I was born in a small Ukrainian village to a hard-working family. I was the youngest one out of three children. We were poor, but I didn't know that because many families around us lived just like us. After high school, I pursued my dream: to become someone else rather than a small village girl. I wanted to see the world, gain knowledge, and share it with others, so I went to the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv. Unfortunately, life is unpredictable. While in college, the Chornobyl disaster struck the globe, and Ukraine took a big step toward independence from Russia. These events brought instability, unemployment, and tremendous chaos in my country, presenting numerous challenges, such as completing my degree, finding a job, and simply surviving. I remember the fear and uncertainty that gripped us during those times. However, I persevered, and my resilience in these challenges is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity. In March 1999, I stepped onto the soil of the United States of America, the land of opportunities and freedom. The prospect of a new, promising life was exhilarating, a dream that seemed out of reach in my homeland. As a first-generation immigrant, I faced numerous obstacles. I didn't speak English, drive, or have my family by my side. Yet, I was determined not to let these hurdles dampen my spirit. I was resolute in my mission to carve a life filled with excitement and happiness, where I could use my experiences and knowledge to make a positive impact. I didn't just want to survive; I was determined to succeed and make a difference in the lives of others. Since leaving my country, I've harbored the dream of bringing my family here. But turning dreams into reality is never a straightforward path. When Russia attacked Ukraine, my country once again went under tremendous distress and turmoil. At this time, we lost my father to cancer. My mother moved to live with my sister and her daughter in a small apartment in Khmelnytskyi. Their life during the war took a different turn with many challenges. Thus, supporting my family became the most crucial aspect of my life. I am determined to realize my dream and provide my family with a better life. To do so, I must achieve financial stability to care for my family. I aspire to further my education, build a successful career, and contribute to my family's happiness. As a 55-year-old first-generation Ukrainian-American, I am committed to demonstrating to the world that learning is never too late. I am committed to continuous self-improvement, regardless of age, immigration status, or other obstacles life presents. I am committed to making my dream a reality. By achieving these goals, I will also fulfill my dream of reuniting my family and becoming someone other than a small village girl from Ukraine. As a Ukrainian-American, I will not just survive; I will succeed and become a valuable educator who can make a difference in the lives of others. I am standing with Ukraine!

I was born in a small Ukrainian village to a hard-working family. I was the youngest one out of three children. We were poor, but I didn't know that because many families around us lived just like us. After high school, I pursued my dream: to become someone else rather than a small village girl. I wanted to see the world, gain knowledge, and share it with others, so I went to the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv. Unfortunately, life is unpredictable. While in college, the Chornobyl disaster struck the globe, which led to Ukrainian independence from Russia. These events brought instability, unemployment, and tremendous chaos in my country, presenting numerous challenges, such as completing my degree, finding a job, and simply surviving. I remember the fear and uncertainty that gripped us during those times. However, I persevered, and my resilience in these challenges is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity. In March 1999, I entered the United States of America, the land of opportunities and freedom. I was excited and thrilled to start a new, promising life that I couldn't fulfill in my motherland. Shortly after arrival, I married a lovely American man, and we had a precious daughter. I couldn't feel happier and more satisfied at that moment. However, being a first-generation immigrant, I also faced many challenges here. I didn't speak English, I didn't drive, and I didn't have my family by my side. However, it didn't stop me from dreaming of a life full of excitement and happiness, where I could use my experiences and knowledge to make a positive impact. I wanted to do more than survive; I wanted to succeed. I aspired to further my education, build a thriving career, and contribute to the community that welcomed me. Even though it took me longer than I could, I accomplished one crucial goal. In May 2018, I graduated from Western Carolina University with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. The joy and satisfaction of achieving this goal were indescribable. I had my field experience and Internship at Cherokee Elementary in Cherokee, NC. I fell in love with this unique school and its curious students. Shortly after graduation, I was hired as a 4th-grade teacher. By my fifth year at this school, I was chosen to mentor a first-year teacher and act as the team leader for a fantastic 4th-grade team. As a 55-year-old Ukrainian-American, I want to demonstrate to my students and colleagues that it is never too late to learn and that there are always opportunities to grow regardless of age, immigration status, or the many other obstacles life creates. I am committed to expanding my knowledge and pedagogy at Chowan University by enhancing my student's engagement, increasing students' performance, and preparing my students for the future. By accomplishing these goals, I will also complete my dream of becoming someone else rather than a small village girl from Ukraine. I will succeed rather than survive and become a valuable educator who can make a difference in the lives of others.