Ukrainian Voices From Abroad: Tanya Goldsmith’s Independence Day story

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 bonner@kyivpost.com. The published replies can be found here: Ukrainian Voices From Abroad.

Kyiv Post: Where are you from in Ukraine?

Tanya Goldsmith: I was born in small town in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast and was raised there for the first three years. After that my parents moved to Kyocera, where I grew up.

KP: When did you leave; why did you leave?

TG: I left at the end of year 2014 because I met my husband-to-be who was American and I moved to live with him.

KP: How did you end up where you live?

TG: I’m living in Miami now because I made my own family with my husband who lives in Miami.

KP: Do you ever regret that you are not in Ukraine – why or why not?

TG: I did not regret my decision to move because my family is in the United States now.

KP: What do you miss most about Ukraine?

TG: I do feel nostalgic sometimes and miss many lovely city areas in Kyiv where I used to hang out while growing up. Of course, they keep a lot of memories. Mostly I miss my family.

KP: What do you miss least about Ukraine?

TG: I do not miss the mentality. It is sad to admit that most people are stressed and I do not miss general unfriendliness to strangers (surely, there are exceptions).

KP: Does where you live have more opportunities for you than in Ukraine?

TG: Miami has definitely more opportunities for me than Kyiv. Both in education and career.

KP: What relatives/friends are left back in Ukraine?

TG: My whole family is from Ukraine and it was a hard decision for me because I felt like I’m leaving everything and everyone behind. I do come and visit them regularly though.

KP: Do they visit you or do you visit them? Often?

TG: I come to Ukraine during the warm season. My closest family members visit me a couple of times throughout the year.

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?

TG: Ukraine is making great progress and has a bright future ahead. However, I feel it may take years if not decades. Generally, I wasn’t thinking of moving elsewhere but for education opportunities. But my life turned out differently and being with the person I love turned out to be more important for me than staying in my home country.

KP: What would it take for you to return?

TG: I would not return because it is impossible for my husband to live in Ukraine due to his business.

KP: What do you wish for your country?

TG: I wish Ukraine to keep its traditions and authenticity. It has a unique culture that I’m proud of most.

KP: Do you think that wish will come true?

TG: This wish already comes true. I see a lot of cultural attributes when I visit Kyiv. I come across multiple cultural elements like clothing, souvenirs and city decorations that all remind me of my unique cultural inheritance that I took from my parents and family.