Yelena Timena: An Oral History

Yelena Timena -

Yelena Timena is a 54 year old immigrant from Odessa, Ukraine. She immigrated here in 1996 with her husband, son, and mother-in-law. In 1997, she gave birth to her daughter (me) in the United States. She has been working as a Quality Analyst for the last 18 years and is currently working at Mckesson- Relay Health. This year she finally applied for citizenship with her husband, and they became citizens of the United States just last month.

Segments:

1. Diversity- What are the major cultural differences (or barriers) that you have experienced coming to California and how were you able to overcome the culture shock related to them?

2. Education- How important was education to your family? Give a positive and negative experience about your childhood education.

3. Religion- How has your relationship to religion changed since arriving in California? Did you practice religion in Ukraine?

4. Discrimination/Language- What was it like learning to speak English fluently as an adult? How has that impacted your ability to find work? Have you ever faced discrimination?

5. Politics- How have your political views changed since arriving to California? Do you support any political party? If so, why? How has that shaped your relationship with your friends?

   Segment I- What are the major cultural difference (or barriers) that you have experienced coming to California and how were you able to overcome the culture shock related to them?
(insert video)

Segment II- How important was education to your family? Give a positive and negative experience about your childhood education.