My Self Portrait by Anna Bogdashevsky

My Name

annabogdashevsky — 2023-12-16 22:07:45 UTC

Anna appears in various forms across different cultures, such as Anne in English, Ana in Spanish, and in my case Anya in Russian. My Ukrainian parents loved the name Anya, so that is what I go by. Everyone in my life calls me Anya. Anya means grace, or gracious. When I was younger I would wish I had a different name, because Anna seemed "basic" to me, but now, I have definitely grown to love my name very much. Anya has a charming sound and it makes me stand out a little more, and I love that.

Music

annabogdashevsky — 2023-12-26 19:59:37 UTC

Music- a lyric that relates to you.

And I’m still a believer, but I don’t know why

I’ve never been a natural all I do is try, try, try

I’m still on that trapeze.

I’m still trying’ everything, to keep you looking at me

These are lyrics from one of my favorite Taylor Swift songs Mirrorball. They describe the feeling of self-doubt and the need to maintain someone’s attention. The third line mentions being on a trapeze, metaphorically conveys a sense of precarious balance and constant effort. It reflects the ongoing struggle to find stability in my life as a teenage girl. The fourth line, “I’m still trying’ everything, to keep you looking at me” reflects the desire for attention and validation from the adults and friends in my life.

Family History

annabogdashevsky — 2023-12-26 20:08:29 UTC

I was raised in America with both of my parents being Ukrainian. And as the war is happening in Ukraine, touching the lives of our relatives there, our family is connected across continents.

Quote

annabogdashevsky — 2023-12-31 18:15:53 UTC

This quote by Sylvia plath resonates with how there are so many things I want to do and so many ways to live my life, that I can't possibly experience them all in this one lifetime I am given. It is a poetic reminder that our time here is limited, making the things we do pursuit all the more meaningful.

Being a daughter, a sister, and a friend

annabogdashevsky — 2023-12-31 18:28:28 UTC

I am the youngest in my family, I have an older brother and cousins who are all older than me. As a younger sister, I have always looked up to my brother in a way, I respect all of his decisions and always want his approval. I can never tell if he is going to be a supportive, protective brother, or a teasing and annoyed brother. This dynamic between us has taught me to adapt and learn how to respond to people no matter how they feel or respond, having learned to navigate a mix of playful banter and support. On the more negative side, I am kind of stuck in the box of being the "baby" of the family. My parents are stricter with me and my opinions are often disregarded and my mistakes are blamed on incompetence and immaturity. But if I could, /I wouldn't trade my experiences for anything, and I would have it no other way.

Books

annabogdashevsky — 2024-01-01 18:06:28 UTC

I love reading, and there are many books I've read that have left an impact on my life and identity, but one of my favorites is The Secret History. I've read it many times, more rereads than any other book I've read. The book has amazing character development, and the atmospheric storytelling I find very compelling. It reminds me of the movie Dead Poets Society, which is one of my favorites. The blend of dark academia, murder mystery, and phycological drama is so well written and compelling that I will recommend this book forever.

Writing and Journaling

annabogdashevsky — 2024-01-01 18:16:27 UTC

As long as I can remember I've been writing in a diary. Of course when I was younger it was nothing more then scribbles and doodles, but it has grown into something I do almost daily. I love that I can look back at any time in my life and basically see into my thoughts from that time. I use writing to write stories and poems as well.

Figure Skating

annabogdashevsky — 2024-01-01 18:28:04 UTC

I can't talk about my identity and not bring up the thing I spend all of my time doing. This sport is very special to me. I've been figure skating since I was four and the sport is the reason I started doing online school. Everything I do is intertwined with figure skating in some way, what I eat, when I sleep, how much and how I train, the people I spend time with, and where I go. The sport has allowed for me to travel to so many places for my competitions, and all though the sport is mentally and physically draining at times, I love it and it makes me very happy.

Hobbies and Interests

annabogdashevsky — 2024-01-01 18:35:37 UTC

Aside from figure skating, reading, and writing, I love rock climbing, watching movies, fashion, video games, listening to music, playing piano, ballet, and running. These things that I set aside time for when I have time off from school and skating, mean a lot to me. I have a rock climbing gym membership and I go on the weekends, and I've made friends at the gym, and my hands are often blistered and my arms are often sore. I listen to music almost constantly, when doing school, in the car, and when I'm running or rock climbing. I take piano lessons once a week and try to practice as much as I can.

Hopes and Dreams

annabogdashevsky — 2024-01-01 18:41:06 UTC

I have two main dreams in life. My first is to compete in an international competition in figure skating. This is what my friends and I work towards all day every day and have been dreaming about our entire lives. My second dream is to become a lawyer. I try my best in school, and do my best so that I can get into a good college, subsequently getting into Harvard law (my dream law school).