Ryan Leopold Email & Phone Number

I have been a writer at heart for nearly as long as I can remember. Creative writing, from poems to short stories, has been a hobby of mine from an early age. Over time, however, I gradually began to seek ways to transform my writing from a fulfilling pastime into something more professional. I took those first few steps as early as high school, where for roughly two years I started an independent, amateur blog where I analyzed current events and politics in the former Soviet Union.Although I didn't know it at the time, my blogging experience in high school would gradually shape the rest of my academic career. My interests in Russian and international politics eventually translated into me earning my Bachelor of Arts degree at Macalester College in both International Studies and Russian Studies, as well as taking a semester abroad in Serbia and a summer abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia.While obtaining my undergraduate degree, I was able to use my writing and analytical skills to conduct multiple research projects and dissertations about relevant intersectional topics such as LGBTQ+ identities, nationalism, and peace and reconciliation facing my region of study. My time as an intern at the US-Russia Foundation in Washington DC further allowed me to apply my writing and analytical skills to provide reports on relevant current events within Russia with the purpose of building intercultural understanding.During the latter half of my time at Macalester, I decided to further channel my passion for writing by becoming a student writing tutor. Through the Macalester Academic Excellence (MAX) Center, I not only enjoyed helping students find and understand grammatical errors in their academic writing, but also I loved working alongside them to help clients develop their ideas into effective final projects. By the end of my tutoring, I had received my CRLA Level II Writing Tutor certification.Upon graduation, I received a full scholarship to attend a Master's Degree program in Europe, which I hoped would continue to develop my writing and analytical skills. However, due to COVID-19 impacting the format of the program, I have indefinitely deferred my studies and am now looking for the next step along the road to further my career while using my unique skills. If you are seeking someone who is an experienced qualitative researcher, or just someone who has a strong passion in everything related to the written word, then don't hesitate to reach out! Please contact me either on LinkedIn or via email at rleopol1@gmail.com.