At Burohelp, we are continually inspired by the incredible individuals who contribute to our mission of making help accessible to everyone. Today, in this episode of the Background Story, we are honored to share the compelling story of Oksana Kostromieieva, our Ukrainian language contributor whose journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the unyielding human spirit.
A Tale of Courage and Resilience
Oksana Kostromieieva's story begins in Ukraine, a country rich in culture and history but recently marred by conflict. When the war broke out in Ukraine two years ago, Oksana was living in one of the most dangerous regions, frequently targeted by missile attacks. Faced with the escalating dangers, she made the difficult decision to leave her homeland, seeking safety for herself and her two children.
New Beginnings in the Netherlands
With the help of a supportive Dutch company she was working for at the time, Oksana and her children relocated to the Netherlands. This move, while fraught with challenges, marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Oksana describes herself as fortunate for having the opportunity to move to a safer environment, yet the transition was anything but easy.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Community
Relocating to a new country comes with its own set of hurdles. For Oksana, adapting to the Dutch way of life involved navigating the complexities of the healthcare system, mastering the art of cycling, and most importantly, finding a new job. Despite her extensive experience in B2B sales, the language barrier and the need to repackage her skills for a new market proved to be significant obstacles.
Determined to succeed, Oksana enrolled in a Dutch university to pursue another master's degree. This step was part of her broader strategy to integrate into Dutch society and leverage her professional expertise in a new context. She also began volunteering with the Red Cross and took Dutch language courses offered by the municipality of Amsterdam.
A Lifelong Love for Languages
Oksana’s passion for languages has been a constant throughout her life. She holds a master’s degree in philology, specializing in Chinese. This academic background laid the foundation for her multilingual proficiency, which includes Ukrainian, Russian, English, Dutch, and Chinese. Her linguistic skills not only facilitated her own integration but also enabled her to assist other Ukrainian refugees with translation services, helping them navigate their new lives in the Netherlands.
Giving Back to the Community
Oksana’s involvement with Burohelp stems from her deep-seated belief in the power of community and mutual aid. She understands firsthand the difficulties of integrating into a new country and is committed to helping others overcome similar challenges. Her work with Burohelp, translating the website into Ukrainian, ensures that more people can access vital resources in their native language, making their transition smoother and less daunting.
Reflections on Her Journey
Reflecting on her experiences, Oksana emphasizes the importance of sharing and support. She speaks of the “survivor's guilt” that drives her to help others, acknowledging the disparity between her own circumstances and those still in conflict zones. Her message is clear: those who have the means to help should do so, as it enriches both the giver and the receiver.
Looking Forward
As Oksana continues to settle into her new life in the Netherlands, her resilience, adaptability, and unwavering dedication to helping others, and her story serves as an inspiration to many. She remains an active participant in the integration process, ever eager to support others and contribute to the community that welcomed her with open arms.
Join Us in Celebrating Oksana
We invite you to watch our video interview with Oksana Kostromieieva to learn more about her incredible journey. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact that one person can make, even in the face of adversity. You can contact her through her LinkedIn: Oksana Kostromieieva, as well as see her on our “Contributors” page.
At Burohelp, we celebrate the diverse backgrounds and unique contributions of our team members. Their stories not only highlight the challenges of displacement and integration but also the remarkable resilience of the human spirit. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our Buroheroes!
By sharing Oksana's story, we hope to shed light on the personal journeys behind our mission and inspire others to join us in making help accessible to all.
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