Because the work, though essential, was repetitive, Kennedy studied Russian in her spare time, and initially laid plans to become a Russian historian. However, when she engaged a tutor to prepare her for entrance to Oxford, the tutor's enthusiasm for French medieval history swayed Kennedy in that direction.
Because the task was indispensable but tedious, Kennedy studied Russian in her free time and initially aimed to become a Russian historian. However, when she hired a tutor for Oxford entrance exams, the tutor's enthusiasm for French medieval history shifted Kennedy’s interest towards that field.