Home: Annapolis, MD. Age: Late 20s. Birthplace: Belarus, Minsk. Organization: Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. Title: New Grad Registered Nurse. Significant other: My partner, Frederik Riefkohl. Languages spoken: English, Russian, Belarusian.
Current project: Starting my career as a new graduate nurse. Latest accomplishment: I officially became a Registered Nurse (RN), marking a significant step forward in my nursing career. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Moving to the United States on my own. Hobbies: Watching arthouse films and exploring antique shops for unique finds. Recent travel or adventure: Culebra, where the beaches had the clearest water, and I explored the breathtaking rainforest in Puerto Rico. Last book read: 11/22/63, by Stephen King. Recent unique acquisition: Rosenthal vase, vintage Celine Classic bag from Phoebe Philo’s era, and two paintings by 1950s Russian artist Alexander Ivano.
What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Happy. Moral compass: I trust my gut. If I’m unsure, I talk things through with my close friends or partner. How do you define a perfect friendship? Trust, support, and being truly happy for each other’s success, without jealousy or competition. What is your greatest joy? Living life fully, traveling, and exploring new places. What is your guilty pleasure? Shopping. What word or phrase do you use far too often? This too shall pass.
What three emojis best describe you? 😎😜😂.
What is at the top of your bucket list? Travel the world, starting with visiting my cousin in Spain, and become a Nurse Practitioner. How do you relieve stress? Listening to music, working out, or enjoying a good glass of red wine. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? A good attitude and traveling with people who share the same vibe and energy.
What was your first paying job? Photographer, where I developed creativity and an eye for detail. What book have you repeatedly read? Animal Farm and 1984, (both) by George Orwell. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My partner, guiding me through my hardest moments and helping me build strength and confidence. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Have courage, and don’t be afraid of failure. What is your favorite app? TikTok (another guilty pleasure). What company or organization do you most admire? Apple. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? The COVID-19 pandemic, which deepened my passion for healthcare and strengthened my commitment to becoming a nurse.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? I’m committed to promoting compassionate, patient-centered care in nursing. What change would you like to see in the world? Embrace the mindset, “seek first to understand, then to be understood.” What message do you want to send out into the world? Failure isn’t the end; it’s a lesson. Every setback is preparing you for success. Keep pushing forward and never give up. What mega-trend most excites you? AI’s potential to revolutionize healthcare, education, and technology. What mega-trend most concerns you? Risks of AI around privacy, mental health, and the loss of human connection.
What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Anya Taylor-Joy. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My godfather, who passed away unexpectedly. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A teacher. I loved the idea of sharing knowledge and helping others learn. If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be? Public speaking to inspire and empower others on a larger scale. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my loved ones, telling them how much I love and sharing one final, beautiful dinner with them in Italy. What advice would you give your younger self? Don’t be so naïve. Trust your instincts and set boundaries. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? 18 – 23. I’d learn to trust myself more and avoid certain mistakes.
Personal mission: To live life to the fullest with kindness, strength, and purpose, always striving to be better and make a positive impact. Personal motto: Be good. Be great. Be strong. Favorite quote: "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle" (Albert Einstein). Desired epitaph: She lived fully and left peacefully.
