Congratulations, Vova

This week was not all bad. On Friday I got to go to Vova's graduation from USC with a Computer Science and Electrical Engineering degree. I took the morning off work, got ready listening to Pomp & Circumstance on repeat, got frustrated by LA traffic, ran to the Archimedes Plaza (from a parking spot 2 miles away), and teared up as the announcer mispronounced his name. He is now off to Northern California starting a job at Box. It's bittersweet, really.

Vova_&_Olga,_1_Sep_1997 

Look at us. I think that's me starting 1st grade and Vova starting 4th? Where did he get that swanky 3-piece suit from? I don't remember it. I do remember my jacket. I remember being so excited for school that I could not sleep. I remember my mom working on probably finishing my jacket on the very loud sewing machine the night before 1 September, 1997.

Vova is doing the half-smile. I've got the smug-ass look on my face. I had that same expression in the class photo, which nicely framed in my 1st grade classroom. I remember coming up and looking at it then, regretting making that overly confident face. One of my classmates said what translated to "You look like a goddess of school". Not very attractive, as far as goddesses go.

5822341067_17763f7e93_o 

This was taken at my graduation from UCLA. Hey! Fourteen years later we learned how to smile! Vova got rid of the smile/smirk he was sporting in 1997, I got some straight front teeth  (thanks to Barry and Sue). And the bangs! I left in bangs in the 90s. I wish I could say the same for Vova.

Vova and I (Cropped)

And this is Vova's graduation. It was a gorgeous sunny day in May. I could not be more proud of him. He is so hardworking, and so smart. He has been such a great example of determination. Although it's a little discouraging that he succeeds at everything. Maybe I'll be a good example of how to fail and "never breathe a word about your loss". (Not likely. I love to whine.)

My brother is a constant inspiration for me. And for that, I am thankful. 

Comments

  1. Vasili & Tatiana GalchenkoMay 12, 2012 at 9:27 PM

    We are in tears.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tatiana and Vasili GalchenkoMay 13, 2012 at 2:52 AM

    "Where did he get that swanky 3-piece suit from?"
    Бабушка привезла из Москвы, а мама подогнала по фигуре.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Tatiana GalchenkoMay 13, 2012 at 3:06 AM

    Оля, спасибо тебе за блог. Мы все были рады вспомнить, как это было! Молодец! Любим, целуем!
    Удали предыдущий блог от греха подальше.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment