Embedded Files
Svetlana is pictured with her hand in the air, surrounded by her cousins and neighbors at a local McDonald's in Brighton. Felix, her current husband, is featured at the front of the photo, and Svetlana’s current mother-in-law is in the back right corner of the photograph.
Brighton MA -
Svetlana's first place to live in the United States was in Brighton, MA, along with many other Ukrainian immigrants. She lived in a small apartment with her cousins. During this time, Svetlana and her family learned English. She said, "Learning English came easy to me because it was all around me." She also attended Hebrew school, enjoying the newfound freedom to practice her religion.
Svetlana and her mom at a dinner in Brighton area
Svetlana in the back middle at Hebrew school in 1980( her current husband Felix is on the left of her)
Dedham MA -
In 1984, Svetlana and her parents moved to their first house at 80 Tarbox Street in Dedham, MA. Svetlana was able to grow up as a teenager in that house, attending Dedham Middle and High School. Svetlana said she "loved" school in America and explained, "I am grateful I had the opportunity to experience high school in the States." Svetlana was involved in the High School soccer and track team and loved hanging with her friends.
Svetlana and her friends in High School. Svetlana expressed that her friends called her "Svet"
Work-
Being immigrants, there weren't many job opportunities for Svetlana's parents. Her dad, Boris, was a house painter, and her mom, Yelena, was a manicurist during the day, worked at a factory at night, and baked cookies.
Svetlana and her cousin Natalie, as well as her grandfather
Page updated
Report abuse