A bit about Amurskaya Oblast, Russia...

When people think of Siberia and the Russian Far East (RFE), they often think of prison camps and bitter cold. However, many parts of RFE are quite warm and pleasant.

Amurskaya Oblast -- an oblast is a Russian political subdivision -- has rich farmland sprawled against a long border with northern China, while the north is sparsely forested tundra. The region is facing many challenges including a declining population and environmental threats to its vast forest and natural resources.

In this edition of Global Cafe, Masha M. writes about her goals and dreams as she finishes school and plans her future.