Ukrainian Students at Texas A&M Preserve Their Cultural Heritage

News Summary

In the midst of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, students at Texas A&M, including Natalya Kolomiyets and Julia Deka, work to keep their culture alive. Despite their harrowing experiences fleeing war, they have founded the Ukrainian Club to raise awareness and support for their homeland. Their efforts include cultural events and partnerships with charities to aid those affected by the war. These students serve as ambassadors for Ukrainian culture while advocating for the recognition of their nation’s sovereignty.

Ukrainian Students at Texas A&M Keep Their Culture Alive Amid Ongoing Conflict

In the vibrant city of College Station, Texas, a group of determined students from Ukraine is working tirelessly to keep their culture and the ongoing conflict in their homeland alive in the minds of their peers. As the brutal war with Russia rages on, many of these students bear personal stories that echo the pain hundreds of thousands feel back home.

Escaping a War-Torn Home

For Natalya Kolomiyets, an economics senior from Kharkiv, the horror began on February 24, 2022. She woke to the sounds of explosions, the harsh realities of war crashing into her life. Packing essential items, she made a difficult decision to leave her destroyed hometown and has not returned since. The journey led her through Hungary, Germany, and eventually to Texas A&M.

Julia Deka, a graduate student from Kyiv, also made a harrowing escape. She fled with her family, witnessing first-hand the Ukrainian tanks mobilizing to defend the capital. Their shared experiences of conflict have become driving forces for both students as they navigate life at Texas A&M.

Supporting a Cause from Afar

Upon their arrival, both Kolomiyets and Deka felt a strong desire to channel their experiences into meaningful action. They were inspired to establish the Ukrainian Club, officially founded in 2023, with a mission to raise awareness and support for Ukraine. Through this organization, students have hosted various events, such as trauma kit packing sessions with the nonprofit Elevate Ukraine, documentary screenings, and cultural performances that celebrate Ukrainian heritage.

The club has formed partnerships with charities like United Hearts Ukraine and Litokryl Now in Kharkiv, ensuring that even from afar, they contribute to providing humanitarian aid for those still facing the daily challenges of war.

A Heavy Heart for a Heavy Situation

Deka often brings a personal lens to her discussions on Ukraine within her politics and international affairs classes. The fatigue from three years of military conflict hangs heavy not just in their hearts but in the classroom dynamics, as many students find it difficult to grasp the weight of what’s happening back home. Although grateful for the support from fellow students, they often feel overwhelmed by the relentless nature of the situation, leading Kolomiyets to describe her existence as “existing” rather than “living.”

The Ongoing Fight for Sovereignty

Striking at the deeply-rooted emotions surrounding their homeland, both students offer insights into the pressing need for recognition of Ukrainian sovereignty in international discussions. Despite the power struggles impacting their lives and the war’s emotional toll, including constant worry for family back in Ukraine, they refuse to let despair silence their voices.

A recent missile strike on Kharkiv injured 23 people, a grave reminder of the daily dangers confronting civilians in that city. As the situation escalates, the determination of Kharkiv’s residents remains unbroken, resonating strength amid destruction and loss. The Ukrainian military continues to face difficulties, especially in the Donbas region, while both Kolomiyets and Deka stand committed to their mission of raising awareness and providing aid through their efforts at Texas A&M.

Inspiring Change Through Shared Experience

Amid relentless conflict back home, these students have become ambassadors of their culture in College Station, Texas. With unwavering dedication, they remind everyone around them of the human stories behind the headlines – showcasing a resilient spirit that seeks not just to survive but to inspire change through shared experiences and ongoing support for Ukraine. As long as they exist in this space, their culture and cause will remain alive.

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Additional Resources

• Reuters: Russia claims capture of Fyholivka
• Wikipedia: Kharkiv
• Al Jazeera: Russian strikes in Kharkiv
• Google Search: Kharkiv Russian strikes
• DW: Life in bombarded Kharkiv
• Google Scholar: Kharkiv Ukraine conflict
• ACLED: Ukraine war update
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Ukraine conflict
• The Guardian: Live updates on Kharkiv strike
• Google News: Kharkiv Russian strikes