Meet Graduate Student Ambassador Christina Bondarenko

Describe your interest in your academic program and what you hope to gain from it.

Having worked as an ESL teacher in both Russia and China, I dedicated myself to supporting the development and success of a multicultural and non-traditional student population in various ways. My interest in the Higher Education Administration program stems not only from finding ways to support diverse student populations but also from seeking practical and constructive solutions to current existing challenges in education. The program's exceptional faculty and diverse courses consistently enrich my knowledge and contribute to my growth as a student and an individual. The world of higher education is where meaningful changes take place, and I am incredibly happy to be a part of a program at the heart of which lies equity, social justice and a commitment to constant improvements within education to enhance the experiences of all students. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of being part of a community committed to meaningful change. After graduation, I aspire to become a well-versed future education professional who will continue to support diverse student populations and help them fulfill their dreams in higher education settings.

What is your favorite course you’ve taken so far? If you are in your first year, what course are you most looking forward to in your program? Why?

I have enjoyed all of the courses I have taken during my first year, not to mention how much practical knowledge I learned from them. It's hard to pick just one class, but if I had to choose, Educational Research and History of Higher Education stand out as some of the best courses I have ever taken. I loved the History of Higher Education because it was a very reflective, powerful and insightful course that helped me develop the knowledge that will be applicable to every aspect of my future career. I equally enjoyed the Educational Research course, which I found to be the fundamental building block for academics and the entire education system. Writing my research proposal, dedicated to exploring the support system of international students in higher education settings, not only increased my interest in research but also made me consider pursuing a PhD in the future to further develop this topic.

What are a few things you would like to share with prospective students regarding the Villanova student experience?

One of the best things at Villanova is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with professors and classmates due to the smaller class size. I appreciate how supportive and approachable professors are; they care for every student in class, providing ongoing guidance and feedback. Secondly, I value Villanova’s commitment to student success and the robust support system within the university.

How do you maintain a good school/life balance?

Being a full-time graduate student, a graduate assistant and having a family required me to find a perfect solution for managing all these aspects together. My key to finding a perfect balance is that I always put effort into finishing all my assignments by the end of Friday to fully enjoy the weekend and dedicate time to my hobbies and family.

If you’re living around Villanova, what are one to two “must do” experiences you would suggest to students new to Villanova and the surrounding area including Philadelphia? (Restaurants to eat, be...)

Philadelphia is full of museums, with the Philadelphia Museum of Art being my favorite one. I have visited it four times, and it never is enough. If you are a foodie like me, visit the Reading Terminal Market, which is one of America’s largest and oldest public markets. You’ll find everything you need, from Philly cheesesteaks to baked goods and exotic food.

Describe what it means to be a graduate student at Villanova. In other words, why Villanova?

Whenever people ask me, 'Why Villanova?' I say incredible faculty and a sincere commitment to student support and success. I felt supported from the very first moment I started my application and joined the info sessions. Every prospective and current student is valued. Additionally, for me, Villanova is the place where dreams come true. It's where hard work pays off, and you can become a better version of yourself through constant growth.