My Story
My Story
Chapter 1: Ukraine
I was born in Odessa, Ukraine. At the time Ukraine was still transitioning away from being under U.S.S.R. rule. The country was not in the best shape. Power and water outages were a regular occurrence. My family didn't have many possessions but we had each other. In 2001 my mom and I moved to the United States for a better life.
New Beginning
New Beginning
Chapter 2: New Beginning
I settled into a small town called Ashton. It's a little farming community tucked away in the northern Illinois cornfields. I didn't know any English when I moved to the United States so I spent my time doing what any other seven year old would do - watching cartoons. When I was living in Ukraine I could only watch cartoons for one hour every Saturday at 7 am. When I found out about 24-hour cartoon channels my head almost exploded. So, for the first three months that I was in the United States, I watched cartoons. I didn't know what they were saying at first but I quickly started to pick up the basics. I started going to school and quickly fine-tuned my English speaking skills. Ashton didn't have the fanciest school but it had great staff. I credit my values and my foundation to them. Ashton, Illinois taught me that hard work is the only type of work, a firm handshake speaks louder than words, and family is the only absolute in life.
Opportunity
Opportunity
Chapter 3: Opportunity
After finishing High School my next stop was the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. I chose this school because it offered me the best opportunity for success later in life. College offers you the ability to learn more about who you are and what you hope to accomplish in your lifetime. I learned that I find the most joy in life when I am experiencing something new. Whether it be a new location, a new work of art, or meeting a new person. As for what I hope to accomplish in my lifetime, I hope to help people look at things differently. I have chosen to study advertising because it seems to be the closest field of study that I can think of that can help me accomplish my goal. Yes, Advertising, the thing that everyone wants to skip, block, and pay to make it go away. I hope to be the one that changes that.
The Story Continues
The Story Continues
Chapter 4: The Story Continues
My goal for the next chapter in my life is to find the type of work that I want to wake up for. Work that encourages me to learn every day. Hopefully, work that lets me use my camera. I don't know where my life will take me next. Sometimes, I wish I had some of the answers. But, at the same time what makes this moment in my life so exciting is that I don't know what will happen next. With the support of my friends and family, I think the possibilities are infinite.