This is me, Polina Leibovich. This photo was taken in Kishinev in 1985. This photo was taken in the yard of the pioneer house where I worked as deputy director.
In 1979 I turned 55, and I had my documents processed for a pension, but I continued working at the school. However, I had problems with my blood pressure and it was difficult to work as a teacher. I went to work as a deputy director for extracurricular activities at the district house of pioneers. This was easy work and I used to joke, 'How come I didn't know about this house of pioneers before?' I worked there for eleven years.
When Gorbachev came to power, I had an impression that things would change and life would improve. He changed the world undoubtedly, but I can't say that our lives have improved, probably, it's even vice versa. Intellects have become miserably poor and they are respectable people, for example, doctors and teachers. I know pensioners who can only afford milk. Once I came to the store to buy food for my cat Murka for four Leus. There was one of these rich men standing beside me and he wanted to pay for me, but I felt hurt, 'No, no, I can afford to pay for this. Don't do it.' I wouldn't have accepted his offer even if I didn't have anything to pay with. I like giving, not taking.
