Mariia Shmyhelska

My name is Maria, and I am 21 years old. And until the age of 9, I lived in Donetsk, in eastern Ukraine. Following the region's occupation, my family was forced to relocate, first to Kharkiv, then to Odesa, and eventually to Brovary in the Kyiv region, where we have settled and live today. I recently graduated with honors from one of Ukraine’s leading universities , the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, earning a bachelor’s degree in history. My academic path has been marked by hard work, strong results, and a deep interest in understanding the past to navigate the present better. Beyond my studies, I was actively involved in student life. I participated in various social initiatives, student organizations, and internships that allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. These experiences helped me develop skills in teamwork, leadership, and communication, while also broadening my perspective on the challenges facing Ukrainian society.