Ruskinja Anastasija, a Novi Sad-based photographer known on social media as "Ruskinja," recently shared a touching story with her followers that struck a chord throughout Serbia. Anastasija, who moved to Serbia two years ago, was on a train from Novi Sad to Belgrade when she overheard a young woman asking for directions to Dorćol. Recalling her own struggles when she first arrived in Serbia, she offered to help the young woman.

- I was in the train, arrived in Belgrade, and a young woman was asking for directions to Dorćol. People were trying to explain something, and I was going in the same direction, so I told her how to find the station. Then I said, "Let's go together; I'm also heading in that direction." We ended up having a nice conversation. I felt strange because I've only been here for two years, and it's still a foreign land, but not as much anymore. It was quite funny and sweet that I, an immigrant, was explaining to a local how to get around - Anastasija wrote on her Instagram "fullscalereplica."

Anastasija, who works on perfecting her Serbian daily, recognized this as a perfect opportunity for practice. She emphasizes that the goal of language learning is to feel fully integrated, at least in terms of being able to help others or ask questions. Her social media posts often reflect her experiences in Serbia, her challenges with the language, and adapting to a new environment. She conducts interviews with her Serbian friends to understand their perspectives on Russians who have moved to Serbia.

She uses her platform to highlight similarities and differences between Russia and Serbia, addressing prejudices openly. Her recent experience of helping someone find their way in Serbian was particularly proud for her, as she has mastered the language in just two years.

(Telegraf.rs)