Forging Firsts: Alina Mukhortova

"Forging Firsts" is a series that shares the stories of  individuals who have accomplished remarkable achievements in their journeys. Each story, talks about when they became the “first” whether that is breaking records, facing challenges, or creating new paths. The series explores how these experiences helped them grow personally, uncovering new strengths and depths within themselves. "Forging Firsts" highlights the meaningful impact they have and how they’re inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
 

Family is central to my journey to Wisconsin. They not only supported me in becoming a student-athlete, but also as the first in our family to attend a university, I feel responsible for setting a standard for future generations in my family. Being the first member of my family to attend college is enough for my parents to be proud of me, but I think traveling to a new country, learning a new language, and adapting to a new culture truly justify the effort they put into my journey.

My parents were on opposite ends of the spectrum in the ways they chose to support me. My mom, who focused on my academic career, was the one telling me to be proud of the things I’ve accomplished, praising my achievements in the classroom, all while letting her friends know along the way, even when I didn’t think the attention was warranted. 

My dad was the one who pushed me, specifically when it came to tennis. When the going got tough, he was the first to tell me “Keep going”. Whenever I reached a new level of my athletic career, he was there to give me the next task. 

I wanted to be the best at both.

The culture change was a big surprise at first, especially in how people communicate. Often, I found my straightforwardness came off as rude to my peers, not because they misunderstood, but because our lifestyles clashed. To make it where I’m from, being firm is important to succeed. 

My first college experience was tough, partly because of the cultural difference. Before transferring to UW-Madison, I felt like my previous college didn’t quite offer the support I needed, especially when it came to being a student-athlete. I’ve always been independent, but this time, I really struggled. I imagined what I thought the Russian mentality would be: “Stay where you are, tough it out”. But I had already made the decision to travel across the world, I wasn’t going to remain unhappy. 

UW-Madison was the opposite of my last school. There was an abundance of support; physical, financial, mental, it was very apparent that Wisconsin cared about its student-athletes. What made me finally feel comfortable in the United States was talking to my coach, Kelcy McKenna. I was blown away by her willingness to help, not just with tennis, but with academics and overall life problems as well. She’s always there to extend her hand.

I learned from her by the example she sets every day. Hearing how she coached my teammates helped me better understand how to communicate my thoughts in a way that could be received by others. Transferring to Wisconsin didn’t necessarily change my interactions with other students, I still felt like I came across as aloof with how I spoke. But while I did take strides to communicate in a more effective way, what I found was that my teammates also found a new appreciation for how I spoke.

My teammate and I talked recently, and she said I should step up as a leader because people sometimes need to hear the truth. I realized there is a place for me here in Madison, but I could also carry a piece of Russia with me. Remaining true to myself is what brought me here, but I understood I could learn from my experiences in Russia and in the United States as well. 

Since arriving here, I have learned different ways to communicate with authority figures as equals. Professors listen to my perspective even if my thoughts are different than what is taught. I have become a vocal leader on my team by helping to coach my teammates. 

This confidence comes from a great appreciation for who I am, something my mother has always stressed. It allows me to be confident in who I am, but also challenges me to strive for more, something I got from my dad. It’s an accumulation of bravery over the years, garnered from my attempts to stand out in Russia, my decisions to move on from places where I was unhappy, and my ability to advocate for myself. It’s allowed me to take the next step in cementing my family’s legacy. I moved across the world, maintained a balanced life as a student and an athlete, found success on the tennis court, and am also a double-major at a great academic institution.

Whenever I wonder about who I am, I think about my previous experiences. I recall the things I did while growing up that shaped the path I'm on now. As time passed, I learned to pay attention to my feelings and trust myself. Even when it's scary, I've become good at taking steps forward and trying new things.

At times, I believed it wasn't okay to be myself and express my thoughts. However, as I explored who I am, I realized a lot of my achievements stem from my identity and experiences as a first-generation student-athlete. Embracing my unique journey has not only empowered me but has also helped me recognize my strengths. I have come to understand my identity as a first-generation student-athlete is not a limitation, but rather a source of resilience and determination. By sharing my story and breaking through the barriers that once seemed too big, I hope to inspire others facing similar experiences. This journey is not just about personal success; it's about paving a path for others.