My wife Elena and I were born in the USSR, in Kyrgyzstan. We got married in 1991 in the city of Frunze. We studied at the Polytechnic Institute, and after graduating from the institute, we each worked in our own specialty. Elena as a programmer at the Slavic University, and I as an engineer at the Lenin Plant. As usual, time flies, and our son Dima was born in 1993. In 1994, we went to Israel and learned Hebrew. In 2000, our daughter Maya was born.
In 2015, Elena filled out a form to enter the Green Card lottery, and unexpectedly, we won! We passed the interview and paid all the required fees, and in 2016, we came to the USA. Unfortunately, Dima did not get in with us because of his age, but he applied and paid for his studies at St. Petersburg, and Maya and Dima graduated from Penn State.
Before coming to the USA, I had been studying English for 30 years. When I came to Pittsburgh, I was very upset that I didn't know it better; no one understood me, and I didn't understand anyone either. I learned from friends that you can study English with volunteers. My first class was at Goodwill; the teacher was Jacob, and there were 10 of us in the group. Two years later Jacob left to work in England and I had to look for a teacher again. I found Literacy Pittsburgh and was assigned a personal teacher, Tutor Jerome, and with him, things improved. I had to take the U.S. citizenship exam and became a United States citizen in 2024. With my teacher, I began to speak and listen in English and write using technology.
If you compare my knowledge in group learning to a personal tutor, then there is a big difference. My tutor, Jerome, gave amazing lessons both in material and knowledge; it was very cool. I studied four times a week. I do not think that I had enough money and time to study on a paid program. I am very grateful to my mentors, teachers, and coordinators. Only thanks to them was I able to master English. It really is not easy. I am still learning English. I think by studying twice a week, you can advance and achieve success.
Today, I communicate directly with my clients. I am a handyman and do all types of work around the house, both inside and outside. I repair electrical appliances, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers. I continue to study cooling and heating in the house.
I continue to study English and am very grateful to my sponsors and teachers, Jerome, and other people. Thank you!
Oleg’s tutor Jerry shares: “I asked if he would be interested in installing a new ceiling and trim in my son’s kitchen He offered a fair price and the job was completed in a matter of days. He is a skilled remodeler.” To contact Oleg, call 412-377-9993 or email olegor1105@gmail.com.
Literacy Pittsburgh (formerly Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council) helps create better lives through learning. Recognized as a national leader in adult and family literacy, Literacy Pittsburgh is the largest provider of adult basic education in Allegheny and Beaver Counties. Last year, Literacy Pittsburgh helped more than 4,000 individuals acquire the skills needed to reach their fullest potential in life and participate productively in their communities. Literacy Pittsburgh provides free, personalized instruction in workforce readiness, high school diploma test preparation, digital literacy, English language learning, math, reading, and family literacy through one-to-one and small class instruction. Founded in 1982, it serves local adults through numerous neighborhood locations and its Downtown Pittsburgh Learning Center.
