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Anastassia Goidina

Biography

Highlights of Young Scholar Experience: Anastassia Goidina took full advantage of the many summer immersion programs the Foundation offered to her as a result  of her Young Scholar status, notably a program at Emory University that helped to firm up her desire to become a doctor.  But the main “highlight” for Anastassia will always be the moment when she was notified that she had been named a Scholar.  “When I found out that I was chosen to be a Jack Kent Cooke Scholar, a storm of emotions ran through my mind: ecstasy, relief, satisfaction and gratitude. It made me realize that all of the hard work, stress, and overcoming of obstacles had finally paid off. I have truly been blessed by the Foundation, which has opened the door to so many opportunities, but having the moniker of ‘Young Scholar’ has motivated me to accept intimidating challenges and take on a heavy load of courses.”

Profile:  Born in Estonia, Anastassia hardly remembers the trip to America when she was a toddler.  Florida has always been home to this multi-talented, multi-lingual teenager with a big heart and bigger ambitions.  It’s been her goal to become a physician/researcher for some time, but it really crystallized when her twin sisters were hospitalized after being born prematurely. Anastassia then had the opportunity to volunteer in a Pediatric Emergency Room and an Adult Intensive Care Unit.  Both experiences, she said, “fueled my desire to treat people towards better health and a higher quality of living.”  Anastassia was an honor student at the King’s Academy, her high school alma mater in Palm Beach.   There she served as Key Club President, was on the Prefect Council, was a member of the editorial board of the King’s Academy Editorial Magazine and was named to both the National Science Honor Society and the National English Honor Society.

Inspiration: While there have been numerous strong influences in Anastassia’s life, she says, “I think I owe much appreciation to my mother.” Anastassia said her mom “has been a faithful facilitator and motivator who has pushed me along, given me guidance, and instilled in me a pursuit of excellence.”

Aspiration: Anastassia would like to be a physician with research capabilities.

Making a Difference: While she has made her mark as a dedicated volunteer with several organizations, Anastassia recalls a 9^th grade service project as one she was most proud of.  “During freshman year I organized ‘Team Lemonheads’ to raise money for the American Cancer Society through its Relay for Life event. Through a group effort, my team raised over $1,600 towards cancer research and advocacy. It was my first leadership experience.”

Accolades:  Anastassia was named an AP Scholar and earned recognition as a Gardner-Webb University junior scholar. She was also named a Foreign Language Pathfinder Nominee by The Palm Beach Post, Furman University Scholar and received the Distinguished Christian High School Student Award.

Interesting Fact: Languages come easily to Anastassia, who said she has the ambitious goal of being a “true polyglot” by becoming fluent in Spanish, German, French, and Latin in addition to her fluency in Russian and English.

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