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?
Mark Vital: Nizhyn,
KP: When did you leave; why did you leave?
MV: 6 years ago; pursuing the American dream and running away from myself. My father was an entrepreneur, running medical R&D company in Ukraine. I always wanted him to move abroad to Germany. When he died, I promised myself that one day I will move abroad and start changing the world.
KP: How did you end up where you live?
MV: Moved to the Silicon Valley and was excited by the mix of dirt and beauty, wealth, and poverty in San Francisco. Fell in love in this city. Met my future wife there.
KP: Do you ever regret that you are not in Ukraine – why or why not?
MV: Yes, but then my friends bring me back to reality. Every time I come I feel excited about food, people, and some memories. But I feel that people don’t listen to me and my ideas in Ukraine, and I feel lonely.
KP: What do you miss most about Ukraine? ‘Tvorog’, Kefir, banya and Carpathian mountains
MV: Tvorog, kefir, banya and the Carpathian Mountains.
KP: What do you miss least about Ukraine?
MV: Police, my childhood times, uncertainty.
KP: Does where you live have more opportunities for you than in Ukraine?
MV: Yes, plenty of opportunities here.
KP: What relatives/friends are left back in Ukraine?
MV: My mother and brothers.
KP: Do they visit you or do you visit them? Often?
MV: Once in 2-3 years. I think they have no idea what I’m doing here.
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?
MV: [No answer.]
KP: What would it take for you to return?
MV: Buy a one-way ticket. I will probably regret all my life that I haven’t accomplished what I doing here.
KP: What do you wish for your country?
MV: I wish an end to the war, more certainty and future-oriented thinking.
KP: Do you think that wish will come true?
MV: Yes.
