Russia, Columbus, Paint Valley, local senior finds new life in small district

CHILLICOTHE — Throughout their academic career many students will change school districts due to their families moving. Paint Valley senior Dasha Streltsova knows firsthand how this move can impact an individual as she spent her beginning years of life in Russia but now lives in Ross County.

Streltsova spent the first three years of her life in Moscow, Russia with her family. However, due to the several health issues she had, including heart problems and being prone to seizures, she was at high risk of dying since surgeons in Russia would not work on her till she was five. To save her child Streltsova's mother moved to Columbus to get her the care she needed.

"If my grandma wouldn't have brought me here to the United States I wouldn't be here right now," said Streltsova of her health issues.

After getting the help she needed Streltsova, her mother and her grandmother stayed in Columbus eventually opening up Cafe Elena, a cafe that serves a variety of Californian Cuisine for breakfast and brunch, in 2020. While in Columbus Streltsova went to school and worked to help her family with the business.

During her junior year of high school, Streltsova once again had to prepare for a big move, however, this one was much scarier for her as she does not remember much about moving to America. Her family was moving to Chillicothe as her stepdad had a house here for them to live in.

As she started her junior year at Paint Valley Streltsova was "emotional" and "afraid" because she feared she wouldn't fit in in her new environment. Luckily, she had the support of her family and teachers at the school, including Amy Hawkins, who Streltsova said has supported her a lot and been there to help her through life.

With support and encouragement, Streltsova soon went from a shy new kid to a confident student who was making friends and becoming a better version of herself.

"It was a big change from Columbus to Chillicothe but I guess it changed for the better," said Streltsova.

Just as she was adjusting to life in a smaller town Streltsova and her family had to adjust to the loss of her stepdad, who died in March of this year.

"He was a very kind-hearted person," said Streltsova.

This loss was hard on her family but she and her mother have leaned on each other a lot and Streltsova says they are slowly getting through it. Her mother has also been great at supporting Streltsova as she reached for her goals in life.

"She is my number one supporter," said Streltsova of her mother. "She is my rock."

While dealing with the loss of a loved one Streltsova is continuing her schoolwork and working on the weekends at the family business. She says she enjoys staying busy as it keeps her mind occupied.

As Streltsova continues to adjust to the new normal in her life she is also busy making plans for her future. After graduation, she hopes to attend Ohio University in Athens to obtain a business degree that she will use to help her family's business and possibly start her own.

Hawkins said she has seen Streltsova grow and become stronger over her two years at Paint Valley. She said Streltsova is a "hardworking" and "kind" individual who will continue to grow.

"Setbacks aren't going to stop her," said Hawkins of Streltsova.

Paint Valley High School seniors will be graduating on May 19.

Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Local Paint Valley graduate finds herself after transferring to school