The war took everyone by surprise. None of the Ukrainian regions is absolutely silent. Many cities were completely ruined. Mariupol, in particular.
From this introduction interview with a lovely lady Ana Drozdova we will learn about her life in Mariupol, relocation to Lutsk, studies at Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University, new connections, wishes and plans for the future.
– I would like to start, probably with some painful things… How did the war catch you?
– It happened very unexpectedly at 6 a.m. It was supposed to be a normal day, I was planning to go to work, and I woke up from a call from my boyfriend saying: “Why are you sleeping? Mariupol is being bombed! ” About ten minutes later I heard explosions. I was scared to death and started calling my mother, who lived in another area. She ran around the apartment, collecting things to come up. That was the moment I wanted to be together.
– Today Mariupol is pain to Ukraine, and even all Europe. So far, there has been little comforting news about the city and its citizens. When did you leave Mariupol and move to Lutsk?
– On March 16, we quickly packed our belongings. Our neighbours took us to a village 20 km away from Mariupol. We lived there for more than two weeks. The guy asked me to leave, because he warned the situation would worsen. Later we decided to go anyway, but only my dad and I, and my mom stayed there. We arrived in Lutsk at the end of March.
– And your mother, as far as I understood, stayed there in the village, didn’t she?
– Yes, she did.
– I hope she’s all right?
– She finally got in touch yesterday.
– Glad to hear that. And I believe that you will see her soon. Now I suggest talking about Lutsk. Are you new to our city? What are your impressions?
– Yes, this is my first time here. The town is beautiful, many good people. As soon as we arrived, they immediately rushed to help us and expressed their condolences. When I first came to Lesya Ukrainka University, I was warmly received by the students studying there. I was pleasantly moved to tears:not a usual thing. I have already walked through the town center, the outskirts of Lutsk Castle.
– How do you like our University? How much time have you studied here. I mean, at the beginning of the conversation you mentioned that Mariupol State University had resumed its activities, and now are you still studying there?
– Have been to some of your classes. I was very surprised at practising new forms of training. I got interested, really liked it. Teachers explain everything, provide theoretical material in an extraordinary way. You have a great university, I envy you very much.
– You said that we have new learning technologies. Which exactly do you mean? What about the the difference between Mariupol State University and Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University?
– My specialty is 014.01 Secondary Education (Ukrainian Language and Literature). Several forms of learning are new to me. For example, a lecture-interview, interesting practical classes related to my specialty.
– The Ukrainian language is now becoming very popular, and it seems to me that the demand for you as a specialist will be huge. What do you think?
– I hope so (chuckles). When I was in school, I really liked my teachers, loved their work. They often asked me for help. For example, they were sent to junior classes. I was slightly involved in teaching, and I liked it. In the eleventh grade, I said I wanted to be a teacher, and when I started studying at university, I had a great desire to work with students and teach them something new.
– By the way, about employment. Answering the first question, you said you had to go to work. Who did you work for?
– I was a manager in the office. Was involved in the city advertising.
– Do you have a hobby? What are your passions?
–Most of my free little time I did photography: called girls, did their makeup, organised photo sets, ran my Instagram page. I was interested in taking beautiful and unusual photos.
– What about new connections? Did they come to you after coming to Lutsk?
– Right now I don't have enough new acquaintances, except for the girls from my group, I haven't met anyone yet. It's not that easy for me to make new friends, I'm very shy, but I think I'll have more of them soon.
– Could you share your plans a bit? I'm afraid to ask about the future, so tell me, do you plan to stay in Lutsk or move to another city?
– To be honest, I would like to stay here, and I will probably live in Lutsk all my life. My university moved to Kyiv, but works remotely. There is an option to continue studying for Master's degree at Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University. Another is to complete Master's degree at my home university. I would also like to find a job, new activities and hobbies. This is very important for me, because everything I did remained in Mariupol.
Interviewed by Natalka KHARCHUK
