Two Years in the States
By Nara Shin
Yuliia is from Ukraine. She unexpectedly started her journey to come to the United States in May of 2022, just three months after the Russian-Ukrainian war started. Initially, leaving her homeland was not a part of Yuliia's plans. However, when bombs blasted in her city, she made the difficult decision to seek a secure haven for her family.
“Everything was so good. My life was good before everything happened,” said Yuliia. She was a hardworking administrative manager at a company in Ukraine. Yuliia and her husband just bought an apartment after dreaming long of their own house. However, their aspirations took an abrupt turn when their city became a danger zone, compelling them to urgently seek safety. Thankfully, a family member already residing in Spokane sponsored their United for Ukraine (U4U) visa, leading them to sell their car in Ukraine to afford flight tickets for their journey to the United States in pursuit of refuge on May 29, 2022.
Arriving in the U.S. with little more than the clothes in their luggage, Yuliia faced the daunting challenge of rebuilding her life from scratch. She said, “When we came here, we didn’t have anything. We didn’t have money. We didn’t have any documents. It just looked like we were starting from zero.”
Amidst linguistic and cultural barriers, Yuliia discovered Thrive Center in June, becoming one of its first residents. With the support of Thrive staff, she found not only employment but also a community where she could make connections with other Ukrainian refugees and get help with medical insurance, workshops, and educational resources. Starting as a front desk assistant at a dental clinic, Yuliia's journey has come full circle as she now serves as the Assistant to the General Manager at Thrive Center.
She is the first person people see when they come to Thrive’s building, and she has helped and navigated 300 families moving in and out of the center. With her bright personality, she greets people and builds connections with residents so that they can find comfort and hope through her. Collaborating with Thrive’s resource coordinators, Yuliia also assists others with documentation and any immigration concerns and provides translation services.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunities she's been given, Yuliia finds joy in empowering others to thrive. However, the uncertainty of her future weighs heavily on her mind as her humanitarian parole is set to expire on May 27, 2024. In the last week of May, she will lose her work authorization and have to leave the country, unless another immigration pathway opens up to her.
“The war continues, and it’s not stopping. Going back home is not for my safety. It’s dangerous. We will be happy to receive any help. It is very important for me because I still continue to stay here, help people, and see so many people thriving. It’s making me happy,” said Yuliia.
Yuliia's story shows resilience and hope amidst adversity. From the once-thriving administrative manager in Ukraine to the unexpected refugee seeking solace in the United States and helping others at Thrive Center, her journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Yet, the uncertainty of her future post-May 2024 looks uncertain, and her plea for help resonates deeply. Let us join hands in extending compassion and assistance, ensuring that stories like Yuliia's are not only heard but serve as a call to action for a world united in empathy and support.
“I just want to say thank you to everyone. Thank you to the people who helped change our lives and gave us the chance to live here legally and to support us. Let’s see what will happen in the future, but I want to thank you for everything,” Yuliia said.