40 Under 40: Elizaveta Zibirova ’15

Thanks to Arcadia, I learned to treat my entire life as an educational experience. I try to educate myself on at least three or four extra things a year on top of my primary career, similar to how Arcadia requires you to take a well-rounded portfolio of classes. Arcadia’s small class sizes taught me that speaking to small groups is more effective and productive than screaming in front of millions of people. I learned to reach more hearts and minds in personal settings rather than large public gatherings.

Professor Tom Brinker instilled a deep and enthusiastic love of accounting in me. Out of all of my classes at Arcadia and other institutions around the globe, his accounting and business classes were filled with the most laughter, joy, and excitement. He embodies what I hope to become one day—a great leader, an amazing businessman, a caring family man and community member, and overall, a beautiful spirit and individual. 

I hope to get a few more letters after my name. And after that, say yes to as many educational and developmental experiences as I can to eventually become a professor of Accounting—who knows, maybe even at Arcadia.