After Russia kicked off a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, there was demand in the Rice University community to explore narratives surrounding the war, historical and present-day relationships between the two countries, implications for global security and how to help.
In November 2022, Anthony Potoczniak, executive division administrator in the Office of the Dean of Undergraduates, organized a forum on how to provide educational and humanitarian support for Ukraine. Inspired by the conference, undergraduates Karina Pan and Rithika Iyengar and graduate student Simone Pfaller formed a student group to explore these issues.
Staff adviser Kathy Meyer, who has a master’s in Russian, Eastern European and Eurasian studies, and has extensive experience living and working in Ukraine, found seven university students from Ukraine ready to share their stories.
In April 2023, undergraduate and graduate students at Rice were invited to an hourlong hybrid conversation with these Ukrainian university peers at the Multicultural Center. This was a special opportunity for Rice students to establish a personal connection and hear directly from their Ukrainian counterparts.
During this event, the seven Ukrainian students shared their experience about their lives, their education and their outlook for the future. The students ranged from undergraduate to graduate level. Four attend universities in Kyiv, the others in Lutsk, Ternopil and Ostroh, with majors in law, English language, industrial engineering, theology and business.
Student experiences and perspectives differed greatly, and the war has impacted some more than others. They all noted the changes in their lives, from losing a parent, to concern for close relatives on the front line, to realignment of the Orthodox Church, to donating money for clothing and equipment, to fundraising, to volunteering.
University education has been disrupted because of security threats. Most studies have reverted again online and internet access is subject to blackouts when electrical infrastructure is targeted.
“Sometimes it was very difficult to study because we had blackouts very often,” said Maria, a student in the National University of Ostroh Academy. “In order to connect to my studies, I had to look for any place where there was at least some internet, so I asked to go to the hospital.”
Students also cited an increased awareness of mental health. In prior years, programming had been one of the most popular majors for aspiring university students. Other common options were foreign languages, business and medicine. Since February 2022, however, some students have begun to turn their interest toward careers in psychology, viewing it as a great need in their country.
When discussing their outlook for the future, one student saw opportunities as Ukraine draws closer to its global partners. Another student maintained she had no future because there was no way of knowing what would happen the next day.
The Ukrainian students were eager to speak with their peers in the United States and grateful that the world outside of their country cares. They urged attendees to engage with elected representatives and voice their support, continue the dialogue and the learning platforming Ukrainian voices, and above all, to not forget about them.
“The main thing is that you should not forget that there is a war every day, they continue and people die, both military and civilians,” said Mykola from the Volyn Orthodox Theological Academy Lutsk.
Iryna from State University of Trade and Economics (SUTE), Kyiv, added, “You can spread the knowledge and understanding of the war, which can bring support from others.”
To learn more about the event, please visit @RiceU4Ukraine on Instagram.
— Kathy Meyer
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