Yelin dances, teaches in Argentina on Fulbright Scholarship

(May 17, 2011) SANTA FE, Argentina - Meet competitive ballroom dancer and multilingual McConnell Scholar alumnus Boris Yelin who is currently on a Fulbright Scholarship to teach English in Argentina.
Yelin dances, teaches in Argentina on Fulbright Scholarship

Boris Yelin

Name: Boris Yelin

Majors at UofL: Political Science & Spanish (Class of 2010)

Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky

Current location and job title: Santa Fe, Argentina – Fulbright English Teaching Assistant at the Almirante Brown Institute

The thing I like most about what I do: I love sharing knowledge about American culture with students and comparing our cultures. Sometimes there are stereotypes and generalizations on both sides that are easily cleared up with a few pieces of information.

My day begins: In the morning with errands and occasional trip to the grocery or laundromat. Then, I go to the gym, make lunch (which is often the largest meal of the day), teach in the evening, and go to dance lessons afterward.

My most interesting Fulbright story (so far): I truly felt like the voice of the United States when I was questioned by several classes about my opinion on the death of Osama bin Laden.

Languages I speak: English, Russian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Catalan

Future plans: I plan to go to graduate school and either pursue a Masters related to Diplomacy or a PhD in Linguistics

How the McConnell Center impacted my career path: The Center helped me hone my leadership ability and encouraged me to make a difference in whatever career path I choose.

Favorite McConnell Center speaker: George Bush. It is a rare opportunity to meet and speak with a head of state in a personal setting like the one we we met him in.

My favorite McConnell Center-suggested book:Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

My favorite book:1984 by George Orwell

Favorite quotation: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. ‘The Golden Rule’

Most interesting thing about me: I ballroom dance competitively.