Our people: KC Chiefs fan also a Swiftie

Eastern European native Stefaniya Yanez is a "huge Swiftie" loving life in her adopted country.

The Eastern New Mexico News associate shared thoughts about war in her homeland, smiling strangers and other things she cares about.

Q: So you were born in Russia and later lived in Ukraine, right? What do you remember about those days and how old were you when you left for the U.S.? 

A: The opposite actually. I was born in Ukraine, (Yalta, Crimea to be more specific) and then that area became Russia in 2014. But I lived in the same place the whole time.

I was 12 years old when my mom, my sister and I moved to the United States.

I remember my whole childhood in Ukraine. I was always having fun with my friends, trying my best in school, and watching dramatic TV shows with my grandma. I lived about a 10-minute walk from the Black Sea, so swimming and going to the beach in the summer was something I enjoyed very much. The views from my house were my favorite.  

Q: Do you still have friends/family in Eastern Europe? Are you able to communicate with them regularly? And are they safe? 

A: My whole family except my mom, my sister and I still live in Eastern Europe. We talk to my grandma and my dad regularly. My mom speaks with my grandma daily. We try to talk as much as possible.

We communicate with other family members via social media. They are all as safe as you can be while your country is in a war, which is to say not nearly as safe as I wish they were.

All my childhood friends live over there as well. Some have had to participate in the war.  

Q: What do you think about when you see news of the war? 

A: I think about the innocent lives lost, and the families affected by the war. It breaks my heart to see so many people dying. I imagine this is difficult for everyone, especially because most people in Ukraine and Russia have family members in both countries. I pray for this war to be over every day. 

Q: When did you come to the U.S.? Talk about how that happened and where you landed. 

A: I moved to the United States in 2015. The first place we touched down was New York City. I don't remember much, as I was exhausted from traveling for over 30 hours, but I do remember thinking that all the random people smiling was so weird. In Eastern Europe you do not smile at random strangers, so this was very odd to me.

Considering the fact that I thought people in New York were too friendly, I can't imagine a place like Clovis (where people are much friendlier) being my first stop. Talk about culture shock.  

Q: How did you end up in New Mexico and now in Clovis? 

A: After graduating from high school in Kansas City in 2021, I moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico. I moved to go to the same university as my husband (boyfriend at the time). New Mexico State University also offered me a full ride (scholarship), so that made the decision even easier.

I then moved to Clovis in 2023 after my husband got offered a wonderful job here. He lived here prior to college, and actually graduated from Texico High School.

This move did not impact my college education, and I will be graduating a semester early with my bachelor of arts degree in government this December. 

Q: You are an advertising sales representative for The Eastern New Mexico News. What do you like about this job? And what do you not like so much? 

A: Yes, I am. Something I really like about this job is getting to know people in the community. I have met so many wonderful people in Clovis and in Portales, so many businesses owners, and that has been the best part of the job. I love hearing everyone's stories.

If I had to pick something that isn't my favorite, I would say it's having to learn something (sales) that I have never done before. 

Q: You are a sports fan, especially the Kansas City Chiefs and maybe New Mexico State Aggies? Tell us why. Are you a good athlete, too? 

A: I moved to Kansas City in 2015, and it is impossible to live there and not fall in love with the Chiefs. I am a die-hard fan. When there is a Chiefs game on, nothing else matters.

Of course, I also love my New Mexico State Aggies.

And, unfortunately, there is not a single athletic bone in my body.  

Q: Let's play some rapid-fire Q&A: 

What's your favorite TV show? 

A: "Scandal" with Kerry Washington. 

Q: Favorite place to eat in Clovis or Portales? 

A: Texas Roadhouse for dinner, Coffee Bistro for lunch.

Q: Red or green? 

A: Green! 

Q: Free tickets to see Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga or Beyonce. Which one are you choosing? 

A: Taylor Swift, no hesitation.  

Q: Who's coming to your fantasy dinner party? 

A: George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Taylor Swift, Elsie Silver (romance writer), and Alex Cooper (podcaster).  

Q: What's your idea of a perfect day? 

A: Reading on the beach, in 70-degree weather, with my favorite people around me.  

Q: First car? 

A: A white Ford Escape. 

Q: You just won $1 million. What's the first thing you're going to buy? 

A: A house for my mom.  

Q: Hollywood is making a movie about your life and you get to pick the actress who plays you. Who are you choosing? 

A: Nina Dobrev or Mila Kunis (she is Ukrainian!).

Q: It's vacation time. Where are you going? (Remember, you just won $1 million.) 

A: Somewhere in Europe, most likely Italy or Monaco.