Editor’s Note: As Ukraine’s 26th Independence Day approaches on Aug. 24, the Kyiv Post is asking Ukrainians who live abroad to send in their picture with answers to the following questions for publication. Send to Kyiv Post chief editor Brian Bonner at [email protected]. The published replies can be found here: Ukrainian Voices From Abroad.
Kyiv Post: Where are you from in Ukraine?
Diana Pavlyuk and I was born in Lutsk, Ukraine. I lived there for the first 6 years of my life.
KP: When did you leave; why did you leave?
DP: My family left to North Carolina in 2000. Most of my mom’s family lived in United States so we decided to make the move.
KP: How did you end up where you live?
DP: My mom’s family lived in North Carolina so we decided to settle here.
KP: Do you ever regret that you are not in Ukraine – why or why not?
DP: I’m very happy to be in America but I do regret not being in Ukraine for the 2014 EuroMaidan Revolution. It was such a uniting and powerful event.
KP: What do you miss most about Ukraine?
DP: I miss my beautiful city, Lutsk. There are always people walking around and it is very alive.
KP: What do you miss least about Ukraine?
DP: I don’t miss driving around on public transportation without air conditioning.
KP: Does where you live have more opportunities for you than in Ukraine?
DP: I think North Carolina has more opportunities simply because I’ve lived here for 17 years and I’m very familiar with the city. I also go to college here.
KP: What relatives/friends are left back in Ukraine?
DP: My dad’s whole family lives in Ukraine.
KP: Do they visit you or do you visit them? Often?
DP: My whole family visited them in 2005 and for the past two years, my brother and I have been going to Ukraine to visit family and explore.
KP: With Ukraine coming up to its 26th anniversary of national independence, how do you feel about your homeland? Is it making progress as a nation? Or not so much?
DP: It is certainly making progress! It is becoming more united and patriotic. If this spirit continues, Ukraine will have a beautiful future ahead.
KP: What would it take for you to return?
DP: If I could work for an American company in Ukraine, I would definitely return. I would love to live in Lviv or Kyiv.
KP: What do you wish for your country?
DP: I wish for peace in eastern Ukraine and for people to love each other and love their country.
KP: Do you think that wish will come true?
DP: I know it will come true! The Ukrainian people won’t give up until it comes true!
