Victoria Epifanova: “The profession of a bus driver is a chance to see the world”

“Women are very strong and can do anything if they want to. Nothing is impossible for us,” says Victoria.

A challenge for herself

In the past, Victoria taught foreign literature and English for ten years. Now she is involved in the family business of repairing computer equipment.

Victoria has been driving for 17 years – that’s a lot, and her love for this process is only growing.

When she saw the announcement of the She Drives project on Facebook, at first she didn’t believe that she would succeed, but her inner voice told her: “Try it.” And she dared.

“It was a challenge for myself – to check if I could. Now I know for sure: yes, I can. Barriers exist only in our heads,” shares Victoria.

Driving is more than just a skill

For Victoria, driving is not just a skill, but a state of mind.

“I love driving. This process, when you control the car, are responsible for it, see how it obeys your movements, is inspiring, - says Victoria. - The bus is a new level, new opportunities, new skills, and another step towards a big goal: to get a truck driving license and go on international flights. "

Learning for pleasure

Victoria recalls her studies with enthusiasm. The theory was not new - she had already taken the exam for category "B" in 2007. But this time the process felt completely different.

"Then I just memorized the rules, and now I looked at them logically, like an experienced driver. It was interesting and even fun, - admits Victoria and adds: - I want to express special gratitude to the theory teacher - Mykola Mykolayovych, and the driving instructor - Sergey Mikhailovich. I was worried that I would end up with a toxic instructor, but I was lucky. Sergey Mikhailovich is very calm and balanced. With such a mentor, it’s not scary to get behind the wheel of a bus for the first time.”

A bus is not scary if you are used to changes

For Victoria, getting acquainted with the dimensions of large transport was not a challenge. She already had experience of rapid adaptation in her life: after selling her beloved “six”, she had to change several cars in a month, constantly getting used to new characteristics.

“A bus is a matter of habit. You just have to watch the mirrors and feel the transport. And everything works out.”

Interestingly, at the first practical lesson, instead of the expected maneuvering on the site, Victoria immediately went to practice in the city.

“It was touching, but incredibly useful,” Victoria recalls.

Confidence during the exam – like a song in her head

“Before the exam, I thought I would be nervous. But I found a simple way to cope with the tension – I sang my favorite song in my head. This helped me relax and not get hung up on stress. The exam was easy. The route was not difficult, and I felt confident,” says Victoria.

New horizons ahead

Now Victoria is thinking about how she wants to work. She is attracted to intercity transportation. She is ready to register an individual entrepreneur with the appropriate KVED. And most importantly, she wants this work to bring pleasure, not just a “salary”.

“It is important for me to go to work every day with desire and feel joy from what I do. But, of course, the salary should also be decent.”

Victoria adds: “The most difficult thing for me is working with people. Understanding that you are responsible for the lives of passengers is a big thing. But I am ready to learn, improve and develop.”

I do not pay attention to stereotypes

Victoria is calm about stereotypes about women drivers.

“I do not 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 international flights. Victoria has never been outside Ukraine, but she really dreams of seeing the world. And the bus is her chance.

“I love traveling. It’s freedom, movement, and my way to my dreams,” says Victoria.

Проєкт «Розширення професійного потенціалу жінок у сфері транспорту» реалізується ГО «Фундація інституційного розвитку» за ініціативи Міністерства розвитку громад та територій України у партнерстві зі структурою ООН Жінки та за фінансової підтримки урядів Франції, Польщі та Швеції.