Kirill with Zoya

In this episode, Kirill Kapunin (American-born citizen) interviews his mom, Zoya Popova, an outstanding and caring Russian immigrant. Together, they explore her stories of the past, hopes of the future, and especially the importance of family and acceptance. Zoya experienced a somewhat grim time after the fall of the USSR, with tension and general unrest surrounding the population. Following her mother’s steps, she found a new life in America – but somewhat struggled with the endless options and various opportunities (or often lack thereof). Eventually she finds stable ground, though there are still several uncertainties in the future to be dealt with. Is America much different from her past homeland? Or will it soon turn out to be the same environment she tried to escape?The conversation explores the complexities of the immigrant experience, reflecting on the bravery, struggles, and triumphs of those who leave home and immigrate to start anew.[This podcast is a project by 12th-grade students in Mr. Smith’s English class at Mission Vista High School in Vista Unified School District.]