Unpacking My Journey: Emilya Burd's Life and Aspirations
Welcome to My Story
It's been a journey filled with unexpected turns and fascinating twists, but I am Emilya Burd, a 23-year-old individual who aims to make sense of this world. My narrative is not just about who I am but how I've evolved into the person I am today.
Who Am I?
As a simple sentence, I am a 23-year-old individual who is constantly trying to figure out my place in the world. The path to self-discovery has been filled with both joys and challenges, from overcoming bullying to navigating high school and university life.
Early Life and Upbringing
I was born in the USSR, one of the many Russian Jews that immigrated to Israel. My heritage is a mix of a physicist mother and a software engineer father, yet I found myself intrigued by languages and stories rather than numbers or engineering. From a young age, I was multi-talented, more inclined towards creative fields like writing and mathematics, but also captivated by the stories from the ancient Torah.
Early Interests and Influences
My interest in current events began early in life, thanks to the daily newspaper headlines I read from Yediot Ahronot. I was curious and observant, more so than my peers. Even from age six, I could sense the gravity of world events and the panicking atmosphere around me, such as during Sadaam Hussein's threats and the assassinations of Princess Diana and Yitzhak Rabin. My fascination with International Relations and Current Events was thus deeply ingrained from the start.
Formative Years
High school wasn't an easy ride for me. I struggled with social isolation and sometimes even felt depressed. However, the Middle College Program, which allowed me to take college-level classes alongside high school courses, proved to be a turning point. This program not only helped me excel academically but also exposed me to a broader range of people and ideas, which was crucial for my personal growth.
Education and Achievements
With a solid background in High School and College, I graduated from UCLA in 2011 with a degree in Political Science - International Relations. The freedom to choose courses that aligned with my interests helped me narrow down my focus. Despite the unpaid internships and my father's disapproval, I chose to go into sales, finding it a challenging yet rewarding experience.
Personal and Social Interactions
Professionally, I work in sales, but I find it difficult to align with my passions. This dilemma has led me to consider various paths, such as an MBA with International Business or a PhD in International Relations. My friends and acquaintances describe me as kind, thoughtful, and outgoing, yet also analytical and sometimes naive. I find it comforting to be surrounded by other smart individuals who challenge and inspire me.
Personal Growth and Self-Discovery
Quora has been a significant platform for me to share my thoughts, learn from others, and connect with a diverse community. It has allowed me to stop being intimidated by intelligent people and has empowered me to ask questions and engage in meaningful conversations.
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While I've shared a lot about myself here, I am still navigating the waters of life and career. Feel free to ask me any questions and engage in further discussions.
Conclusion
Ultimately, my journey is far from over. I am constantly reassessing my goals and understanding my place in the world. I hope my story sheds light on the journey of self-discovery and the importance of staying true to oneself.