Russian-Speaking Immigrants Celebrate Immigrant heritage month
With the White House deeming June as Immigrant Heritage Month, I decided to join this year's celebration through a campaign acknowledging Russian-speaking immigrants in the United States. The community promptly responded to our request, and many shared with us their inspirational stories about coming to the United States and achieving their American dream.
One participant in particular, Vlada Korol, shared very insightful details from her family’s journey to the United States. “In the 70's, 80's, and 90's, huge waves of Russian immigrants left their motherland behind in hopes of a new, better life. The process was very complicated. Families traveled to Vienna, where they lived for a few weeks and had the opportunity to change their original documents from Israel to America. We had tiny financial support, and mainly relied on selling Soviet souvenirs to survive. We shared apartments with other families, replicating Soviet communal living. It all depended on the interview with the American consulate, whether the family would receive an approval or denial to enter America; basically you were at the mercy of the interviewer. Finally, that day came to take the ever so memorable trans-Atlantic flight to New York City. Who can ever forget the first glimpse of the skyscrapers....the dirty streets, and a sense of confusion and accomplishment all at the same time.” She continued, “In the early 90’s “the big trade off” began, giving up Odessa for Brighton Beach, Kreschatik to Devon Ave in Chicago, and so on. The culture we knew was left behind, in front of us was a new beginning.” – Vlada Korol, Born in Kiev, Ukraine, Doctor of Pharmacy, President of Kedvon Pharmacy
This journey was a journey of thousands of people who dreamed to start a new life and give their children new opportunities and a better future.
“As an immigrant at the age of 14, one word really stands out – perseverance.” – Igor Boguslavsky, Born in Odessa, Ukraine, USSR, CEO at Belmont Trading Co
“Freedom means a great responsibility. Only the combination of these two things can lead to success.” – Alexander Vedenin, Born in Moscow, Russia, Head Coach of USSR National Single Skating Team, Head Coach of Development Projects of International Skating Union
As we see, obstacles didn’t stop people from coming to the United States, but instead made them stronger and more determined to achieve their dreams!
“Success is measured in the drive, in the endeavor itself, as that is most fulfilling and enriching.” – Alex Kaplan, Born in Kiev, Ukraine, Attorney & Principal of Kaplan Law Offices
Being an immigrant myself, and knowing what it takes to start a brand new life in an unusual, unknown environment, it is such an honor to be able to share these touching stories of Russian-speaking immigrants in the United States. Yes, it was not easy in the beginning, as Kiev-born Julie Smolyansky, CEO and President of Lifeway Foods explains, “It's hard to imagine now that my parents had only $116 when we arrived from Ukraine.” A lot of sacrifices were made, but nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself. “Don't be afraid of any challenges and changes, go with your intuition and be helpful to people who need your support.” - Anna Reznik, Born in Moscow, Russia, Director of A&A Ballet.
In conclusion, I would like to share one more remark by Vlada Korol: “Years later, we listen to Russian music, eat Russian food, watch movies----you guessed right---in Russian! But, the best and least imaginable, is that some of our children speak better Russian than we do! To our voyage and journey---Cheers!”
