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?
Elena Polischuk: Kyiv.
KP: When did you leave; why did you leave?
EP: Before two revolutions, first time in 2005 to work in Moscow (Russian Federation) and the second time in 2013 to Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates).
KP: How did you end up where you live?
EP: I live and work in a five-star hotel in Abu Dhabi, which is a capital of the United Arab Emirates. The city is a one-hour drive from Dubai, a one-hour flight to Bahrain, Qatar, a five-hour flight to Kyiv or Bangkok.
KP: Do you ever regret that you are not in Ukraine – why or why not?
EP: No, as international experience is great for you professionally and personally. Work at competitive markets with diverse communities helps you to grow faster and prepares you for your next move.
KP: What do you miss most about Ukraine?
EP: The big national idea for Ukraine and for Ukrainians – optimism, desire to change and welcome changes.
KP: What do you miss least about Ukraine?
EP: Inflation and that it’s not safe to return home at night.
KP: Does where you live have more opportunities for you than in Ukraine?
EP: I work at markets with higher competition, on crossroads of trade and cultures. This is a unique experience which can be applied in Ukraine or other countries.
KP: What relatives/friends are left back in Ukraine?
EP: My mom, sister and her family and my great friends.
KP: Do they visit you or do you visit them? Often?
EP: Twice a year minimum. My friends always ask why I come back so often as the distance to Kyiv is the same as to Southeast Asia. My family visits me once a year during winter times as the weather here is similar to the weather in June at home.
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?
EP: Yes, Ukraine is making progress, though it’s hard to see and feel for Ukrainians. Free entrance to Schengen countries, police reform, etc. In June I was a volunteer at GoCamp Ukraine and I could see the education boom in Ukraine, there were so many summer camps, specialized schools, I see more competition in education which is amazing. I see that children and teenagers are eager to learn, dream big which make teachers change their methodology, listen to their internal client (children and parents).
KP: What would it take for you to return?
EP: I would like to share my international and cross-culture exposure to promote reforms, develop tourism and hospitality in Ukraine. I would like to work with young, energetic, visionary leaders in Kiev or Lviv and to share common values with them.
KP: What do you wish for your country?
EP: I wish Ukrainians to believe in themselves, overcome all obstacles which sometimes in our head, to listen and support each other more. I wish them peace and prosperity which they deserve.
KP: Do you think that wish will come true?
EP: As a businesswoman, I believe that what is not written is a wish. I think it’s time for Ukraine to articulate a big national idea or plan. Every town and city should have a national strategy minimum 10 years ahead. And the United Arab Emirates, a very young state, is the perfect example. Ukrainians, dream big. You can and you will!
