Teaching in Ukraine

For the first five months of this year, junior Lisa Garlock lived and volunteered in Kiev, Ukraine, teaching English to Ukrainian children through Provo-based organization International Language Program.

When Garlock spoke of the Ukrainian people, she praised their kindness and generosity, saying, “They are a very charitable people. If you need help with something, they will drop what they are doing and help you.”

Garlock also expanded on how the Ukrainian culture is a very sincere culture. Unlike America, where we smile at anyone and everyone for no real reason, Ukrainians only smile at people they know and only when they have a reason to.

Name: Lisa Garlock
Year: Junior
Major: Psychology

“There’s no fakeness,” Garlock stated. “That’s something I miss.”

Where were you born?
Anaheim, Calif.

What has been your favorite UVU class?
This is my first semester at UVU. I don’t have a large pool of teachers to choose from, but my     favorite class so far has been Sociology of the Family. We are a big family and feed well off of     each other. That class brightens my day with the discussion and people.

How about your favorite UVU professor?
My favorite teacher this semester is my Sociology of the Family teacher, Cynthia Keetch. She is     spunky, funny and knows how to connect with the class.

What do you do when you’re not a student? Do you have a job or any unusual or interesting hobbies?
I [recently] got accepted to be a caregiver. Something unusual I do when I have time is organize     whatever I can get my hands on. I also enjoy playing soccer.

Why do you get up in the morning, or what motivates you to do the things you do?
I like to make lists and I feel accomplished when I get to cross things off my list.

What’s the best movie you’ve seen this year?
Inception is by far the greatest movie I’ve seen.

What current popular phenomenon is something that you just won’t ever understand or like?
I will never like conversational texting. I say if you want to talk, call me or find me. I don’t like waiting three hours for a reply to “what’s up?”

In your opinion, what is the most beautiful place on earth and why?
Ukraine is the most beautiful place to ever be created. I also think Utah is pretty in the fall.

Zombies or vampires?
Neither, I don’t favor the dead. I would rather pick unicorns.

If you could share one piece of advice with your fellow UVU students, what would it be?
The simple things bring the greatest joy! Simplicity is sophistication.