Secrets we keep, p.3
Secrets We Keep, page 3
The next program was equally interesting—“Green Energy in Africa.” Thanks to her constant encouragement, her parents recently installed solar panels on the rooftop of their country house. Recycling was also a must in their household. The next item on the family’s agenda was reducing plastic consumption to zero as soon as possible, if she had any say in it.
“Wow! This is exactly the type of project I’d love to do,” Anna whispered in awe as the program started showing the new Mekdela Solar Park in Ethiopia—ten thousand acres of land with rows upon rows of solar panels. The TV commentator took the viewers on a brief tour of the solar park, currently one of the largest in Africa, and announced that it was financed by a top development agency—Polaris International Corporation. It cost four billion dollars, according to the Vice President, Eduardo Martinez, who gave a brief statement during the program about Polaris and their portfolio of investments.
“Is the continent of Africa a priority for Polaris, Mr. Martinez?” asked the commentator.
“Absolutely. We have recently doubled our investment in Africa and are planning to continue increasing our presence on the continent and financing more and more projects.” Eduardo Martinez nodded proudly. “Polaris currently has offices in twenty-eight African countries, and we are preparing to open several new offices in the next six months.”
“What are some of the key areas of focus for your company?”
“We work in many different areas—developing the technology and tourism sector, deepening financial inclusion, supporting small business, improving healthcare and education… A large share of our portfolio is in clean energy investments, similar to the park we financed in Ethiopia. At Polaris, we take climate change very seriously. We have supported many governments in meeting their green energy targets.”
Anna’s head started spinning with excitement. What a wonderful company Polaris was! Of course, this was not the first time she’d heard about them. Their fame preceded them. Polaris was the crème de la crème in international development, a highly selective organization headquartered in Washington. It was consistently ranked as the top company to work at for people under thirty. All the graduates from top schools all around the world applied there, hoping to get a coveted position. But Polaris’s doors were closed for most mortals—only the best and the brightest got an opportunity to work there. No exceptions. It didn’t make sense to even fantasize about getting a job there.
Olena slowly strolled into the kitchen and sat down right next to Anna, distracting her from the program.
“Please make sure you put more meat in the borscht. Last time Dad was complaining it came out a little bit too light. He was still hungry,” Olena commented, closely watching Anna’s manipulations. “Do you want me to help you?”
“Mom, believe it or not, I’m perfectly capable.” Anna dropped the first batch of cut vegetables in the boiling water. Her family was very picky when it came to borscht. It needed to be absolutely perfect, or somebody complained.
But somehow Anna had a feeling that her mom did not come here to talk about borscht. Usually, she did not venture into the kitchen when some boring—from her point of view—TV program was on. Olena normally watched sports competitions, game shows, occasional adventure movies, and daily news. Obviously, none of those programs were on at the moment.
Anna didn’t have to wait long for Olena to cut to the chase.
“I assume Dad told you that Uncle Stepan agreed to hire you as his sales associate?” Olena grabbed a green apple from the counter and bit through its crispy flesh with a loud cracking sound, juice drops spilling in different directions. “Finally, you will be getting a paid job. And working for your own super successful uncle. You’ll be making good money. I think it’s fantastic.”
Anna continued chopping her vegetables, not lifting her eyes. Her knife was glittering bright and pounding the wooden board.
She had been trying to avoid this conversation. And now she had no place to hide. Her mom had her cornered.
“Of course Dad told me. But I don’t see anything fantastic in this. I want to keep working as the research assistant at the Energy Institute, that’s what I told Dad.”
Olena crossed her arms. “Anna, we talked about it twenty times before. I know how much you enjoy working at the institute, and it has been a great experience for you, but this is an unpaid job. When you just started there, I thought it was okay to do it ‘pro bono’—let them see how brilliant and hard-working you are, so they can decide if they want to keep you or not. But it’s been a while, and nothing has changed! You don’t have the luxury of working for free anymore! Neither your dad nor I are earning enough money now to keep us going.” Olena pointed at the old cookware and ancient refrigerator in the kitchen.
