Masha's Scholarship Fund

We are delighted to be able to host a Foreign Exchange Student from Ukraine this fall. Masha is a 16 year old girl who we met in Ukraine 10 years ago (she was just 5 back then) while we were visiting our son when he was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Luhansk. Masha is a very bright, talented, mature young lady who speaks fluent English. Everyone who has met her has been taken by her. The Ukrainian children have suffered in multiple ways and we feel honored to have the opportunity to help her complete her high school education here in the United States.

 

Masha's family left Luhansk (now overtaken by the Russians) when Crimea was seized and they moved to Kyiv. Presently they’re in Turkey with only what they packed in their suitcases.

 

In order to come to the United States, she has to get a Visa as a Foreign Exchange Student. Masha has just been accepted by a private high school in our area, which is very costly. Masha was granted some scholarship money by the school and a generous benefactor has come forward as well. We are willing to host this young woman and pay for all of her living expenses, but there are still many costs left for the next two years of tuition at the private school, for plane fares and other expenses. Masha's family has been through a lot and their financial resources are limited.

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I asked Masha to tell me a little about herself and her interests. She wrote back "I’ve always been interested in the theater and film industry. In elementary school, I often took part in school performances and also went to theater courses, where in five years I learned to write a script, direct plays and act on stage. Most of time I was playing on children's plays, but a few times I played with adults in real theater. I also really like art. I've tried myself in clay crafting but drawing is my personal favorite. I took different drawing courses and tried different styles. It’s really fun to me and it helps me express my feelings. Also art history is very interesting for me too. I like to read biographies of artists and history of paintings."

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I asked Masha how she feels about leaving her parents in Turkey, coming to the US for her studies and living with us? She wrote back: "I am very happy that I have this chance. Studying in America has been my dream since childhood. A  few years ago I tried to apply for the FLEX but I couldn’t be member because I was too young. I am not worried that I will live without parents. I am already quite mature and independent and I believe that I will cope with everything. I am incredibly grateful to you being ready to receive me. Thank you very much for your hospitality. I really hope that everything will work and I will go to the United States."

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I then asked Masha how the war in Ukraine, the separation from family and friends.. and the move to Turkey affected her? She wrote back: "For me, the war didn’t start on February 24, it started 8 years ago. In 2014, we had to move from Luhansk (this territory has been occupied by Russia for 8 years) to Kyiv. Then I already saw all the horrors of war and understood what it is like to start a new life. When the war broke out in Ukraine again, my family and I were in another country. We did not have to relive it all over again. The borders were closed and we could no longer enter Ukraine and got stuck in Turkey. Of course, I am very worried about all my loved ones who stayed in Ukraine. I really miss everyone and I hope that we will be able to see each other soon. I am sure that Ukraine will win and I will again be able to come to Kyiv and meet with friends."

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When I told Masha's mother that many people wanted to help, she wrote back: "This opportunity could change my daughter's life and it’s magical opportunity for her. Masha and me are smiling and dancing. I am reading your letter and crying.  So many good people want to help Masha thanks to you. In the first months of the war, only rage and hatred were inside me. But now everything has changed. I see so much kindness and love in the people."

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If anyone is interested and able to help support this young girl and her family who have been through great trauma in war-torn Ukraine, devastated by war, she (and we) would be greatly appreciative.