Name: Golden Thomas “Veliki Knyaz” (Great Prince).
Hometown: Provo, Utah.
Time in Kiev: Two months
What he is doing in Kyiv: Studying medieval, Kyivan Rus history at Kyiv-Mohyla Academy.
What he was doing when Ukraine declared its independence: He was a freshman at Alta High School worrying about girls and playing Nintendo games.
Future plans: To receive a Ph.D. in medieval Rus history and teach Ukrainian history at a university in Europe or Canada.
Greatest fear: Falling down the escalator at Zoloti Vorota metro.
Special talent: He can fall asleep in any position in less than a minute.
First impression of Ukraine: “East versus West. ‘Wow!’ It looks like Russia. They’re speaking Russian. That’s the fifth McDonalds I’ve seen in five minutes!”
Funniest Ukrainian experience: “A guy on Andriyivsky uzviz tried to tell me (in English) that he’s wasn’t trying to rip me off.”
Most important characteristic of a significant other: “My wife is just as anal as I am.”
One thing he can’t live without: His wife and, after that, his computer.
Best quality: He is able to laugh at himself.
Worst quality: He laughs too much, and too easily, at other people.
Dream job: President of Brigham Young University.
First job: A cook at Pizza Hut.
Best reason to stay in Ukraine: “It’s much easier to study Ukrainian history in Ukraine.”
Best reason to leave Ukraine: “There’s nothing like the USA!”
What he is most proud of: Loosing 5 pounds since he’s been here.
What he is least proud of: His pride.
Favorite film: CNN’s Cold War documentaries and “Dead Poets Society.”
Claim to fame: He’s a very distant relative of Dale Murphy.
Key to success in life: “Early to bed, early to rise, keeps a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”
Pet-peeve: Slow Ukrainian walkers that create roadblocks on narrow sidewalks.
First reaction when he receives a letter from his government: “I already paid my taxes!”
One place he could spend $1 million: The largest electronics store in the world.