Anna swallowed. They were in a desperate need of some new pots and pans, that’s for sure. The refrigerator was also falling apart. Its door wouldn’t even close properly; one needed to hit it really hard. And don’t forget the stove—among the four burners, only two smaller ones were working. The whole sight of the Levenko kitchen was rather depressing.
But in the large scheme of things, did any of that matter when her dreams and life goals were on the line? And even more so, when the whole world was in tremendous jeopardy because of climate change? Heck no!
“Yes, Mom, I realize all of that,” Anna said calmly. “But why do I need to work for Uncle Stepan? He just owns several shops, that’s all. What kind of career can I build there? It’s a good position for a high school graduate, but I went to a prestigious business school in the US. I’d like to get a job that has an impact. I want to help improve the lives of people and save the planet—like I’m doing at the Energy Institute. We’re working on projects to scale up the use of renewable energy in Ukraine. Do you know how important this agenda is for combatting climate change? Our whole world is in danger! People are suffering from terrible disasters—extreme weather, the fires, the floods—I want to do my part, or I’ll never forgive myself!”
Olena took a deep sigh. “I know all that, sweetie. And with all of my heart, do I wish that things were different. But you sent out your resume to many companies, both local and international, and there was no result. Not even a single interview! It has nothing to do with your intelligence, there are just too many business graduates and not enough jobs. Uncle Stepan seems to be the only one who actually wants to hire you. He is a respectable businessman. The Ukrainian Business magazine even published an article about him a few months ago.”
“Yes, I read the article… I read all the business magazines from cover to cover, you know. Well, let me tell you, I am this close to getting a full-time job at the Energy Institute. They said a couple more months, and they would have an opening for me. My name is already on several important research papers. All the management knows me. It’s just a matter of time—”
Olena dismissively waved her hand. “Anna, you are naïve like a baby. Don’t believe in these fairy-tales. They said that many times before, but we know very well that their budget had been cut. How could they finance a new position? I’m positive they’d never pay you for your work, no matter how many late nights you spend there. Just go to Uncle Stepan tomorrow. Please? Have a look. See what he is offering.”
“Fine,” Anna said, gritting her teeth. She didn’t see the point in arguing with her mom any longer. She’d go to Uncle Stepan’s shop and just tell him directly—sorry, this job is not for me. Period. Problem solved.
Olena picked up a newspaper from the table and glanced through it. The cultural section held a myriad of photos catching her eye.
The Bright Colors of Ruslan Petrenko
By Hanna Moroz
Last night, Ukraine’s biggest stars gathered for the opening of Ruslan Petrenko’s latest art exhibition at the Ukraine House, and this was no surprise. The young “Ukrainian Picasso” has already conquered the hearts of many with his brilliant portrayal of Ukrainian landscapes and animals (both real and fantastic) using his unique colorful and expressive style. Ruslan Petrenko was raised by his grandparents in a small village, and his meteoric ascent to the top of the Ukrainian contemporary art scene has been so much talked about in the recent days.
The attendance at the event didn’t disappoint. Marina Zaiko, a famous singer and a music award winner, looked incredibly fit after spending just three months on the ketogenic diet, the latest diet craze. Be sure to try it for yourself! Several powerful politicians were also in attendance, including Artem Slusar, Pavlo Trudnev and, most importantly Igor Banduchenko, People’s Deputy of Ukraine representing the Svyatoshyn district. His girlfriend, Sveta Levenko, drew gasps of delight after appearing in a cobalt-blue mini-dress and ultra-high gold stiletto boots, her ears adorned with the show-stopping ruby earrings. It’s common knowledge that Mr. Banduchenko has left a long trail of broken hearts in Ukraine and beyond, but this immaculately chic young lady has nothing to worry about, with her confidence and incredible charm.
