Maryna Kavaleuskaya was interviewed by Russian language media outlet Forum Daily on her transition from practicing law in her native Belarus to attending Harvard Law School. "The political situation in Belarus deteriorated significantly in 2010, when I started to focus on politically motivated cases and fell under a tremendous pressure by the authorities. It soon became apparent that the authorities would not allow me to continue practicing law there and I started to consider alternative ways of professional development," Kavaleuskaya said. "When I submitted my application to Harvard Law School, this idea seemed absolutely unrealistic – no one among the people I knew studied there or could provide me with any guidance." The gold medal, the diploma in international law cum laude (the highest high school and university academic recognition), the participation in a high school exchange program, work on high-profile cases, and active civic stance – all this lead to Maryna receiving a long hoped-for result – the letter from Harvard Law School stating "congratulations, you have been accepted."
 
This article was originally published in Russian.