Meet Sofia, Cristina, & Anastasiya from the Soviet Union.

Meet Sofia & Cristina, a Polish mother and daughter duo from the Soviet Union, and Anastasiya (Sofia’s friend) also from the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union (now known as Russia ) was once the world’s largest country and spanned most of Eurasia from 1922 until its dissolution in 1991. Sofia & Anastasiya did not know each other prior to immigrating to the U.S. Both girls immigrated to and met in Manhattan in 2008. While sharing stories and memories of their childhood in the Soviet Union, they bonded, and became best friends. Anastasyia said that Sofia has turned out to be her biggest cheerleader. Sofia works as an immigration paralegal for lawyers all over New York State. She speaks Polish, English, and a little bit of Spanish. Sofia said that immigrants, in general, often underestimate their abilities when living in other countries. She said that although you may not understand everything right away, it’s important to know that you are capable of achieving success in whatever you apply yourself. Believe that you can and you will. She said that she learned that upon immigrating to the United States. The only limits that you have are the ones that you place on yourself. It is her life mission to bring opportunity to other immigrants. Sofia also loves to ride horses. The horse that she currently rides is the granddaughter of Secretariat! Cristina, Sofia’s mom, is the matriarch of the trio! She not been to the United States in over 38 years! On this visit, she had the pleasure of watching Sofia ride in a competition and take first place! Sofia says, “If you are willing to work hard, anything is possible. Don’t build a glass ceiling for yourself. Breakthrough the glass ceiling that was built before you.” HOWE AWESOME! Get it, girl!

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