“Closer to My Dream”.
Thrive Center Stories: Nataliia
By Nara Shin
Nataliia is a Thrive resident who came from Rivne (Рівне) to Spokane at the end of April. She works at a local hospital and a community college while staying in the Thrive Center. We talked with Nataliia today to learn more about her journey to the States and her new life in Spokane, WA.
How long have you been at the Thrive Center?
I was home in Ukraine until the end of April, and then my sister and I had to flee to Poland. I came here alone to meet my auntie who lives in Liberty Lake, but I am now here. I got an invitation from my auntie about two weeks before coming to the States, and I decided to come, but my parents and other family members are still there in Ukraine.
Do you have work authorization? Are you working anywhere?
Yes. I came here through the Uniting for Ukraine program. I applied twice for the program. I got into the program in two weeks, which was very fast. I work full-time in service work at a hospital. And then, maybe a month ago, I got an offer for tutoring at the Spokane Community College, and I am currently working there as a tutor.
What kind of tutoring is that?
It’s an ESL tutoring program. English was my second language in Ukraine, so I was always interested in learning English. In Ukraine, I worked in primary and secondary schools to teach English to first to ninth-grade students who spoke English as their foreign language.
Is there anything familiar in Spokane that makes you feel somewhat close to home, or is it a new environment?
When I entered the center for the first time, I felt like I was at home because so many people there were like me. I felt like I was in some kind of resort because of the people and the Ukrainian culture. People in the Thrive Center and my coworkers in the college are also so nice to me. They make me feel at home. People at my work are always curious about what I have experienced and empathize with my experience.
What do you like about Spokane?
I like Manito Park here in Spokane and the friends I’ve made since I’ve been here. People are friendly, and they make me happy.
What is your career wish?
I want to be an ESL teacher. I learned English at my college in Ukraine, and since then, I have always wanted to be an English teacher. I like to see the process of people learning English - when they couldn’t start speaking English at all but learn to say small words and be able to complete a whole sentence - I feel happy to see the process of learning.
Have you ever thought of coming to America to achieve your dream?
I used to dream of living somewhere in the world where the mountains are. I dreamed of coming to America to visit my relatives. But I was scared to dream big because [dreams can come true]. Now, I am here. I am grateful and happy that I am closer to my dream.
Coming from Ukraine to America, you’ve dealt with significant changes in your life. What was the process of change like for you?
Oh, it was so different. I saw big differences even from the airport because of the different cultures, but the people were so nice. Thinking about things that were [hard to get used to]: so many people are walking around [in Ukraine getting where they need to go], but everyone in America uses cars and drives. Also, I had to study more and learn about measurements like Fahrenheit. It was so hard for me to [adjust] here in the beginning, feeling homesick all the time.
How are your family members back home?
There was one day that shocked me. My mom is a primary school teacher. So, she was in school one day, and I called her, and she said there were some [airplanes flying by] at that time. I was so frightened. I just almost ran out and told them to go home. It was a terrible day because I realized that I couldn’t help with anything. I hope they are doing fine.
Why did your parents decide to stay in Ukraine?
My mom will never leave my dad alone, and my dad said he wouldn’t go anywhere because it’s his home.
Are you satisfied with your life here in America?
I have some goals, [but I am still deciding which ones I can achieve]. I am grateful for all I have been given here. I feel happy and safe.
What do you hope people understand about the situation in Ukraine?
I want people to know how friendly we Ukrainian people are. People can judge us by appearance, but we are not crazy or rude. We’re just not used to smiling at someone new. Patients and coworkers smile at me at work with sweet words, and I am learning every day [to adjust to this new culture]. Our culture does not smile much, and I don’t want them to assume we are unfriendly. I am still friendly.