Church is an important part of my life. I always went to church. It's part of who I am. Church does not just mean attending religious services. I am currently involved in Russian school, Sunday school, camps, wind ensemble, teen group, teen choir and youth group. There are so many engaging activities and groups that bring our community together, defining who we are as individuals and as a society. Russian school is a must for every Russian-American. I started attending Russian school when I was five and graduated when I was fourteen. The Russian school was opened in our church to teach Russian children, who live in the Spokane area, to read and write in Russian. Knowing the Russian language is important for Russians living outside Russia because understanding another language can increase your chances of finding work. It is also important to know how to communicate with family and relatives in their native language and pass on traditions. The main aim of the school is for children not to forget Russian, so that they can pass it on to future generations. The only subject taught in our Russian school is language arts. Writing, calligraphy and literature are some of the sections we cover. At the end of the course, the graduating class is given the opportunity to take a test to acquire two foreign language credits in high school. When I graduated I took this opportunity and received the two college credits. With these two credits I didn't have to learn a different language in high school. After finishing Russian school, I now help other students learn Russian, proudly passing on my family's culture and traditions. When I turned five, I also started attending Sunday sch...... middle of paper ..... .a different way, each important in its own way. Russian school taught me to read and write Russian, for which I am very grateful. Sunday school taught me valuable Bible lessons that I will probably never forget. Every camp I have gone to has left memories and lessons that I will remember and will serve me well throughout my life. The wind ensemble and boys' choir were a way to express my praise to God through music. Both the teen and youth groups showed me that socializing and being around other people in life is important to meet people you can count on if you need help. These groups and activities have been an important part of my life since my childhood. I want to be a part of them forever because I feel like they define who I am. They allow me to be part of a special community and express my praise to God in everything I do.