Polina Chernova’s journey to the United States began with the highly competitive YEAR (Youth Exchange and Study) program for gifted Russian students—a program that selects young leaders for academic and cultural exchange. Out of thousands of applicants, she earned her place and spent a year in the U.S., where she strengthened her English, expanded her worldview, and confirmed that public speaking works in any time zone.

After returning to Russia, Polina continued her studies at Moscow State Pedagogical University, one of the country’s leading institutions for teacher education. She graduated with honors in 2025, defending a thesis focused on developing motivation and public speaking skills in history classrooms through improvisation—because making students think on their feet is clearly her specialty.

Today, she is pursuing a master’s degree in “Modern Technologies in Teaching English” while working as a tutor. Whether in a classroom, a tutoring session, or an academic conference, Polina continues doing what she does best: combining structure, strategy, and just enough sharp commentary to keep everyone intellectually awake.

Two years ago, Madina was doing Speech & Debate Forensics — now she does chemical forensics. Talk about commitment to the theme.

Madina is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Chemistry in Moscow, Russia, while working at the Russian Center of Forensic Medicine. Her thesis focuses on developing new detection methods for psychoactive Amanita mushroom consumption 🍄 — which means her version of “case analysis” now happens in a lab.

Thanks to NWC Speech & Debate, Madina sharpened her presentation skills — something that now helps her confidently present scientific research at conferences. Outside the lab, she leads the Russian Cultural Club for international students at her university and plays volleyball to keep life balanced.

Jose Atilano is currently in his final semester at the University of Wyoming, majoring management—because apparently analyzing markets wasn’t intellectually demanding enough on its own. Outside of business strategy and numbers, Jose gravitates toward tragic literature, annotating extensively and intentionally choosing books that challenge his worldview. If a story doesn’t force him to rethink morality or confront uncomfortable truths, it probably won’t stay on his shelf for long.

His curiosity doesn’t stop with books. Jose spends his free time exploring religion, spirituality, and even practicing tarot—not for theatrics, but as a way to reflect deeply and think unconventionally. For him, self-examination is not a phase; it’s a discipline. These interests have shaped the principles he lives by every day: Integrity, Candor, Compassion, Discipline, Fairness, Courage, Respect, and Ownership. While most people collect hobbies, Jose builds a philosophy. Whether he’s analyzing financial trends or wrestling with existential questions, he approaches both with the same mindset—intentional, reflective, and fully accountable.

Samantha Perry is currently studying Music Education at Montana State University Billings (MSUB) and is officially in the final stretch of her degree. With just one year left, she’s preparing for her student teaching in Fall 2027 — stepping into classrooms the same way she once stepped into rounds: prepared, passionate, and ready to lead. Her path from forensics to music education shows that performance, discipline, and finding your voice never really leave you — they just change stages.

After Northwest College, Eziz Bagshiyev continued his studies in Computer Science at Georgia State University, where he has been building a strong portfolio of practical tech projects. His work focuses on turning ideas into real software, using tools like Python, Java, SQL, React, and Next.js to build efficient and user-friendly applications.

Eziz has developed projects ranging from AI-based applications to a full-stack personal finance platform, showing skills in backend systems, database design, and modern web development. In other words, while some people struggle to balance their budget, Eziz decided to just build software to do it for them.

Outside the classroom, he has been active in TechWise and SHPE, where he developed leadership and teamwork skills, and he has also spent time tutoring and helping other students, proving he can explain complicated things without making everyone panic.

Eziz is especially interested in software engineering, AI/ML, and data-driven systems, and is currently looking for opportunities to keep building cool things while growing as an engineer.

Kadriya is currently in Miami, where she’s enjoying the city while preparing to start her bachelor’s degree soon. She shared that she truly misses her time at Northwest College, especially the speech and debate community that played a big role in her growth. Through forensics, Kadriya became more sociable, confident, and comfortable expressing her ideas—skills she continues to carry with her today.

These days, she is focused on improving herself in every way she can, always looking for new opportunities to grow both personally and academically. Knowing Kadriya, she’s probably already working on her next goal while enjoying a bit of Miami sunshine along the way.

Elizabeth Bleicher has officially upgraded from tournament travel to island living — she is now married and living in Hawaii. From NWC to the Pacific, her next chapter proves that life after forensics can take you anywhere — sometimes even to paradise.

After Northwest College, Max spent a year in Miami working as a math tutor in both public and private schools—helping students survive algebra, fractions, and the occasional existential crisis caused by word problems.

Right now, Max is taking a gap year in New York City before transferring to a university to finish his engineering degree. Between Miami sunshine and New York skyscrapers, it’s safe to say his journey after NWC has been anything but boring—though solving equations is still probably the most relaxing part of it.