Sunflower Seeds Scholarship

Ever since I was little, I was told, "You don't want to end up like Tonya." My aunt Tonya had always been a subject of disappointment for my mother and grandmother. Her lifestyle choices, her husband, her career – all of them were a fiasco in my mother’s mind. The number of times I’ve heard a story start with "She was so talented; I am not sure what happened to her" after yet another phone call with Tonya is countless. Another thing I was told since the diaper age is that we are alike, both physically and personality-wise. A moment that caused me to challenge a belief I had adopted from the commentaries about my aunt throughout my childhood was when I assisted her with the invitation of ADRA, a charity organization, to become a permanent aid base for Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia. Tonya had ended up there with my grandparents and her family shortly after the Russo-Ukrainian war began in our home country, Ukraine. It was my aunt and me who ended up breaking the prophecy of “ending up like Tonya.” It all started with research, reaching out to organizations, seeking financial grants, and setting up a place. While Tonya was in charge of the physical aspects, I was in charge of communications and research. Before ADRA, we had the fortunate sponsorship of Charitos. Nearly 500 Ukrainians were settled in Kezmarok, Slovakia, seeking refuge from the war. And we were the ones who made it happen – me and Tonya, alike like two droplets of water, while the rest of our family were paralyzed with fear and confusion. The war affected all aspects of our lives: we lost our home, our business, and close ones. But in the midst of that chaos, Tonya and I found purpose and resilience. Together, we defied expectations and demonstrated that being alike was not a curse but a blessing. My journey to applying for higher education in Slavic Studies has been shaped by a deep connection to my Ukrainian heritage and aiding my Ukranian people, the challenges of navigating cultural misunderstandings, and a commitment to preserving and promoting the rich diversity of Slavic cultures. I believe that through my studies and future career, I can contribute to a more accurate and respectful understanding of Eastern Europe, while also advocating for the unique identities and experiences of its people. This is not just a career path for me; it’s a lifelong mission to honor my roots and make a positive impact on the world.