What kind of connections have you made since you came to the U.S.A.? I have made lots of friends on this beautiful island. When you work at the local bank you get a chance to meet a majority of the island community which made my life here absolutely amazing. Most importantly I found the love of my life who is now my husband. I am forever grateful to this special place which brought so much happiness to my life.
Have you found a community here on the Island? Absolutely yes. I have found that Martha's Vineyard community is extremely unique. So many different people but it seems like one big family!
How do you find socializing with Americans? It comes naturally to me. Apparently I have always had an American mentality but I didn't realize that until I came to the USA. I have traveled around Europe but only when I made it here did I find myself at home. It just makes sense.
What about language barriers? Even though I studied English since I was six years old when I first came to Martha’s Vineyard in 2010 I was in cultural shock for about a week or two. I was really struggling with language. Now I speak more English than I speak any other language and it's became my second nature. I would love to share an interesting fact: “It has been about two years since I a began having my dreams in English”
Do you share your culture with people here? Oh, yes I do! My husband is learning Russian and absolutely loves Russian food as well as our family and friends. Our dogs and cats are trained in two languages. I also love to translate old Russian sayings and share them with my American friends and coworkers. Lots of them are immigrants from countries like Brazil, UK, India, Morocco etc. If you end up as a passenger in my car you might hear me cranking Russian rap or deep house Russian style music.
What are the differences in lifestyle between Russia and the US? Everything! Yes, you got it right “Everything” weather, food, people, mentality, economy, traditions, politics, lifestyle, architecture, education etc. Do not get in any trouble with law here!
Have you been exposed to any American stereotypes of Russia? Yep! my favorite is "mail order bride".
How would your life be if you were back in Russia? I honestly have no idea. I probably would stay in Moscow after graduation and work for a chemical research company. I would never have met Jason and my life would be miserable without him. This is a fact!
What do you miss most about home? My mother most of all!
What is your definition of home? Where my heart is, and it is here in U.S.A.!
Did you know?
International Day for Tolerance is celebrated on November 16th. The United Nations is committed to strengthening tolerance by fostering mutual understanding among cultures and peoples. This imperative lies at the core of the United Nations Charter, as well as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and is more important than ever in this era of rising and violent extremism and widening conflicts that are characterized by a fundamental disregard for human life.
Learn more about Martha's Vineyard Local Immigrants Project click here.