“Just look at this!” Olena pointed at Sveta’s picture and shook her head subtly as she glanced at Anna’s casual T-shirt and shorts. “Your cousin is not even half as pretty as you, but she plays her cards right. Aunt Motria has been telling me that Sveta is getting closer and closer to the engagement with Mr. Banduchenko. And you don’t even have a boyfriend. What a mistake it was to let David Thompson go, I can’t tell you…”
Anna sat down next to her mother. The cooking was all done. The kitchen gradually filled up with the delicious smell, making Anna’s stomach rumble.
“Mom, you know that ship sailed—we separated such a long time ago. He moved to the NYC for work; I kept studying in Washington. A long-distance relationship was not for me. David was a nice guy, but I didn’t think he was the one.”
“I still wish you gave him a chance.” Olena sighed. “Sometimes, you can grow into loving a person. Love doesn’t always strike like a thunderbolt. That was my perfect son-in-law… I don’t know what you are looking for in a man!”
****
Anna was supposed to meet Uncle Stepan at ten am. She was walking through the Svyatoshyn market in search of Uncle Stepan’s store. Along the way, she’d prepared a few opening sentences to jump-start the conversation. Like that she greatly valued his support, but working at a small store was really not something she wanted to do at this time. Maybe later. If the Energy Institute job didn’t work out, she’d call him.
The market was located right next to the railway station and a lot of passengers had just gotten off the latest train. Many of them were babusias (old ladies) who wore colorful headscarves. These women lived in the neighboring villages and commuted to Kyiv to sell different goods. They all had a sturdy build, strong legs, and carried humongous baskets of fresh milk, meat, fruit, and vegetables which they were planning to sell in the market.
It’s supposed to be right… here. But wait. Is this really his store?
Uncle’s Stepan new shop looked surprisingly bright. And modern. It stood out among all the other stores in the market. A large sign “Chervona Ruta” with a gorgeous bright red flower ornamented the structure. Anna instinctively looked up and shrieked in excitement—the roof was covered with a row of silver solar panels! How delightful. The last thing she expected to see. Uncle Stepan clearly passed the litmus test with flying colors.
The door of the store was open. She carefully glanced inside. The space appeared warm and hospitable. It was designed in the unique Ukrainian style and reminded her of an authentic Ukrainian hata. Walls were decorated with pictures of charming ladies wearing traditional Ukrainian vyshyvankas and bright poppy wreaths, young men moving to an electrifying hopak dance, and children playing in the golden fields of sunflowers. In addition, lovely indoor plants adorned various parts of the store, making it look thriving.
“Anechka, welcome!” Uncle Stepan came running to the door. Anna flushed with happiness at the familiar nickname. He immediately opened his arms wide and tightly embraced his niece. “So, what do you think?”
“Looks really nice!” Anna confessed as she could not hide her surprise. “I was expecting something a bit more like… the other stores I’ve seen in markets. More old-fashioned, if you will. This one looks like a museum of Ukrainian culture, not a store.”
“Well, glad you like it. I have put my heart and soul into this store. I want it to be my flagship. Not only is it carbon neutral, but five-percent of all our proceeds will be going to charity—a small orphanage in the suburbs of Kyiv. Come, look at everything, walk around. From tomorrow on, you will be in charge. I know that this might not be the job of your dreams and you will be looking for another one. It’s fine with me. In the meantime, I’d be delighted to have you working here.”
Uncle Stepan was saying all the right things. Hitting all the right buttons. Anna took a quick look at the neatly packed shelves. The store held a lot of stuff—food, electric appliances, toys, diapers, stationery… Everything a family would need. The merchandise in colorful packaging seemed of high quality. The selection pleasantly surprised her. Even from the first glance, Anna was able to discern a lot of healthy low-calorie snacks and items made from recycled materials. Most of it looked made in Ukraine, supporting the local producers. Somehow she and Uncle Stepan turned out to be on the same wave length.
Of course, this was still not the type of job Anna would want to have in the long run. There was no question about it. But for today, it was not the worst option… And most importantly, her family would be happy.
“Have you ever worked at a store?” Uncle Stepan asked.
