Draw My Life - Coming To America

I was born in Russia in 1989. It was the only world I knew. When I turned 6 my parents told me the next day we would be moving to America and leaving Russia behind forever. I've resisted going into detail about this story because it's so personal to me, but I finally decided to share it so you all can get to know where I come from and what shaped me. What better way to do that with a draw my life/animation video? The journey wasn't easy. Along with navigating the complicated process of immigrating to the United States, I didn't speak a word of English, had to go to a new school, and assimilate to an entirely new culture, all while both of my parents worked nights and weekends to keep food on the table and create a better life for me and my sister. It was hard but I'm grateful they took the leap, as everything I have now is possible thanks to them.

Animation by Hootan Poorzaki

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-Doctor Mike Varshavski

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* Select photos/videos provided by Getty Images *

** The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional **

[antoniaPrince]

Everytime i hear Mike mention his dad doing med school twice, i get inspired to keep going.

[joshuamartin]

I can only feel the horror you father must have felt when he has to go to medical school for the second time and on a different language, yet his done just that to support his family, what an absolute legend.

[tango]

Kudos to Rita and Rosa and the fact you still remember their names.

[theparkourlady]

Wow. Kudos to your dad. He did med school twice, could only afford budget stuff for you guys, could barely afford electronics and yet you managed to come out a successful, educated young man with a refreshing, contemporary view on life stuff. He must have felt like he was failing u so often, must have been so tired of struggling, must have wanted to quit so often. But he pushed thru it all and raised a great kid that's helping the world. That's inspiring.

[khalilahd.]

I haven’t seen a draw my life video in awhile and this is the BEST way to bring it back. It’s so cool to see one of my favorite YouTubers origin story. Love you Dr. Mike 😊

[joymirriam]

Let's just take a moment to appreciate the editor of Mike's videos. People barely notice this but apart from Dr. Mike's sense of humor and educative information the edits play a huge role in making the video what it is.

Edit: as well as Sam and Dan goddammit 😂❤

[shubhanginisarathy]

If there's anyone's life i wanna know about, it's Dr Mike's. You have seriously inspired me so much!!

[mariepierre]

I’m a teacher for newcomer kids. Your story really resonates with me! I find people choosing to leave their country are so courageous! Love to hear your story!

[ChristionGirl]

Haven't seen a "Draw My Life" in quite a while, I do hope you will do another one about you getting older, your medical journey, and just everything that led up to now! 😊

[chuckyjamesamartin]

It's insane how flawless your English is when you couldn't speak it at all when you were 6. It's better than mine. I honestly didn't know you were Russian until I saw your name was Mikhail on your shirt.

[karinrankin]

So many follow up questions!
- Do your family call you Misha?
- Do you still have family/friends in Russia? If so, how are they doing with what's happening? We've lost contact with a few friends in Moscow, but others have gotten VPNs and can talk again.
- Was it weird switching from Grandfather Frost (I don't love transliteration and I don't have a Cyrillic keyboard) to Santa Claus, or from New Years to Christmas? Or is your family Jewish, and got to stick with Hanukkah? Weird, but I really am curious
- What were some culture shocks for you or your folks? A few friends talk about the cereal isle being overwhelming
- Have you ever been back to Russia? Was it uncomfortable, or did you feel like you could find your way? We lived in Moscow for a few years about a decade ago, and I'd like to go back someday...it just makes me nervous with how much language I've forgotten and how quickly the city changes.

[RealityRecapGurl]

I had never heard another "coming to America" story so similar to mine and I came from another continent. Not understanding the concept of moving, same age, same issues not understanding the language, ESL, crying because it was all so new and scary, payless etc. I appreciate you sharing your story!

[bria]

As a person who grew up on welfare as a kid, seeing kid Mike get excited about things that I got excited about as a kid (was made fun of for at school) really does my little kid self some justice. Payless was dope, dollar tree was necessary, sales are mandatory and just doing your best to have a better future was always the goal. I think people see those who are on welfare as almost weak without realizing that, to the kid with welfare, that is a stepping stone for going places you didn't know you could dream of ❤️ thanks for sharing Mike ❤️

[stormninjabros]

Wow, immigrating to a different country is really hard, especially when you have to live dollar-to-dollar. Props to your parents for working so hard for you and your sister!

[truedistortion]

I'm not a child of recent immigrants, but it really warms my heart to hear stories like this. The fact that your parents gave you and your sister the only bedroom in the apartment is so sweet. Thanks for sharing, Dr. Mike. Much appreciated. ❤

[judith]

Ha. I knew it. Russian doesn't have to sound aggressive. The Doc is perfectly able to speak it so it sounds friendly and nice.

[zahraalhussein]

If Med school wasn't already hard enough, Dr Mike's dad going twice is absolutely insane! Props to him! I'm also so glad that you decided to follow the footsteps of your Dad Dr.Mike, or else we wouldn't have had the amazing doctor we have now!

[babs]

My family immigrated to the states from Russia when I was 8. The culture shock bits are so relatable. Hearing Doctor Mike speak in Russian is so wild! Also…when you realize that in Russian, Doctor Mike and Bear have kind of the same name 😄

[JadenNeko]

The way he speaks Russian is so cute, he sounded like my old manger who was a tip top boss. I do hope he's well, thinking about it. Wishing you the best Dr. Mike, love that you manage to stay so positive and show that everything is possible.

[David-ydhg]

Moved to the US with my mom at 12 years old, I wanna work as a police officer because It’s my dream job and I know 3 languages(English, Russian, Romanian)and this gives me a lot of bonuses.God bless America🇺🇸