– Irina, tell us about your story in America. Where did you study and work before Texas?
I’ve been in America for almost six years now. Moved in with my daughter through family reunification. America had been in my heart since my first visit to my daughter, in 2011, and became a dream come true. I traveled a lot with her family. Drove across California almost to the very north, visited Bryce Canyon, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, New York, Boston, San Diego.
We moved to Texas in 2015 because the kids loved the state. I love it with all my heart too. I worked at T.J. Maxx, and in families with children. I have already worked for nine families. I like Austin because it is a quiet city with a slow pace, friendly people and no winter (I really dislike cold), and its local cuisine.
– Tell us about your professional background and your work at the Russian School Sputnik.
I am a preschool teacher by profession. I worked in a kindergarten for many years. I love to be around kids. They are so cool!!! So much positivity comes from them!!! Their childhood spontaneity!!! Last year, I started working at the Russian School. I taught Russian for preschoolers and math for 6-8-year-old kids. This year, I joined the Russian School Sputnik. I teach Russian and mathematics again, and I’m also trying my hand at Lego mathematics and Sand Creations. It is even more interesting. I want to experiment with new subjects. I really like the school staff, the community spirit, and the potential that it has.
– Are you staying in touch with your home country?
I’m keeping in touch. I am from Luhansk. I was born and lived there my whole life. There is a complicated geopolitical situation there now. Many of my friends and family live there. I worry about them a lot, I miss them. I visited a few times before COVID. I really miss them.
– What traditions and habits have you kept from your pre-Texas life?
I brought all of my traditions and habits here. We celebrate all the holidays. I cook all the dishes from the Russian and Ukrainian cuisine. I love to entertain and have friends over.
– Tell us about your family.
I have a brother in Russia. A sister and her family in Ukraine. A son in Kiev. And a daughter with her family here. I became a grandmother this year. My granddaughter is already four months old. I try to help my daughter with the new baby.
– What do you do besides work? What are your interests and hobbies?
I have very little free time: I work on my English, watch movies, take walks in the park, and I knit, for my granddaughter mostly. This year I finally started driving. It’s hard to imagine how I did without it. I’m saving so much time on transportation!
I would like to share some news with you. I am starting to teach at the Russian Academy with Anna Yelaun. I really like this woman. She radiates positivity! I think I can do it.
– What are your favorite books and films?
I really love science fiction. I used to read and re-read all the science fiction authors I could find. Now I’m into audiobooks. I listen to them in the car or on my walks.
As to movies, I love the Soviet classics. I can watch them hundreds of times.
– What would you like to wish to the Russian-speaking community of Austin and Texas?
Good luck in all your endeavors, let all your dreams come true, and stay healthy!
Contact Information:
Irina Makarenko
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irina.makarenko.3517
E-mail: irinafmakarenko@gmail.com
Interviewer: Dmitri Ovcharenko
Editor: Olga Adler
Publisher: Russian Cultural Center