My professional journey began in Ukraine, where I obtained a legal education and worked for several years as a notary’s assistant. It was then that I developed a big dream — to obtain the status of a Notary Public. I worked persistently toward this goal, but quotas, more difficult exams, and extended internships stood in the way. As a result, I never received my certificate. Later, I worked as a state registrar, but the desire to become a Notary Public never left me.
The events of recent years forced me to leave Ukraine. I became an immigrant, and it was in America, in Florida, that life gave me a second chance. Thanks to the support of my friends, Volodymyr Koshovyi and Olena Yaremchuk, I obtained a Florida Notary Public license, and now I can proudly say: my dream has come true.
My professional foundation was built through several important stages of education. In 2004, I graduated from the Dnipropetrovsk State University of Internal Affairs with a specialist degree in Law. A year later, I received a bachelor’s degree from the Dnipropetrovsk State University of Chemical Technology, majoring in Business Economics.
Later, in 2019–2020, I completed my studies at the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Institute of Public Administration of the National Academy of Public Administration under the President of Ukraine, earning a master’s degree in Public Management and Administration. This education allowed me to combine legal, economic, and managerial knowledge, which became a reliable foundation for my professional activity both in Ukraine and in the United States.
One of the greatest challenges was facing the differences between legal systems. In Ukraine, the Romano-Germanic system operates, based on codified laws: every- thing is clearly written, structured, and set out in codes and statutes. For a lawyer, this provides stability and logic: there is a law — and there is its direct application.
In the USA, particularly in Florida, a completely different approach is used — the Anglo-Saxon system, where case law plays the key role. Here, legislation is closely intertwined with judicial practice: court decisions from the past form the basis for resolving similar cases in the future.
This means that to work effectively, it is important not only to know the law, but also to be able to navigate legal precedents, analyze them, and apply them in practice. Transitioning from the “systematic” Ukrainian legal framework to the “flexibility” of case law was not easy and required rethinking my professional mindset. However, this experience allowed me to adapt and find myself in a new legal environment.
In April 2025, I passed the exam and obtained a Florida Notary Public license. This was an extremely emotional moment: after many years of dreaming, I was finally able to take a step into the profession that has always been so special to me. I am still a young specialist, but today I already feel proud to be part of this system.
I enjoy being part of a legal structure that upholds the rule of law while protecting the rights and obligations of individuals and citizens. A Notary Public in Florida is not just a person with a seal. It is part of public service, as appointments are made by the governor, and each Notary Public in fact becomes a representative of the state.
Of course, the functions of a Notary Public are diverse — from notarizing signatures to preparing affidavits and administering oaths. But what inspires me the most is the ability to perform marriage ceremonies. In these moments, I feel that I am part of the creation of a new family, witnessing the joyful smiles of brides and grooms and their loved ones. I enjoy every moment of this process because it brings genuine emotions and leaves bright memories not only in the hearts of the couple but also in my own.
A Notary Public in Florida is not just someone authorized to stamp documents but is, above all, the face of the state in the eyes of citizens. Every signature, every word, and even one’s behavior outside of official duties shapes public trust in the institution we represent. I feel that this profession requires absolute honesty and impartiality.
For me, this is a kind of code of honor: to act fairly, to ensure the protection of human rights and freedoms, and to remain faithful to both the law and my conscience. Being a Notary Public is not just a profession — it is part of my identity and responsibility to society.
My journey toward becoming a Notary Public was long and difficult. In Ukraine, it stopped halfway, but in Florida, my dream found a second life. Today I not only perform professional duties — I live the work I had dreamed about for so many years. For me, being a Notary Public is not just a legal function. It is people’s trust, responsibility to the state, and the privilege of witnessing life’s most important events.
When I officiate a marriage ceremony as a Notary Public, I am proud that I am entrusted with confirming the birth of a new family. It is a moment when feelings and promises become a legal fact, and the state recognizes the couple as a new part of society. To be present in such moments is a great honor for me. I am grateful to destiny for this opportunity and believe that my story proves: even if a dream is delayed for years, it will eventually come true when the right time comes.
Miami
