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Life and Work with Doryna Ochichenko

Today we’d like to introduce you to Doryna Ochichenko (a.k.a. Dasha Darinina).

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In one day I understand – My Power is inspire and encourage other people, be an Great example, in this way I I growing too.
and text… I do not have a disability, I have a gift! Others may see it as a disability, but I see it as a challenge. This challenge is a gift because I have to become stronger to get around it, and smarter to figure out how to use it. There are a plan and a purpose, a value to every life. Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t. The human spirit is one of ability, perseverance, and courage that no disability can steal away. Some people may see disabilities as a limitation. However, there are others who see disabilities, not as a limitation, but an opportunity. A chance to strive for more and accomplish what many only dreamed of. I was born physically disabled child. I always feel this social pressure, you become an outcast, only because you are disabled. It is very difficult to be disabled in Ukraine. I didn’t like how the non-disabled world automatically responded with pity. But I always believe and I always had Faith. Today, I choose life. Every morning when I wake up, I choose joy, happiness.

If people with disabilities can do it, despite our difficulties, then you should stop complaining about the trivial obstacles you face and start to be happy. All my life, I just try to be like a normal person and explain that life is beautiful. Be grateful for life, for health & enjoy the little things. Master your skills, build a successful life, & inspire. I am a happy person. Everything that I have today, I built step by step. I work hard and believe that everything is possible.

I was a little Ukrainian girl who always believed and dreams big, no matter what. Now, I live in an amazing country with a lot of opportunities and a green light for people like me. I have two master’s degrees. One in Law and the other in Journalism. I have a happy family. I am a mom to a very smart and handsome son. I am a Journalist and a Radio Host. I came to the United States a couple of years ago and I did not speak English. Today, I speak four languages, plus good English!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Hard things are put in our way, not to stop us, but to call out our courage and strength. Life is a journey filled with lessons, hardships, heartaches, joys, celebrations and special moments that will ultimately lead us to our destination, our purpose in life. The road will not always be smooth; in fact, throughout our travels, we will encounter many challenges. Some of these challenges will test our courage, strengths, weaknesses, and faith. Along the way, we may stumble upon obstacles that will come between the paths that we are destined to take. In order to follow the right path, we must overcome these obstacles. Sometimes these obstacles are really blessings in disguise, only we don’t realize that at the time. Everything that happens in our life happens for a reason and sometimes, that means we must face heartaches in order to experience joy. It also means looking deep into your soul and realizing that the person you are today couldn’t exist if it weren’t for the things that have happened in the past or for the people that you have met. My unique challenges have opened up unique opportunities to reach so many in need.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My job is my passion. When something you love becomes work, it fundamentally and unavoidably changes the way in which you interact with it, instead of focusing on doing what you love, so work won’t feel like work and I really enjoy it. I have my own project on the radio “Confessions of Immigrants” where we help and inspire people. This project is about true stories about the life of immigrants in America. About dreams and hope. About successes and failures. About life situations, we face every day. We speak about typical issues faced by immigrants. «Confessions of Immigrants»- Program. Dasha Darinina. Author. I wrote a lot of social articles and cooperate with  different magazine for russian speaking community. where my students publish their articles. I am an educator, I teach adults and children journalism, oratory, the art of television and radio. I teach video editing and work as a creative director for different companies. I sing and this is my big love and another way of inspiration! Today, I know myself for my abilities, not my disability with more and more desires and opportunities.

What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
To take more chances! Take counsel from your courage, not your fear. The best cure is always active, but better is being scrappy—smart, strategic action that provides exponential value. Taking risks, asking questions, taking counsel from your courage, honoring relationships, and seeking input from others, may sound like simple hurdles to overcome. But, without the intention to improve ourselves, progress doesn’t exist.

I spend a good part of my life as an example of how to build a successful life with disability. I read and write about women who have achieved great things and I make it a point to surround myself with women who are well on their way to doing so. Time stops for no one, and if we allow ourselves to focus on the negative, we might miss out on some really amazing things that life has to offer. We can’t go back to the past, we can only take the lessons that we have learned and the experiences that we have gained from it and move on, that in the end help to make us a stronger person. Memories are priceless treasures that we can cherish forever in our hearts. They also enable us to continue on with our journey for whatever life has in store for us. Sometimes, all it takes is one special person to help us look inside ourselves and find a whole different person that we never knew existed. That’s why I revealed to open myself to people! I always inspire and encourage people…

When we lift each other up, incredible things happen and I believe God is doing good works through these little squares. I’m so thankful for each moment and amazing light that life bring.

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
svetlanaskcphotography, Anastasia Gracheva, Annya Spring

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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