Olga Vesela – Slovakia
Kyiv Post: Where are you from in Ukraine?
Olga Vesela: Ternopil
KP:When did you leave; why did you leave?
OV:In 2009, love.
KP: How did you end up in Slovakia?
OV: I am happy, feeling less stressed and sure about the future.
KP: Do you ever regret that you are not in Ukraine – why or why not?
OV: Well, this is like yin and yang. I do miss it a lot (and regret in a way). It is my home country that I love, a place where I was born, where I have made my first steps. This is the place that formed my character the way it is now and I would love to be there, close to the people I love.
I am angry that I start to forget Ukrainian, not having a chance to use it here. And I am sad that my children will not have so many chances to feel what it’s like to live in Ukraine. But I will do my best so that they don’t forget that they are Ukrainians (even if half). On the other hand I read the news, I watch TV and I am happy I am not there.
I cannot understand where my poor country is going to. Unfortunately I’ve lost my belief in changes for the better there. If some do occur, more bad things happen too.
I am sick of looking how people with money want to earn more and more. This disease is spreading and more “businessmen” just rip off what’s left. Everybody is talking about joining the European Union or joining Russia, but nobody cares to think of joining together for Ukraine.
KP: What do you miss most about Ukraine?
OV: Food and that special feeling that one has when he lives in his home country.
KP: What do you miss least about Ukraine?
OV: Uncertainty about the future and politics.
KP: Does Slovakia have more opportunities for you than in Ukraine?
OV: Definitely, in many ways. I found a job in an international company that fits with my ambitions. I have a family and I am not afraid about the future. I can travel easily and, even if I need a visa, I get it 10 times easier that I would if I would be in Ukraine.
KP: What relatives/friends are left back in Ukraine?
OV: Parents, childhood friends.
KP: Do they visit you or do you visit them? Often?
OV: My parents visit me and I go to visit them too. Normally, once a year. That’s too little but at least something. As for friends, I meet them sometimes, mostly when they travel to the EU.
KP: With Ukraine coming up to its 20th anniversary of national independence, how do you feel about your homeland? Is it making progress as a nation? Or not so much?
OV: It does make progress. The only thing I am worried about is where that progress leads us Ukrainians. At the moment, I have the impression of complete mess and anarchy.
KP: What would it take for you to return?
OV: Well, definitely something should be done with economics. New areas should appear in the job market such as production and services. The latter should be built on more democratic principles and people should get an adequate salary.
The politicians should stop barking at each other and dragging the country into every possible direction. We should just stop being so concerned about “what the neighbors think” and start making changes for ourselves. Then I would return.
KP: What do you wish for your country?
OV: Intelligent and smart people to lead Ukraine out of the mess it’s in.
KP: Do you think that wish will come true?
OV: I guess I’ve lost my hope.
