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The Arrival
"When we arrived at the airport in New York, it was extremely overwhelming. The hardest part was not understanding what anyone was saying. We had very large bags which barely fit in the luggage carts. My dad's friend was there to meet us at the airport. Luckily he had a big van where we were able to fit along with the bags. We were exhausted and slept through the car ride to Springfield, Mass. He brought us to stay with their family while we were looking for an apartment to rent."
Adjusting
Minna was surprised by herself in the way she adjusted to America. It was shockingly natural for her. She understood the culture well and felt secure quickly. It comforted Minna that she always knew this was her path. Ever since she was a little girl she dreamed of living in America.
Minna's dream
Minna never dropped her dream of being a dentist. Although she had finished her DMD in Moldova, it does not transfer fully to America. She would have to do 2 years of studies in order to practice dentistry in the new country. Staying on track, within two weeks of moving to America, Minna found a job as a dental assistant. She learned a lot about American culture from this job. Being in such a high-speed American setting she was able to pick up on English quicker and learn about American traditions and values. Minna went on to become a dental hygienist. She worked for many years, while also volunteering. She traveled across the country providing dental care to those in extreme poverty. Minna then took her dental boards and scored well. Eventually, (two children and many years later) Minna applied to dental school. She ended up being selected as one of seven students in the immigrant dental program at Tufts University. She was thrilled and attended dental school the next year, all while raising two girls. After graduating in 2014 she had finally archived her dream of being a dentist in America.
First Thanksgiving
Minna's first Thanksgiving was one she will never forget. One of her co-workers from her first job invited her over for Thanksgiving dinner. Minna had no clue what this was and she was embarrassed to ask. She arrived at the dinner holding a traditional Russian dish. This dish is called "Holodets" it consists of a form of meat jelly. Today, she looks back and laughs at herself for being this dish for over for Thanksgiving. Although this Thanksgiving was not the most pleasant memory, Minna is glad it happened and is now more grateful for every Thanksgiving spent eating turkey.
Russian dish "Holodets"
Thanksgiving 2020
First Big Steps
Minna knew she wanted to have her kids live in the suburbs. Once she was able, she bought a house in Needham. She was excited to live in such a wonderful small town. She also quoted: "I'm thrilled my kids will get to live in such an amazing town."
My sister and I sitting on the steps of our new home!
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