin American culture and history and see the unique sights of Peru. Incidentally, another winner of the 2024 Rally of Excellence, Sofia Smirnova, was with me on this trip.
Do you consider research an integral part of being an excellent student at RUDN University? What topics have you personally written research on?
Clearly, top students should try their hand at science and learn something new, or perhaps even pursue it full-time. My list of accomplishments doesn't include many articles: several of them are devoted to translation from Spanish into Russian in architecture and construction, as well as spaceflight design.
What subject was the hardest to get an A in during your studies?
In my third year of undergraduate study, I took "Theoretical Mechanics." It was probably the most challenging for me, and the hardest part was getting an excellent grade on the exam. I had to work hard, but the granite of science gave way.
Share your secret on how to get excellent grades.
Since childhood, I've been accustomed to doing everything to the fullest and achieving my goals. I've always followed the rule: "If I have the opportunity to achieve the maximum, I will do it."
How do you take a break from studying? Do you manage to maintain a work-life balance?
I have very little free time; my days have been completely booked since childhood. I can't sit idle—it's my rhythm, and I enjoy it. I love playing sports (Sofia has won and placed in international and national universal combat competitions several times), spending time with family and friends, and going to the theater and various shows. If you manage your schedule wisely, you'll always find time for rest, and your lifestyle can be quite comfortable.
Wish something to the first-year students who want to be straight A students.
I want to wish them to always push through to the very end, even when they feel exhausted and want to give up. Just do what they love and get the most out of it. Yes, it takes hard work, wise prioritization, and task management, but only through hard work can we grow as individuals.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.