Real People. Real Lives. Women Immigrants of New York: Anna, 34, from Russia

Photo by Sasha Nialla

Anna’s photograph and story were curated as part of the photo and storytelling exhibit, “Real People. Real Lives. Women Immigrants of New York.”

Growing up in a liberal family, I was acutely aware of the human rights limitations in Russia. At seventeen, I took the leap of moving to the US in search of freedom of thought and choice.

My first job was at a restaurant in New York City. I was navigating a new country while learning to live on my own. I didn’t speak English, so I translated the take-out menu into Russian and would review it while riding the subway.

A few years later, I was given a great professional opportunity. When I left for a higher position elsewhere, the manager, who gave me a chance, told me he once saw me studying that menu on the train and recognized me when I first interviewed. He felt anyone that thorough and determined to learning a pizza menu would triumph over any work challenge.

The experience of immigration really teaches us how big of an impact the smallest actions can make. Noticing someone for who they are, rather than for the situation they are in, drove this executive to welcome me into his team and allowed me to kick-start my career. We should live by our principles, as we never know who might be watching.

I’m now 34, I design strategy for social entrepreneurs and teach an ESL class in the evenings. My students are starting their lives anew. They are brave and dedicated, so I try to give them tools to create their own opportunities. I hope for the society to notice determination of those striving for a better life and to give them a chance.

“Real People. Real Lives. Women Immigrants of New York” was a one-time event hosted by New Women New Yorkers at the Centre for Social Innovation on March 24, in honor of Women’s History Month. Read a recap of the event here.