“As a matter of fact, I did. During my freshman year I worked at a book store at the business school.”
“Excellent. Then it won’t be too hard for you to master this craft.” Uncle Stepan smiled. “A few important things, which probably did not come up in business school. First, watch out for any counterfeit money. A few times we had a problem at my other stores. Second, keep an eye on any rats or rodents. There is a chance they will run in from the market. Third, no animals. Dogs, cats, you know. One time my sales associate in the clothing store in Petrivka market brought her dog to the store for only thirty minutes. She needed to take her to the vet later. Well, the dog managed to chew on the most expensive sheep coat and designer leather boots we had in the store! We posted a big loss that month.”
“Oh, don’t worry, Uncle Stepan. I don’t have any pets right now. So your merchandise is totally safe!”
“Fourth, don’t pay any attention to people working at other stores around here—they are nosy and will try to sabotage our success. I think one of these individuals is coming through the door right now.”
“E-e-excuse me?” an old lady walked into the store and stopped near the door, carefully examining everything. She was probably in her mid-sixties, strong and stocky. “So the shop is finally ready to open? And let me guess—you are probably plotting how to steal all the customers away from me?”
Uncle Stepan sighed. “This is Baba Kateryna from the Chudo general merchandise store next door. A competitor,” he explained to Anna in a lowered voice.
“No, Baba Kateryna, we’re not plotting anything,” he said. “It is fair competition, you know. Let the best one win.”
“Right… And how am I expected to compete with you? Your store is double the size and looks so trendy, while mine is falling apart. I also hear that you will be selling merchandise online, is that true?”
Stepan shrugged. “Obviously, we have an online store as well. Customers can shop online and have items delivered to their home or pick up here at the store. It’s the twenty-first century, you know. We are trying to deliver the best experience for our customers. Ukraine will be part of the European Union one day, and Ukrainians demand quality.”
Baba Kateryna shook her head. “Value for customers? Who cares about them. All we need is to make a living. Life was so much better during the Soviet Union times. I could buy a whole bun for three kopijkas. You’re just creating more work for all of us, that’s all…” she mumbled as she left the store.
Uncle Stepan just rolled his eyes.
“Anna, make sure to watch out for Baba Kateryna and her like. These are ‘old school’ people who are trying to take us back. Instead, we are trying to build a new Ukraine,” he noted. “You know, I’m so glad to have you working here. I think we’ll make a good team.”
“You can definitely count on me, Uncle Stepan,” Anna said cheerfully. “I’m ready to start tomorrow.”
“Excellent.” Uncle Stepan gave her a hug. “Are you going home now? If you’d like, I can give you a lift. I had promised to pick up Aunt Motria from the beauty salon, and I still have some time to kill before her appointment is over.”
“Sure, if it’s not a big imposition.” Anna nodded. Normally, she’d take a yellow minibus to go back home from the Svyatoshyn market, but naturally, riding in the car with Uncle Stepan would be much fancier. At least she’d be getting some perks from this job.
Anna installed herself comfortably in Uncle Stepan’s brand-new glacier-white SUV and diligently put on her seat belt. What a lovely car it was! She held her breath as it started moving so quietly and smoothly along the road.
Uncle Stepan has sure done well for himself, Anna thought. He was definitely one of those Ukrainians who didn’t give up till they succeeded. Some years ago, he ditched the dreaded factory job, took a risk, and started a small store with his life savings. Bingo! Turned out, commerce was his true calling. Uncle Stepan quickly opened several more retail stores and started building an empire. He proudly called himself a “new” Ukrainian—somebody who reinvented himself and achieved great success.
“How’s my cousin Sveta doing these days?” Anna asked for the sake of politeness.
Stepan could not respond right away—all of a sudden, a gold colored convertible cut in front of him rather impudently. With the burgeoning Ukrainian economy, there were so many new expensive cars on the roads of Kyiv these days. Many of them did not observe the rules and only knew one thing: “I’ve bought a luxury car, I need to go over there, so it’s permitted.”
