Sarasota Student: First-generation immigrant embraces new culture and opportunities

Being described as a “business sausage” might not sound like much of a compliment, but upcoming Pine View graduate Diana Stepanova unabashedly acknowledges the expression fits her perfectly.

“’Delovaya kolbasa’ is a Russian expression that describes a busy, high-spirited person who always has a lot of different things going on and important things they need to do,” Diana explains.

“It makes perfect sense in Russia whereas in America the literal translation as ‘business sausage’ is hilarious. But my friends say it describes me, and I have to agree.”

In any language, Diana would be called busy with a lively mix of cultural, academic, community, and family engagement activities filling her life.

Curious and passionate about people and issues, the industrious young woman always seems to be dashing off in various directions and juggling an expanding list of responsibilities in pursuit of a dizzying array of interests, including classes, world cultures, acting, music, languages, a part-time leadership position in her parents’ business, school clubs, socializing, family life, and college preparation.

The first-generation Russian immigrant has attended 10 schools in 12 years, and Pine View is her fourth American school since she and her parents immigrated three years ago.

Diana loved St. Petersburg, where she grew up and flourished in Russia’s arts and cultural capital, but she is grateful that her parents decided to make their way to America.

“My parents were looking for better opportunities for our family and especially for me because American education is the best in the world. We chose Florida because the weather is good, and Sarasota is known for arts and culture,” Diana says.

While she’s still getting used to a winter without snow, Diana has good-naturedly adapted to and happily embraced aspects of her new home.

“American high schools look exactly like in the movies. They are great! The locker room is amazing, even though I’m still trying to learn how to open the locker,” she says.

Diana took English grammar in Russia starting in the seventh grade, but she didn’t start speaking English until her family moved to America. She took online courses to become familiar with American English before starting school.

Lynn Halcomb, Pine View counselor, says Diana has a passion for language and culture.

“Diana speaks Russian, English, German, and Spanish, along with a spattering of Serbian and other languages. She has been able to adjust to a new culture, a new language, and a new school, while being mindful of supporting others who come behind her.”

Language and culture are inextricably linked for Diana.

“It’s more than just communication. The history and culture of a country are in the language,” she says.

Her belief in multi-cultural understanding led Diana to found Pine View’s Russian Cultural Heritage Club last year. Recently, she spearheaded a symposium on historical conflicts between Russia and Ukraine.

“It didn’t seem right to sit and do nothing while people were suffering, and we shared news about how people could donate to Ukraine,” Diana says.

Diana believes that she quickly became fluent in English as a result of ongoing banter with a close-knit group of friends and her classmates’ support and shared motivation to excel.

“Coming to Pine View is one of the best things to happen to me in my life. The counselors and teachers are open and receptive and caring,” Diana says.

“And the kids! They are something else. I’ve never before seen so many students concentrated on succeeding. My peers have goals and work hard for their dreams.”

Diana has a 3.97 GPA and is going to the University of Central Florida.

“Logic and art debated but I decided to major in finance because I love statistics and want a stable position when I graduate. But I’ll double major or minor in performing arts because my heart is devoted to theatre,” Diana says.

School counselor Halcomb is confident in Diana’s success.

“Diana came to Pine View with limited English proficiency and uncertain about how to move and work in her new environment.

“She faced this cultural challenge with determination and mindfulness. Diana not only found her niche at Pine View, but she became a leader and an advocate for new students coming to our school.”

Diana credits her parents’ and the Pine View community’s influences in shaping her.

“In Russia, we have a saying: ‘Tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are.’

“Looking at my friends here, I am thankful to have such amazing people in my life. They have motivated me to achieve more, pushed me to my limit academically, and helped me develop skills that will help me in adulthood.”

STRIVE

This series showcases Sarasota County public high school seniors selected as STRIVE award honorees for demonstrating grit and resilience to overcome obstacles and substantially improve their lives. The STRIVE Awards recognition is presented by the Education Foundation of Sarasota County and made possible by the H. Jack Hunkele Charitable Foundation and other generous donors. More information is available at EdFoundationSRQ.org/STRIVE2022.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: First-generation immigrant embraces new culture and opportunities