On Thursday, Feb. 1, Ukrainian students at the Claremont Colleges invited members of the community to gather in Scripps College’s Hampton Room to discuss and mourn the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With Feb. 24 marking two years since Russia began their full-scale invasion, the student panel served as a way to commemorate Ukrainian resilience and highlight student voices.
Since the start of the war, approximately 10 million people have been displaced, including Sofi Zaozerska HM ’27 and her family. On Thursday, surrounded by peers, Zaozerska shared her story.
Zaozerska is from Kharkiv, Ukraine, an industrial city located 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the Russian border. It was here that she recalled being awoken by her mother’s frightened voice nearly two years ago.
“I didn’t feel safe at all,” she said. “All of a sudden, I was using Google Maps to find out where to hide from bombs.”
Immediately following the invasion, her family fled the area and drove west. For over a week, they lived in a parking garage, which provided the family with shelter and security when neither were easily found.
Even in that dark time, Zaozerska explained that she was able to find the light.
“When I looked out of the garage, I could see blue sky during the day and stars at night,” she said. “I couldn’t help but remember how beautiful [Ukraine] is.”
Attendee Avery Smith HM ’26 later commented on the effect that Zaozerska’s story had on him.
“Sofi’s story about what she did right after the start of the invasion was touching, not only because it was scary, but because she chose to focus on the joy she found,” Smith said in an email to TSL.
In addition to discussing Zaozerska’s story, some of the Ukrainian students at Thursday’s panel highlighted the overwhelming support they’ve received from people in Claremont. They also mentioned that, despite this support, it is challenging to live thousands of miles away from the country they call home.
Hlib Olhovskyi PO ’27 noted the “survivor’s guilt” he carries with him.
“Why am I here, living my best life and not on the front lines — fighting, learning CPR, doing that kind of stuff,” Olhovsky said. “I have to remember I am here exactly because I am supposed to be here.”
Ivan Dudiak HM ’26, the event organizer, emphasized Olhovskyi’s latter point, pointing out that — by creating awareness — the Ukrainian students at the panel were supporting their country even though they weren’t on the front lines.
“There is nothing better than serving your community and country in any way you can,” Dudiak said.
The group intends to continue spreading awareness by holding monthly panels like this one, highlighting a different student’s story each time. Before the next one, there will also be a vigil on Feb. 24 to commemorate the two year mark of Russia’s invasion. Additionally, Pomona College’s Oldenborg Dining Hall will be implementing a Ukrainian table later this month.
Thursday’s event ended on a positive note. At the end of her presentation, Zaozerska acknowledged how easy it would be for her to agonize over the hardships she has faced; instead, she explained that she chooses joy.
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that every day is a good day,” she said.
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