Tanya

1. Where are you from?

I’m from Moscow, Russia.

2.How long have you been in the USA?

I’ve been here for almost two years.

3. What do you feel — where is your home now? Or what is your home now?

That’s a good question. When I arrived, I was worried: “What if I lose my sense of home in Russia and never find it here?” But I have my husband and our cat here, and my home is wherever they are.

4. If you feel that the USA has become your home, how long did it take to feel that way? Did you do anything to help make it feel like home, or did the feeling come naturally over time? 

I’m not sure that the USA has become my home yet. Sometimes this country feels so challenging that I think I need more time to relax and adjust before I can truly call it home.

5. What helps you feel at home in a new place?

Furnishing the apartment in my own style helps a lot. On one hand, it’s strange to move into an empty space; on the other, you get to make it truly yours. And having little cozy things—blankets, photos, favorite mugs—makes a huge difference.

6. Has your sense of home changed over time? What does “home” mean to you now, after moving to a new country?

My sense of home has definitely evolved. My first major move was within Russia, so now I feel like I have two homes: here with my husband and cat, and in Russia with my and his parents.

7. Who or what makes you feel like you belong somewhere? Why? For example: Parents? Friends? Culture or language? Nature? Or maybe something else?

Memories, friends, and family make me feel like I belong. They give me a sense of connection and remind me of where I come from.

8. Do you think it’s possible to have more than one home? Why or why not?

Yes, absolutely. Some people live in several countries at once, and that’s cool. The main thing is to have a place and people you can return to.

9. What advice would you give to someone who is trying to feel at home in a new country?

Just find people to connect with—doesn’t matter who they are or where they’re from. At the very least, having a support network will help your mental well-being.

10. Could you please write the word “Home” using transliteration in your native language?

Domik (A diminutive form of dom, the Russian word for home. It expresses warmth, affection, and coziness — like saying “little home” or “dear home”.)