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Personal Reflection/Anecdote

not to have any war in the world. I am sure that we need to show them that peace is the most cherished
thing in the whole world.
As I write this, we have been in Accrington, the UK, for almost 4 months. The family with whom we
are staying is just amazing! Amanda and Jan treat us as members of their family, and we have already had
many trips and family celebrations together. With Amanda’s help and guidance, I managed to get a job in
Lancashire County Council in the office of Homes for Ukraine. I work as a customer advisor, and I am
proud of everything I am doing now as we help Ukrainians to settle in and make their life here comfortable
and secure for kids. We enjoy quiet evenings watching quiz shows and intellectual programs together.
Sometimes we even have some debates on scientific research. My son enjoys these moments!
Overall, this experience taught me not to give up but to follow my path. Life is unpredictable and
full of unexpected events that we all must cherish and appreciate. Moreover, everything we face makes
us stronger and ready to withstand challenges. It was 5 years ago when I went to Urbana-Champaign as
a representative from Ukraine in the Study of U.S. Institutes (SUSI) program. I couldn’t even think that
experience was just a step to changing my life. I met Kammie and her husband and had a lovely weekend
with them, enjoying the barbecue party and watching their horses. Who could think then that it was the
stage to help me survive now? I have already changed all my priorities and values. I appreciate PEOPLE
and experiences more than materialistic things. And I am completely confident in my future as I see that
we all get what we deserve.
Ukrainians are strong people who are worth being independent and happy. God bless you all
and save UKRAINE!
Yours Sincerely, Oksana Kolesnik

PS: Although I intended to add information about our escape from Ukraine, the recollections are still too
worrying and heartbreaking. Instead, let me note that we got used to the lifestyle in Acerington and made
friends. Artem settled into school, and my elder son, Andrij, pursued a job offer to work in London, so we
were able to see him again. We all hoped that we would be able to plan to return to Ukraine in October.
However, in September, the situation in the east of Ukraine got worse, and Zaporizhzhia was under missile
attacks almost every day. My heart broke when I read the news and thought about my nearest and dearest
there.
A lot of my friends and relatives joined the army to fight for our independence. My husband helped the
territorial protection service at the beginning of the war. When he got a call to go to the military service,
a thorough medical check-up expelled him from the list of those who can join the Army. He has poor
vision, and it is doubtful that he could serve on the frontline. So, we decided that if he could join us, we
would be able to work more in the UK and help our relatives who were forced to stay in Ukraine, didn’t
have jobs, and couldn’t earn a living. My brother’s family is now living in our house as all their property
is completely destroyed in Orikhiv, the town near Zaporizhzhia, which is almost being demolished now…
and my mother-in-law is an elderly woman who doesn’t have anyone to support her financially—but she
refuses to leave Ukraine.
After leaving Ukraine and staying for 2 weeks in Poland, my husband obtained a visa, and we were
all reunited in the UK. We did a lot to be safe and—what is more important—to be together. And we did
so with the help of educators, including several from DKG, reaching out and networking to solve a crisis.
Oksana

Dr. Kammie Richter, inducted as a member of Xi Chapter in Illinois State Organization (ILSO) in 2010, has served as chapter treasurer and president. She
became ILSO Executive Assistant in July 2015 and ILSO Editor in July 2020. A regular attendee at every ILSO convention as well as six DKG conferences and
conventions, Richter has presented numerous times at all DKG levels. She currently serves on the Bulletin Editorial Board, 2022–2026. kam93richter@
gmail.com
Oksana Kolesnik is a reserve member of Xi Chapter in Illinois State Organization.

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