The story of Viktoriia Yepifanova: “Being a bus driver offers an opportunity to explore the world”
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"Women are incredibly strong and can achieve anything they desire. Nothing is impossible for us," says Viktoriia Yepifanova. Photo: courtesy of Viktoriia Yepifanova
Viktoriia Yepifanova, 43, from Chernihiv, is dramatically changing her life. She is one of the first participants in the She Drives project to pass the practical exam and receive a category "D" driver's license.
Set a personal challenge for herself
Viktoriia taught foreign literature and English for ten years. She is now working in the family computer repair business.
Viktoriia has been driving for 17 years, and her love for it is only growing.
When she saw the announcement about the She Drives project on Facebook, she initially doubted it would work, but her inner voice encouraged her: "Try it." So, she leaped.
“It was a personal challenge to see if I could do it. Now I know for sure that I can. Barriers exist only in our minds,” shares Viktoriia.
Driving is more than simply acquiring a skill
For Viktoriia, driving is more than just a skill; it represents a mindset.
“I love driving a car. The experience of controlling the vehicle, being responsible for it, and observing how it responds to my movements is truly inspiring,” says Viktoriia. “Driving a bus represents a new level of opportunity and skill, and it’s an important step toward my big goal: obtaining a truck driving license and embarking on international trips.”
Learning for enjoyment
Viktoriia recalls her studies with enthusiasm. The theory was not new; she had already taken the exam for category “B” in 2007. However, this time the process felt completely different.
"Back then, I was simply memorizing the rules, but now I understand them logically, like an experienced driver. It was both interesting and even fun," admits Viktoriia. She adds, "I want to express my special gratitude to my theory teacher, Mykola Mykolaiovych, and my driving instructor, Serhii Mykhailovych. I was worried that I might end up with a difficult instructor, but I was fortunate. Serhii Mykhailovych is very calm and balanced. With such a mentor, I feel confident getting behind the wheel of a bus for the first time."
Driving a bus isn't intimidating if you are accustomed to change
For Viktoriia, familiarizing herself with the dimensions of a large vehicle was not difficult. She had experience with rapid adaptation; after selling her beloved "shestirka," she had to switch between several cars in just a month, constantly adjusting to their different characteristics.
“The bus is a habit. You simply need to watch the mirrors and feel the movement of the vehicle. Everything will work out.”
Interestingly, during the very first practical lesson, instead of the expected maneuvering on the site, Viktoriia immediately went to practice in the city.
"It was a moving experience, but it was incredibly rewarding," Viktoriia recalls.
Confidence during an exam resembles a song playing in your head
“Before the exam, I thought I would be nervous. But I found a simple way to cope with the stress–I sang my favourite song in my head. This helped me relax and not get hung up on stress. The exam went easily. The route was not difficult, and I felt confident,” says Viktoriia.
New horizons lie ahead
Viktoriia is contemplating her career choices and has developed a strong interest in long-distance transportation. She is prepared to register as an individual entrepreneur to start her own transportation business. Most importantly, she wants this work to be enjoyable and fulfilling, rather than just a means of earning a salary.
"It's important for me to go to work every day with desire and to feel joy from what I do. But, of course, the salary should also be decent."
Viktoriia states, “The most difficult aspect for me is collaborating with others. Realizing that you are responsible for passengers' lives is significant. However, I am eager to learn, improve, and grow.”
I don't care about stereotypes
Viktoriia remains unbothered by the stereotypes associated with female drivers.
“I don’t listen to what they say. The main thing is the support of my family. And I have it.”
There are many roads ahead. And, perhaps, even foreign flights. Viktoriia has never been outside Ukraine, but she really dreams of exploring the world. And the bus is her chance.
“I love driving. It’s freedom, movement, and a way to my dreams,” says Viktoriia.
The project "Expanding the professional potential of women in the field of passenger transportation" is being implemented by the NGO Foundation for Institutional Development on the initiative of the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine, in partnership with UN Women and under the financial support of Sweden.