Shared Experiences: Olga Ievtushenko

Meet Olga Ievtushenko, an Innovation Manager at Eastman Chemical in Kingsport, Tennessee!

Olga, originally from Ukraine, came to the U.S. in August of 2008 to earn her PhD in Textile Technology Management in Raleigh, North Carolina.

When I asked her what her favorite things are about being in the U.S., she gave me a whole list of what she considers to be real benefits!  Diversity, limited corruption, political stability (having come from a place “rife with economic and political corruption”), patriotism, efficient infrastructure, possibilities and higher wages, national parks, a safe and child-friendly environment.

Sales tax was the most confusing/surprising to me. And it still is. I am from a country where the price tag reflects the final price.”  You’re not alone, Olga. Taxes confuse all of us!

While “overcoming foreign accent barrier and my fear of speaking in English in a group” has been the most challenging, she also believes “it is generally easy to adjust to U.S. society and people.”

What she’s come to believe?  “Hard work, determination, and initiative make it possible to achieve success and prosperity. U.S. is the country of opportunities. American dream is real.”  I agree with you there, Olga!

Find out more about Olga!