This past summer, Ms. Margaret Mary Henry spent six weeks in St. Petersburg studying at Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia.

Ms. Henry’s trip was funded by the American Councils Summer Russian Language Teachers program under Fulbright Hays.

She shared her experiences during a community lecture at Heritage Academy on Sept. 16.

Ms. Henry also lived in Moscow, Russia from 1992 – 99, working as a journalist for the Moscow Times. “I will be sharing my perspective on four decades of loving, observing, and experiencing Russia,” she said.

In returning to Russia, Ms. Henry said, “There was some sunshine and some shadow. Those who love Russia are hopeful that things will be good for Russia and Russians, but they are sometimes disappointed.”

At age six she experienced the ballet, became captivated, and was inevitably drawn towards Russia. This past summer she spent a great deal of time at the ballet. She refers to ballet as the “Russian language.

“At MSMS, students should realize what a fascinating country Russia is, how important it is, how much we have in common, and how crucial it is that our two countries become friends and partners,” Ms. Henry said.