# @usc_upstate on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DJnBcU3MMik
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/37991765-usc-upstate-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/3fa859540e.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-05-13T22:00:16.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** USC Upstate (@usc_upstate) — https://gondola.cc/usc_upstate

## Caption

✨ Upstate Magazine Highlight: Maria Kirienko, a determined marketing and International graphic design major making a fresh start in the U.S.!

📚 Kirienko who is originally from Siberia holds a bachelor’s in economics and a master’s in finance from St. Petersburg University in Russia. With nearly a decade of experience as areal estate appraiser in St. Petersburg, she was well-established in her career. But when Russia invaded Ukraine, Kirienko, who is half Ukrainian, knew it was time for a change. ✨

✈️ Kirienko had been considering a move to the U.S. Feeling limited in her career growth and decided to take a leap of faith. Going back to school wasn’t part of her original plan,but she quickly realized it was the best way to start fresh and build a career in a newcountry. Since starting at Upstate, she’s also discovered a passion for graphic design and now serves as the social media coordinator for the Johnson College of Business.

💪 The war in Ukraine deeply impacted her life, especially in its first year. But she soon realized that in order to move forward, she had to shift her focus. “Your life is going on. You need to build your life. Especially in a new country, you have to work extra hard. You have to go the extra mile all the time until you settle here, and it’s a long journey.”

🔗 Learn more about her journey in the Fall 2024 issue of Upstate Magazine - follow the link in our bio!

#USCUpstate #StudyAbroad #Community #Education #ReachGreaterHeights #GradSchool #Communications #GlobalStudies #Community #GraphicDesign

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## Tags

reachgreaterheights, globalstudies, gradschool, education, uscupstate, studyabroad, communications, graphicdesign, community

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