Editor’s Note: As the 26th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence as a nation approaches on Aug. 24, the Kyiv Post is asking Ukrainians who live abroad to comment on their lives and their reflections on their homeland. To participate, Ukrainians living abroad should send a photo and answers to the following questions to Kyiv Post chief editor Brian Bonner at [email protected]
Kyiv Post: Where are you from in Ukraine?
Victoria Muzychuk: I graduated from the high school in Lutsk. Then I studied and worked in Lviv before resettling in Canada.
KP: When did you leave; why did you leave?
VM: I left Ukraine in 1997. Curiosity drove my decision to explore new countries, and Canada happened to open the doors for me and my family.
KP: How did you end up where you live?
VM: I have been living in Regina, Saskatchewan since I moved in Canada in 1997. The decision was made quickly at that time as we had a little house to move in and a job offer waiting for us.
KP: Do you ever regret that you are not in Ukraine – why or why not?
VM: Yes and no. These are the lamenting modals of ‘would have’ or ‘should have’ that will accompany me for the rest of my life. There is always a possibility or a necessity to return when we can expect it the least.
KP: What do you miss most about Ukraine?
VM: Lviv’s old cobble-stone pavements, small flamboyant coffee shops, and scrumptious food.
KP: What do you miss least about Ukraine?
VM: The current political scene.
KP: Does where you live have more opportunities for you than in Ukraine?
VM: We have to look for opportunities, doesn’t matter where we are. We create the life that we deserve.
KP: What relatives/friends are left back in Ukraine?
VM: A few good school friends, my mum and my sister.
KP: Do they visit you or do you visit them? Often?
VM: My mum and my dad visited me a lot and stayed for an extensive period of time as my daughter was growing up. Those times with them were special. Now that my mum cannot visit me in Canada, I make a commitment to see her at least once every two years.
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?
VM: Ukraine is definitely making big steps to become a European nation. There is, however, a baggage on her shoulders that pulls her down. The past cannot be erased overnight. I see the future in the young people who have different looks and different attitude towards the life they want to build for themselves in Ukraine. I am glad the visa-free travel will expand the opportunity for good education, which is currently lacking in Ukraine.
KP: What would it take for you to return?
VM: An interesting job opportunity that contests my experience and skills. Is Kyiv Post hiring now?
KP: What do you wish for your country?
VM: Finding and embracing her identity.
KP: Do you think that wish will come true?
VM: I hope so.
