Interview with Pavel Derendiaev

— Where did you live before coming to Austin and what did you do?

In Russia for the last 8 years I lived in Izhevsk, Udmurt Republic. I graduated there with a master’s degree in business informatics (it is similar to IT Management), and worked in an IT company for 5 years as a Product Manager. In addition, I was actively engaged in martial arts – Kyokushin karate – and trained children and adults.

— How did you get to Austin? What are you doing here?

It’s luck or coincidence, but I won the green card in 2019 (I applied three years in a row), and decided to take this opportunity. I already had acquaintances who also moved to California from Izhevsk, as well as acquaintances in Cleveland, Ohio, and relatives in New Jersey, where I went first. I learned about Austin from the Internet, first of all I was attracted by the large IT market, as well as the opportunity to make music due to the presence of a rich cultural life here. The city and state have been selected.

— What difficulties did you face in adapting?

The main difficulties were related to finding a job and establishing new contacts and acquaintances. I managed to find my first job after two months of living in Austin, I worked as a Metadata Curator at Welocalize. I managed to find a specialty only after 8 months, it was not an easy period, since I had to go through interviews with different companies almost every day.

– How are your relations with the motherland?

I love my country and have never been against the Russian-speaking community. In Russia, I still have family, friends, and in general, I have a lot of bonds with this country. The only thing that scares me is the political situation there. I think the phrase: “I love my country, but I hate the politics”, characterizes my attitude towards Russia.

— What resources for Russian speakers do you use?

Basically, these are thematic groups on Facebook and telegram channels and chats.

— What would you like to see in Austin that would help you feel more comfortable and feel like you at home?

I feel like I at home already. Now I have acquaintances and friends, a favorite hobby and, of course, work.

— What would you like to tell Russian-speaking people who have recently moved to Austin?

Do not be afraid and boldly step forward! America loves bold and confident people. Find what you like, it will greatly help you in adapting, make acquaintances, do not be afraid of the Russian-speaking population. In my opinion, everyone here is amazing and interesting people with their own history.

— What cultural features and habits from your pre-American life do you support?

I think it’s the holidays. We also often get together with friends and play musical instruments and sing songs, both in English and in Russian. Still, the past is who you are now, and completely abandoning it is, at least, stupid.

— How has your lifestyle changed when you moved to Texas?

Most likely this is due to the standard of living, there are even more travels and visits to new places, but I am still the same person who did the same things as in Russia. It is said, no matter where a person is, he will not be apart from what belongs to him.

— Tell us about your family.

My parents continue to live and work in Russia. Mom is a physiotherapist, dad is a mechanical engineer.