By Contributing Writer YORDANA KURHANEVYCH
Businesses in Red River often work with the Department of State to bring college and university students from overseas to work here during the busy summer season. Yordana Kurhanevych is a Ukraine national currently working in Red River at Yesterday’s Diner.
As I was preparing to move to America from Ukraine, one of my biggest concerns was who I might be living with. The first person I met was Katya Herasymchuk, also from Ukraine, who is studying Japanese philology, the study of language in oral and written historical sources. “Adapting to life in a new country has been quite smooth. My hometown is Kherson, one of the most war-stricken and devastated cities in Ukraine. I no longer miss Ukraine, as returning there seems frightening. The only thing that worries me is my mother, who still lives in the dangerous city,” she says. “I like the climate here. It reminds me of Lithuania, where I lived. The spicy seasonings: I’m not used to. The most memorable experience so far was a horseback riding trip in the mountains. The natural beauty is simply breathtaking. And interacting with Americans is also enjoyable. The brief “small talk” conversations I have with others add positivity to my day, and shows the friendliness of people here.
Angelica Lucero is a senior at New Mexico State studying Elementary Education: My grandma is the owner of Yesterday’s Diner. This summer I came to help and knew I would be training foreigners but what I didn’t know is that I would make lifelong best friends in just two months! There was a lot for them to learn before I returned to school, but each day these girls came in eager and ready to work. They are now able to run the front of the Diner themselves. After exhausting days at work we all ate dinner together every night, went for walks and confided in one another during hard times. I can’t imagine coming to a new country not knowing anyone, learning a new menu, new culture, all while still learning English! When we all went to watch fireworks in Eagle Nest for the Fourth of July I noticed the girls seemed nervous. Of course they hear loud noises like this every day, but not as a celebration. I just remember silently thinking how proud I was of them. They opened my eyes and helped me realize how blessed and truly lucky I am.”
Tatyana Voronko is a student of Chinese philology from Ukraine: “My adaptation to America began with euphoria and excitement—everything seemed like a fairy tale at first. However, life in America is quite different from what’s portrayed in TV shows. The difficulty was in being far from my parents and starting to feel responsibility for my own life. In the beginning, I had a strong desire to return home. But now, everything is going well. My parents—my father is a military officer and my mother is a doctor—are doing incredible work for Ukraine, and I am endlessly grateful to them for the opportunity to come here. The most memorable experience was when we rode in golf carts and took the ski lift up the mountain. Recently, we started interacting with students from China, Colombia, and Moldova. It’s incredibly interesting to learn about other cultures and make friends from around the world.”
Zhanelya Azimkhan is a graduate student from Kazakhstan. “When I set off on my journey, I dreamed of a larger city, but fate put me in the small town of Red River. At first, this seemed like a drawback, but over time, I realized it was great for my personal development. Angie [Lucero] helped us navigate American realities, taught us slang, and shared various customs. We communicated only in English, which greatly expanded my vocabulary and language skills. Adapting to new foods was also challenging. I was used to soups and salads, whereas spicy food with chili is popular here. Initially, I didn’t like it, but over time, I grew fond of chili and want to bring recipes to Kazakhstan. I overcame my fear of water and had a great time rafting. Spotting a bear’s den in the mountains was another highlight. I am amazed by how many animals roam freely in Red River, especially the deer that approach people and eat from their hands. It was also incredible to see the world’s smallest bird—the hummingbird. I thought living with students from different countries would be challenging due to different mentalities and traditions, but it turned out to be very enjoyable. We share experiences and learn a lot about other countries. It truly broadens one’s world view. What once seemed like fantasy is now part of my everyday life.”
But this isn’t our entire team. Later, two guys from Turkey joined us. They quickly blended into the team, and it felt like we had known each other for a long time.
Jan Huseyin Karabag is a medical engineering student: “When I was preparing to move to the United States, I was overwhelmed with anxious thoughts. All my acquaintances in Turkey warned me that adaptation would be tough and interacting with Americans would be difficult and risky. I was intimidated by unfamiliar people, a foreign culture, and the uncertainty that awaited me. But everything changed as soon as I set foot on American soil. My first impression was overwhelming: everyone around me was friendly, and this was not limited to Americans. People here are always apologizing and thanking—that was a true cultural shock for me. Such politeness is not common in Turkey, so it initially surprised me.
Everyone around was so welcoming that I quickly felt at home. Life turned out to be simple and pleasant, and I didn’t feel any nostalgia for Turkey. The only thing I really missed was Turkish coffee and the sea.
For us, coffee is not just a drink; it’s a whole culture. My foreign friends quickly grew fond of Turkish coffee, but unfortunately, our supply ran out. The only difficulty was the climate. It was much colder in Red River than in my hometown. During the first nights, I was freezing, but as soon as I mentioned it to my employer, she immediately gave me a heater. This was another confirmation that I am accepted here, and it was incredibly reassuring. Initially, food was also challenging. I even lost a few kilograms. In Turkey, we are used to having bread almost at every meal, but it’s not as popular here. However, over time, I got used to the new food and now feel great. My life in America is truly eventful. Especially memorable was our trip to Santa Fe. We visited a church, saw many new places, ate delicious food, and even explored a canyon. It was unforgettable. We spent a lot of time together, laughing and talking. I have grown to genuinely love my new friends; being with them feels very comfortable. Now, thinking about returning home fills me with sadness, as leaving this city and these people who have become like family to me will be hard. America has changed me, and I will never forget this experience.”
Arda Hakhtan Bahar is a pilot student: “Adapting to life in the US wasn’t too difficult for me, thanks to my family’s support. Many of my relatives have settled here for a long time, and they prepared me in advance for the changes I would face. I received numerous tips about local specifics, which helped reduce the stress of moving. However, despite all the preparation, some difficulties remained. The biggest challenge for me is food. I really miss Turkish delicacies—the aroma of spices filling the kitchen and the homemade dishes I’m used to. I also miss Turkey as a whole—my loved ones who stayed there, my old friends with whom I spent a lot of time. The climate here also poses some challenges. I’m used to warm and even hot weather typical of my hometown. Here, everything is quite different: cold, rainy days have been a real test for me. I miss sunny days and the warmth I’m accustomed to feeling on my skin. My work is challenging, but I enjoy it. Moreover, my time outside work also brings much joy. My colleagues have become not only work partners but also friends. We often spend time together exploring the area and engaging in various activities. We’ve tried many new activities for me: rafting, which was a real test and an exhilarating experience, riding the lift to explore mountains and landscapes from above, and even enjoying horseback rides. Each day brings new impressions and adventures, helping to alleviate homesickness and distract me from nostalgia. Every new activity, new place, and new acquaintance makes life more interesting and helps me better integrate into this new environment.”
Yes, we are all different, from various corners of the world, with different characters, lifestyles, and worldviews. But now we are all here, and we have managed to become a small, close-knit family.
