I was born in Russia.
A week or two after my birth I was placed in an orphanage.
I don’t remember much of my time at the orphanage, but I know that if I hadn’t been adopted, I would have been there all my life.
In 1999, an Irish couple adopted me.
I’ve had many challenges that I had to overcome since being adopted. I had a difficult time blending in and realizing that I was different.
Being adopted made me respect all adoptees and birth parents. Adoptees and birth parents go through a lot, but still, manage to live their lives.
To date, I have successfully found my birth family and am waiting to reconnect with them.
I am proud that I was able to find my mom and big sister. It made me realize how much I miss them and how proud I am to be adopted.
In September, I will be starting college in Limerick. Hopefully, in the future, I can work as a counselor and speak with my birth family on a regular basis.
I am sharing my story because I want other adoptees to be proud of who they have become.
I want them to not feel sad or hold grudges against their parents for giving them up.
They did what was best for you and that’s all that matters.
They love you so much.
We are a voiceless minority, but our voices do matter. We must speak up for those who are not able to.
