Help our exchange student attend RIT

Greetings,

I hope that this message finds you and your loved ones well.

My name is David Kozlowski and I am looking to raise funds for one of our district's exchange students so that he can attend the Rochester Institute of Technology this fall and beyond.

Mykola (Nick) joined us two years ago at Geneseo Central High School as an exchange student from Ukraine. He arrived when he was only 16 years old two years ago, and our school district graciously permitted him to remain enrolled in our high school for an additional year due to the war in Ukraine. Due to the support of this district and community members, Nick has remained safe, secure, and has shown considerable growth during an incredibly difficult two years.

A silver lining here is that Nick will be graduating from GCS this spring and will be attending the Rochester Institute of Technology this fall where he will be studying cyber security.

Simply put, we are looking for financial assistance to help Nick during his years of undergraduate education at RIT. The items we are looking to cover include room, board, insurance, books, transportation, and various other expenses usually associated with pursuing an undergraduate degree. As an international student, Nick does not qualify for federal aid or personal loans. His financial situation is unique here at GCS and believe me when I say we would go those routes if we were able. His biological parents have offered to help, but they do not have the means to assist due to the currency exchange rate and the ongoing war. In a very real way, he has been part of the GCS family. We are now reaching out to you, and those that you know, to help make Nick’s transition to a peaceful and prosperous life a reality.

Nick came to the United States as part of a federally funded grant program titled “Future Leaders Exchange”. (FLEX for short.) While in the U.S., FLEX students gain leadership skills, learn about American society and values, and teach Americans about their home countries and cultures. FLEX students perform community service in their U.S. communities and act as ambassadors of their home countries. Many are inspired by this spirit of volunteerism to develop and implement innovative projects in their home countries, using the skills and ideas they gained while on program. FLEX students are naturally curious and enthusiastic citizens of the world.

While here, Nick has been a responsible and engaged learner, significantly improved his language skills, been part of numerous athletic teams, helped spearhead several fundraising efforts, taken rigorous courses, forged healthy friendships, learned much about what makes the United States a great nation, gained significant insight as to how democratic ideals are worth aspiring to, and has been a fine ambassador for Ukraine.

The coincidence between Nick’s time here, his homeland’s current circumstances, and FLEX’s mission statement is nothing short of remarkable. It should evoke the realization that we, as nations or individuals, impact the lives of others. We are not just bystanders.

My sincere hope is that this community, and beyond, can help Nick forge a healthy future for not just himself, but for all of humanity. Through your contribution, we can collectively create a silver lining for this young man during an otherwise awful situation. We can be the good Samaritan this round. Nick’s future is promising, and your assistance can help make it a reality.

For those able and willing to contribute, Nick’s family is planning on mailing me several books of commemorative stamps and postcards from Ukraine to award to the largest donors. They want to help make this a reality for Nick and these tokens of appreciation are something to remind you of the difference you have made in someone else’s life.

Thank you for taking the time to review this message. Please pass it along to anyone who can help our friend from afar. Let’s give him a shot.