Amanat, born in Bishkek in 1994, received his education at the Kyrgyz Economic University and worked in the film industry back home.
“My trip to America was prompted by financial difficulties. I have been here for about two and a half years and work as a truck driver. Honestly, I never thought I would end up in the USA. Driving is very challenging; sometimes I have to spend up to 20 hours behind the wheel,” he shares.
According to Amanat, there are interesting aspects in the USA, among which is the fact that about 30% of people live on government assistance without having jobs.
“People here are very friendly and kind. The weather varies: in some states it snows, while in others it’s hot. The country is developing, and the laws are enforced,” the Kyrgyzstani explains.
Amanat also recalled how at the beginning of his stay in the USA, he would respond to everyone with “Yes.”
“Once, to save money, I decided to use the navigator with the function for finding free roads. It first directed me on asphalt, and then onto a dirt road among cornfields. I asked local farmers how to get to a proper road, and eventually I ended up on asphalt, but it turned out to be a toll road,” he shared.
As Imanaliev noted, most Kyrgyz people in the USA work as truck drivers or in the information technology sector.
“It’s not worth comparing Kyrgyzstan and America. Unlike other countries, in Chicago there are quite a few cafes opened by Kyrgyz people, and in good working conditions, one can earn from $2,000 to $3,000 a week. However, part of that money goes towards rent, insurance, and truck rental,” he added.
In his free time, Amanat keeps in touch with relatives and friends living in Kyrgyzstan.
“In the future, I plan to open my own company and contribute to the development of my country,” Amanat concluded.
