Historically speaking
A history and Russian double major, Condlin has spent the past 10 years learning and perfecting the language, though he hopes that his time in the country will allow him to become even more fluent in the language. In addition, Chris spent a semester studying abroad in Siberia at the University of Irkutsk.
Professor of History Peter Czap, Condlin's thesis advisor, speculates that Condlin's semester in Siberia sparked an interest in what turned into a senior thesis. His thesis was on the Gulag, a system of forced labor camps where prisoners, political and otherwise, were interned in the Soviet Union. "I want to continue studying that notorious part of Russian history," said Condlin.
In particular, he said that he is interested "investigating the many monasteries which were turned into prisons during the Lenin and Stalin eras," including one such prison on the Solovki Islands. "One of my priorities will definitely be to check out the Solovki and the sites of other prison and labor camps like it," he said.
Part of Condlin's aim for his stay in Russia is to test academia as a potential career path. "I may be interested in pursuing a career in academia, so I want to firm up my study of Russian history, try to gain a little experience with archives and really engage the discipline more like a scholar and less like a student." Although, Condlin also said that he is somewhat uncertain about what his future will hold. "I don't want to settle on a profession until I am at least 28," he said, listing potential career paths, "professor, journalist, high school teacher and lacrosse coach, astronaut, fireman, who knows?"
Condlin also hopes to give journalism a try while abroad. "I am hoping to use the financial security from the scholarship to let me volunteer at a Russian newspaper, or more likely, an English-language newspaper in Russia."
Praiseworthy
Czap was complementary of his easy-going approach to his challenging scholastic pursuits. "Given the number of things he does simultaneously, lacrosse, etc., he is obviously well organized and disciplined," said Czap. "Yet his manner is always easy-going-he never shows signs of stress or obsession, (at least in my viewing). He is always upbeat, which makes working with him a pleasure."
Roommate Andy Sagor '03 had only kind words for Condlin. "Chris is one of the nicest guys in the world … He has an intense passion for conversations, ideas and the people around him … He is a great athlete, scholar and friend." According to Sagor, Condlin also picked up a "bizarre taste in music" while studying abroad. "After going to Russia he plays what sounds like Siberian polka and he is also a fan of Latin pop music."
Schuyler Livingston '03 echoed Sagor's sentiments. "Chris has a greater enthusiasm for life than anyone I know … He has both the desire and ability to relate to people from all walks of life. He values human connection and has an open mind towards the ideas and experiences of others."
Complementing his studies at Amherst, Condlin worked for the Cold War International History Project last summer, which is a division of the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, D.C.
Taking the field
Condlin poses quite a threat on the athletic field as well; he took Second-Team All-NESCAC honors this year, leading the team in goals and points. Three of those goals led the Jeffs to a win against Williams in the NESCAC quarter finals
Although his personal accomplishments are many, on the order of 78 career goals, he highlights the success of the team. "Seeing my lacrosse team get better each year I've been here," is what Condlin identifies as his best experience at the College.