Alisya
Class of 2010
Hometown: Brighton, Missouri
Major: International Business and Government
Six years ago Alisya Dothage was living in a Russian orphanage and couldn’t even speak English. It is very uncommon for an adolescent orphan to be adopted by an American family, but Alisya and her brother found that God had a special plan for their lives.
She was adopted by a Christian family from Brighton, Missouri, and today she is a junior at Evangel University studying international business and government.
How was your transition to the United States?
It was definitely God’s will for us to come to the United States. We were very fortunate to be adopted by a wonderful American family. They are the parents that I wanted to have all my life. Do not get me wrong — we had hard times as well. The first year was very hard for my brother and me. It was like living in a whole different world. We could not communicate. We had no idea what was going on around us, and we hated the food. Even after six years I do not know as much as I would like to about the United States. But I do know how to speak and how to write, and that is a big accomplishment for me.
How do you like Evangel University?
I never thought I would go to Evangel. It was my senior year of high school when I decided to go. I chose Evangel because of the people and the programs. You get to learn about God and at the same time get your degree. Evangel is an inspiration to me because of all the charitable work they do in the community. They help others and spread the word of our Savior.
What should prospective students know about Evangel?
Evangel is a perfect school for those that love to help and want to learn about our Lord and Savior. I love Evangel because of the people. The professors at E.U. will pray with you, and if any help is needed in any of your courses you can make an appointment and go and talk to them. Evangel is a perfect sized school. It is not too small, and it is not too big to get all the help you need. It is more than a school — E.U. feels like a family. I always have lots of questions because I am still learning English so sometimes things get confusing. If you are in trouble you will always have someone to help you and be there for you. That’s what Evangel is all about.
What are your plans for the future?
My goal is to return to Moscow and work at the U.S. Embassy.
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