Fairfield Christian graduate to teach in Russia

LANCASTER – A young Lancaster child’s interest in Russia has now grown into a teaching position in St. Petersburg for next year.

Natalie Meliotes used to read stories about the Russian dynasties and history as a young child.

“It was just something I was really interested in, like reading about the Romanovs,” Meliotes said. “God led me here now, and I can’t wait.”

Meliotes’ path, however, was not a straight line. After graduating from Fairfield Christian Academy in 2011, she started attending Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana.

“I started with a nursing major,” Meliotes said.

But she had trouble dealing with blood and decided she had better change majors.

“I had several majors before finally settling on teaching,” Meliotes said. “When I was in high school, I thought I would want to do anything else other than teaching, but here I am.”

Fulfilling a dream, Meliotes was able to visit Russia for the first time last year as part of a one-month mission trip in which she stayed and helped at an orphanage in St. Petersburg.

While she was there, she met a representative of TeachBeyond, who connected her with an opportunity to teach elementary school students at the International Academy of St. Petersburg during the next school year.

TeachBeyond is a nonprofit corporation that connects teachers, administrators, resident advisers, dorm parents, and support staff with educational opportunities around the world. The organization works in more than 30 countries with more than 30 international schools, universities, national schools, and startups. It also sponsors summer English camps in eight countries.

“The (International) Academy serves international and American missionary students in St. Petersburg, Russia,” Meliotes said.

She will teach second grade, with about 12 students in her class. The school has about 200 students. She also said she wants to continue working with the orphanages in St. Petersburg.

“As a missionary, I am required to raise my own salary, so sharing my story to others is an extremely important part of my ministry,” Meliotes said.

Meliotes estimates her expenses during the year will be around $2,200 per month.

“I will be there for approximately 10 to 12 months,” Meliotes said.

People interested in supporting her mission can give money to give.teachbeyond.org/supports/natalie-meliotes.

“I need to raise enough to support myself. I’m talking to churches and individuals to get support,” Meliotes said. “If enough money is raised, I should be headed there by Aug. 17.”

It’s been a zigzag journey from a young student’s interest in Russia to teaching students in Russia, but she said that, with the help of enough people, she’ll get the chance of a lifetime.

“All I’m doing is what the Lord has planned,” Meliotes said.

cburnett@lancastereaglegazette.com

740-681-4346

Twitter: @CarlBurnettJr

Learn more

If you would like more information on TeachBeyond, go to teachbeyond.org.

If you would like to support Natalie Meliotes’ mission, you can donate at give.teachbeyond.org/support/natalie-meliotes.